NESN

Jerry York Leaving Lasting Legacy on College Hockey

Jerry York is creating a dynasty at Boston College.

As one of the classiest coaches in the game, his 16-year reign behind the Eagles' bench has gone from revamping the program during his initial phase to producing the national powerhouse it is today. After capturing the school's fourth NCAA title in a dominant 5-0 performance Saturday night, he's rightfully earned his place as one of college hockey's greats. With a record three national titles in the last 10 years atop his list of accomplishments, he's raising the bar for the rest of the country.

York is currently the second-winningest coach of all time in college hockey with 850 victories, and he could very well be on track to surpass Ron Mason's record 924 wins over the next four years if the Eagles continue their pace. His record 33 NCAA tournament wins are the most of any coach in Division 1 history.

The Eagles' perennial national success doesn't happen by chance alone. The core of their recruiting style revolves around character first, then everything else second. This couldn't be more obvious with BC's senior class — Matt Price, Matt Lombardi, Ben Smith and Carl Sneep — who ended their careers with a 25-2 postseason record and two national titles in hand.

Looking back at this year's perfect 8-0 tournament run, the defining moment undoubtedly came from Lombardi, a player who notched only seven goals throughout his entire Eagles career. Yet it was Lombardi who registered a career-high four points, including the game-winner in overtime, in the decisive match to secure their record ninth Hockey East championship. The title was a momentum builder leading to their most recent national crowning.

One of the unique traits about BC's hockey club is that it always rises to the occasion on the big stage. BC rarely has the biggest guys or even the most guys entering the draft, but one thing the team does better than anyone else is outwork and outlast its opponent any day of the week.

Inside the Eagles' locker room this season, there was an inverted pyramid hanging on the wall. At the bottom of that pyramid was the first game, and it expanded to the top with the Frozen Four and national championship game. It was used to measure their progress throughout the season, and their ability to continuously improve their game into the playoffs is what set them apart this year.

York is passionate about the consistency of BC's programs of past, present, and especially future.

"BC has been one of the really bright lights in college hockey since 1920, 1925," York said. "There's probably six schools that could say that through the long history of college hockey, and we're proud to be in that top six. BC's been very consistent for 70 or 80 years of producing top-flight college teams. That consistency is what I like the most about it".

And, with this year's national championship team loaded with freshmen and sophomores, the future continues to look bright.