Longtime BU men’s hockey coach Jack Parker (Questrom’68, Hon.’97) was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame earlier this week. Parker (above) at a press conference announcing his retirement from BU, March 12, 2013. Photo by Boston University Photography

University News

BU’s Jack Parker Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame

Legendary former coach is University’s first inductee

In 40 seasons coaching Boston University’s men’s hockey, Jack Parker notched 897 victories—second among all active coaches nationally when he retired in 2013. He led the Terriers to three national championships and six Hockey East titles, while earning three coach of the year awards. 

Old habits die hard, and Parker (Questrom’68, Hon.’97) claimed yet another win this week, becoming BU’s first inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Parker was about to go sailing when the call from the Hockey Hall came at 2:30 pm Tuesday. “‘We’re giving you one half hour to let you know [it’s being announced] that you’re being inducted into the Hall of Fame at 3 o’clock today, {so you can] call your friends and family,’” he recalled of the conversation.

“I’m still in shock,” Parker said on Wednesday. “I knew the Hall of Fame vote was coming out. I never thought to myself, maybe I’ll get a call. I think it’s fabulous that I have been selected for the Hall, number one, and number two, that I’m representing Boston University, which gave me a home for so many years.”

Parker captained BU’s hockey team in his final season of play as a student, returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 1969 and becoming head coach in 1973.

“On behalf of our entire athletics department, I want to congratulate Jack on this much-deserved and long-overdue call,” says Drew Marrochello, BU Athletics director. “Jack Parker is the first name that comes to mind when you think about Boston University hockey and the rich history associated with the program. Jack’s résumé is obviously impressive, but his lasting legacy will be how many lives he impacted in a positive manner, both on and off the ice. We’re so incredibly proud of Jack for this capstone honor.”

“This is a great day, not only for Coach Parker, but for our entire program,” says Jay Pandolfo (CAS’99), current BU head coach.

“He has been an important part of my life, both as a player here and now as a coach, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and mentorship,” Pandolfo says. “He cares so much about all the players he’s coached during his time at BU and has created an outstanding culture that we still have today. His impact went beyond BU, which is seen in how many of his student-athletes went on to successful careers in professional hockey as players, coaches, and front office personnel, and this honor truly represents everything he’s given to the game of hockey.”

Between the Nixon and Obama presidential administrations, Parker compiled a record number of career wins for NCAA hockey victories at one school. The team made a record 13 Frozen Four appearances under his leadership.

Hockey is a family tradition: Parker’s grandson, Shane Lachance (SHA’27), is a forward with the Terriers today—and this past year he became the first sophomore captain in program history.

The Toronto-based Hall of Fame, founded in 1943, honors people “who have brought special distinction to the game of hockey and those who made outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of hockey anywhere in the world.” Inductees are chosen by an 18-member selection committee of former men’s and women’s players, hockey executives, and journalists. 

The other 2025 inductees are current National Hockey League players Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and Duncan Keith; former NHL player Alexander Mogilny; Olympic gold medalists Jennifer Botterill of Canada and Brianna Decker of the United States; and Daniele Sauvageau, general manager of the Montreal Victoire team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

A ceremony to induct the eight is scheduled for November 10 in Toronto. 

“I’ll be there for sure,” Parker says.