ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation announced Thursday that its 2017 Legend of College Hockey recipient is former UMass Lowell Hockey Head Coach, Bill Riley, Jr.

Often referred to as the Godfather of UMass Lowell hockey, Riley took over a fledgling program in 1969, built it into an NCAA Division II national power and ultimately, moved Lowell into Division I hockey as a charter member of Hockey East in 1984.

"I am very flattered and honored to be in the company of these great hockey coaches," said Riley.  "I have tremendous respect for each of these people and the contributions each has made to the sport.  I can remember, being in awe, as a rookie coach and listening to these pioneers of the game tell their stories.  I look forward to the banquet and to meeting and talking with all of the great people involved in this great game and sharing my stories."

Although Riley stepped away from coaching more than twenty years ago his impact is still felt.  Current UMass Lowell Head Coach Norm Bazin played for Riley and understands the impact he has had.

"Billy has been an integral part of every aspect of the hockey program for five decades," said Bazin. "Without him, the program would never have excelled the way it has. His successes on the ice only scratch the surface when you consider the impact he had in developing so many young men. He started as my coach, then my friend and he remains a mentor as our Hockey Ambassador. I'm thrilled that he will be recognized as the Hobey Baker Legend. No one is more deserving."

Starting from the humble beginnings on an outdoor practice rink in 1969, the then-Lowell Tech Terriers went 11-6 in their first season under Riley. Two years later, he had the renamed University of Lowell Chiefs in the ECAC Division II tournament. Within ten years, Riley's impact was felt on the national stage as the Chiefs went on to win three national titles in four years beginning in 1979 and followed that with back-to-back Division II championships in 1981 and in 1982. The Riley-led Chiefs recorded a school-record 31 victories in that magical 1981-1982 season. 

After five consecutive seasons of at least 20 wins, four ECAC titles and three NCAA Division II championships, Riley saw one of his most enduring dreams fulfilled when the Lowell program elevated to Division I status for the 1983-84 season and was accepted as a charter member of Hockey East for the conference's inaugural 1984-85 season.

It took Riley only five years as a Division I member to reach the NCAA tournament (1988). Riley stepped down from the bench following the 1990-91 season, having coached Lowell for 22 seasons, 14 in Division II hockey and eight in Division I. His overall record was 363-270-22, making him the winningest coach in program history.

Riley continued to serve in various capacities with the UMass Lowell department of athletics, including associate director of athletics and coordinator of events until his retirement from the university in 2008.

A native of Medford, Mass., Riley was a three-year player under coach Jack Kelley at Boston University. Graduating in 1968 with a degree in physical education, he earned his master's degree in the same field in 1972 from BU. Riley was inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame along with his late father, Billy, Sr. and was inducted into the UMass Lowell Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2013. 

Riley will be honored along with this year's Hobey Baker Award winner at the annual Hobey Baker Award banquet on Thursday, May 25, in St. Paul, Minn.