The 1973 Nova Scotia Interscholastic A Championship still resonates in the halls of Riverview High School, where a young squad captured the provincial title in dramatic fashion.
The Making of a Dynasty
Coach Bob MacKenzie, who had spent the holiday break sharpening the players’ skills, guided a team that entered the season with only six returning athletes, among them defenceman Gary Lewis and forwards Wayne Cook, Rollie Lewis, Hughie MacMullin, Jim MacMaster, William (Flash) Hollett, Barry Verbeski and Brad Jacobs.
Their campaign began with a triumph at the Loyola High School Hockey Tournament in Montreal, where they downed James M. Hill High School 5‑1 in the championship game, a victory that boosted confidence heading into the Cape Breton title clash.
Facing Sydney Academy in a best‑of‑three series, the Riverview players prevailed to claim the regional crown, then moved on to a two‑game total‑goals showdown with New Glasgow High School, edging the opponents 7‑4 to secure a berth in the provincial final.
The final series against Windsor Regional High School went the distance, with the championship decided by an 11‑10 margin in the second game — a nail‑biting finish that underscored the team’s resilience and the tactical acumen of MacKenzie.
Recognition followed quickly; the 1972‑73 Riverview hockey team was inducted into the Cape Breton Sport Hall of Fame, a testament to the enduring legacy of a group that combined youthful vigor with seasoned leadership.