10/23/2026 3:49:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Athletics celebrated the legacy of legendary hockey coach Billy Riley with the dedication and official unveiling of the Billy Riley Champions Lounge on Thursday, October 22 at the Tsongas Center. The evening brought together former players, coaches, staff, family, friends and supporters from across generations of Lowell Hockey.
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"The dedication of the Billy Riley Champions Lounge is a special moment for UMass Lowell Athletics and a fitting tribute to a coach whose impact on this university extends far beyond the ice," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "This space will allow us to celebrate the incredible history of all our champions here at Lowell, while also serving as a reminder of what we can accomplish together as student-athletes, alumni, fans and supporters moving forward. We're proud to honor Coach Riley's legacy in a way that will connect generations of River Hawks for years to come."
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Over 250 attendees joined together at the Tsongas Center to support Riley and see the space formerly known as the Talon Club transformed for the first time. Special guests included Riley's long time coaching colleagues and former opponents, including Jack Parker (Boston University), Mike Gilligan (Vermont), Dick Umile (New Hampshire), Bill O'Neil (Salem State), Joe Marsh (St. Lawrence), Mike McShane (Norwich) and Tim Whitehead (UMass Lowell, Maine).
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The creation of the Riley Champions Lounge was one of the largest fundraising campaigns in the history of UMass Lowell Athletics, generating close to half a million dollars. The space features history and memorabilia from Riley and multiple generations of Lowell Hockey, as well as champions from all UMass Lowell sports.
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"To have this room dedicated to me is beyond my wildest imagination," said Riley. "I've got a lot of pride and love for the sport of hockey and UMass Lowell as a whole, so to be able to have this here representing all the sports is a great testimony to the history here at the university."
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The event was highlighted by a speaking program that was emceed by former River Hawk hockey radio announcer Bob Ellis and included remarks from Coutts, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Lowell Head Hockey Coach Norm Bazin, former student-athlete and assistant coach Mike Geragosian, alum Mike Carr, Bill Riley, Jr. and Billy Riley himself.
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Riley coached Lowell hockey for 22 seasons from 1969-91, building the program from humble beginnings into a national power. His teams won three NCAA Division II national championships, and he later helped guide the program into Division I and Hockey East.
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"The dedication of the Billy Riley Champions Lounge is a special moment for UMass Lowell Athletics and a fitting tribute to a coach whose impact on this university extends far beyond the ice," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "This space will allow us to celebrate the incredible history of all our champions here at Lowell, while also serving as a reminder of what we can accomplish together as student-athletes, alumni, fans and supporters moving forward. We're proud to honor Coach Riley's legacy in a way that will connect generations of River Hawks for years to come."
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Over 250 attendees joined together at the Tsongas Center to support Riley and see the space formerly known as the Talon Club transformed for the first time. Special guests included Riley's long time coaching colleagues and former opponents, including Jack Parker (Boston University), Mike Gilligan (Vermont), Dick Umile (New Hampshire), Bill O'Neil (Salem State), Joe Marsh (St. Lawrence), Mike McShane (Norwich) and Tim Whitehead (UMass Lowell, Maine).
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The creation of the Riley Champions Lounge was one of the largest fundraising campaigns in the history of UMass Lowell Athletics, generating close to half a million dollars. The space features history and memorabilia from Riley and multiple generations of Lowell Hockey, as well as champions from all UMass Lowell sports.
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"To have this room dedicated to me is beyond my wildest imagination," said Riley. "I've got a lot of pride and love for the sport of hockey and UMass Lowell as a whole, so to be able to have this here representing all the sports is a great testimony to the history here at the university."
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The event was highlighted by a speaking program that was emceed by former River Hawk hockey radio announcer Bob Ellis and included remarks from Coutts, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Lowell Head Hockey Coach Norm Bazin, former student-athlete and assistant coach Mike Geragosian, alum Mike Carr, Bill Riley, Jr. and Billy Riley himself.
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Riley coached Lowell hockey for 22 seasons from 1969-91, building the program from humble beginnings into a national power. His teams won three NCAA Division II national championships, and he later helped guide the program into Division I and Hockey East.
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Sunday, October 18
Sunday, October 18
Saturday, October 17
Friday, October 16
