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After forty years behind the bench for the Boston University Terriers, Coach Parker is calling it quits. (The full announcement can be seen here.)
During an emotional press conference today, the legendary Jack Parker announced his retirement from his head coaching position for the men’s hockey team. Three national championships, twenty-one Beanpot titles and 894 victories cannot be tainted by the recent sexual allegations that have caused some people to throw his career of success under the bus.
Salacious reports, published in 2009, charged Coach Parker with not alerting administration after learning of a wild, drunken party that took place at Agganis Arena. Documents tell of a sex-crazed culture surrounding the hockey team, as well as players who demanded – and often received – special treatment in classes.
The reports claim Parker was privy to the goings-on of the hockey culture present at BU, but only those closest to the supposed scandal can know for sure. What we do know for sure is that Parker has always been true to his words and, much like our beloved Jerry York, has brought down the hammer on players when he deemed it necessary – York did so most recently with Kevin Hayes.
The Saponari brothers, including Vinny who is the current captain of the Northeastern Huskies, were dismissed from Boston University’s hockey program in 2010 for going against team rules. Corey Trivino and Max Nicastro are two other examples of Boston University players dismissed from the team for what became the beginning of sex scandal allegations, as these two were arrested and charged with separate rape accusations.
The parallels between Parker and York are endless. From historic win totals to strong traditions of competitiveness, the two have commandeered their respective hockey programs with sureness and aptitude. The two have racked up over 800 wins, with Parker’s 894 putting him third on the all-time list behind Ron Mason of Michigan and Coach York.
Parker is responsible for coaching current NHLers Kevin Shattenkirk, Charlie Coyle, Brandon Yip, Matt Gilroy, Colin Wilson and Nick Bonin, as well as old-timers like Keith Tkachuk, Jay Pandolfo, Tom Poti, Adrian Aucoin, Mike Grier, Chris Drury and Tony Amonte. A large portion of the 1980 Miracle On Ice team also played under Parker.
Parker should not, and likely will not, be remembered for the recent struggles of his team on and off the ice. His retirement, however, does raise concern for BC fans, as it reminds us of the fact that Coach York’s time at the helm will not last forever.
York, 67, is only a year younger than Parker is and may be thinking about closing the books on a storied career that has seen him set the NCAA record for wins by a coach. If, and that’s a huge if, BC can somehow manage another National Championship within the next few years, don’t be surprised if Jerry sees it as his chance of getting out on top.
School, major and year: Arts & Sciences, Economics and Environmental Geosciences, 2016
Hometown Billerica, MA
Favorite Beyonce lyric: "Everything you own in the box to the left"
