Jerry York, 76, NCAA men’s hockey history winning coach, retired from Boston College, says it’s ‘the right time to do so’
Jerry York of Boston University, the winning coach in the history of men’s hockey of the NCAA, has announced his retirement.
York, 76, met with his coach and players on Wednesday and informed them that he was stepping down. He coached for 28 years with the Eagles, winning the NCAA men’s hockey championship four times (2001, 2008, 2010, 2012). Before that, York coached Clarkson from 1972 to ’79 and Bowling Green (1979-94), where he won his first championship in 1984.
“I have been thinking about the possibility of retirement for the past few weeks and it seems to me that the time is right to do so,” York said in a statement. “I’ve been fortunate to have been with Boston College for the past 28 years and have had the opportunity to coach so many amazing student-athletes.”
York’s program has developed a number of NHL players over the years. Former prominent eagle Chris Kreidernow with New York Ranger, just became the fourth player in franchise history to score 50 goals. Before BC Brian Boyle also played for Rangers among a number of NHL stops, and is now a fourth line forward for Pittsburgh Penguins.
“The best thing he did was create a standard for how he expected us to carry ourselves as men. And if we weren’t ready to be men, we learned very quickly how to do it. right. If you didn’t do what was expected, you were made aware of that by a teammate and that’s the culture he’s developed,” Boyle told ESPN Wednesday.
“Besides, he loves being on the field. Obviously he loves the game and Boston College. I’m so lucky to have been able to spend four years under Coach York. .”
York is one of only three coaches in NCAA history to win men’s hockey championships at two different schools. On December 29, 2012, he overcame Ron Mason of Michigan State in the all-time college hockey tournament victory. He finished his career with 1,123 wins, including a record 41 in the NCAA tournament. He has been named Eastern Hockey Coach of the Year five times and won the NCAA Division I Coach of the Year award in 1977. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. as part of the 2020 Category.
“It’s hard to put into words all that Jerry York means to Boston College,” athletic director Patrick Kraft said in the statement. “He’s a legend and one of the most classic individuals ever to coach in college sports.”
York’s decision left both Boston University and rival Boston University without a coach, as the Terriers parted ways with Albie O’Connell in March after four seasons.
