Boston University men's ice hockey coach Jack Parker underwent heart bypass surgery on July 23. The university released this information in a statement on Monday afternoon.
Parker has been the head coach of the Terriers since 1973, and with 37 season under his belt, holds the record for longest active head coach at a single Division I men's ice hockey program. Despite the serious surgery, it is anticipated that Parker will return on time for his 38th season. Said Mike Lynch, BU's athletic director in the University's official statement to the press:
"The entire BU community wishes Jack a speedy recovery and respects his privacy during this time," BU athletic director Mike Lynch said. "We look forward to seeing him lead the Terriers on the ice this fall."
BU can start practices officially again on Oct. 2 and plays its first game, an exhibition against the University of Toronto, the same evening. They begin their regular season on October 8th at the Icebreaker Tournament in St Louis, Missouri, a tournament they won at the top of their 2008-09 season leading up to their national championship.
This adds to an off-season of worry for the team, who had five early departures earlier this summer -- two for disciplinary reasons, and the remainder to pursue pro careers.