Jack Parker Cleared to Coach in Boston University’s Opener Against Wisconsin
Boston University Terriers head coach Jack Parker is on the prowl once again.
Parker, who underwent heart bypass surgery in July, has been cleared by doctors to man the bench Friday night in St. Louis when No. 14 BU takes on No. 13 Wisconsin in the team's 2010-11 season opener. BU is in the Midwest taking part in the Warrior Ice Breaker Tournament at Scottrade Center. The opening round match is set for 9:30 p.m. ET.
The skipper was feeling unusual pressure in his chest while playing tennis this summer and went to see his doctor about a stent that was inserted years earlier. After tests revealed the problem had grown more serious, doctors performed heart bypass surgery on July 23, which hospitalized the coach for two weeks.
The 65-year-old Parker has won more than 800 games since his tenure began back in 1973. Parker's teams have won more than 40 championships, including three NCAA Division I titles (the most recent in 2009), 21 Beanpots, seven Hockey East titles, and four consecutive ECAC titles. Parker has seen 19 of his players compete in the Olympics, including four members of the 1980 U.S. “Miracle on Ice” team that won the gold medal in Lake Placid.
Parker and the young Terriers are looking to improve on last season's mark of 18-17-3 (13-12-2 in Hockey East) despite having one of the nation's youngest squads. Of BU's 26-man roster, 17 players are either freshmen or sophomores.
BU has won eight of 14 contests with the Badgers, who fell in the NCAA Finals last season to Boston College.
