For Jack Parker, Jerry York, Friendship Often Proves Stronger Than Rivalry

Jack Parker can't wait to get another college hockey season going, but he'll have to — at least for a little while longer.

The Boston University coach had bypass surgery this summer and was at Hockey East's media day on Wednesday. He said he feels great, and that everything has gone well. That said, he's still waiting for final approval to get back on the ice, or even back on the bench.

"I think I'm fine," said Parker. "I certainly don't have the strength I've had, the upper body and stuff. I'm worried about moving certain ways. My chest feels funny sometimes from the incision, not anything to do with my heart or my arteries.

"Everything's gone well in every phase of my recovery. I'll find out next week exactly where I'm at as far as getting back on the ice and back behind the bench or both."

The Terriers were picked fourth in the preseason coaches poll, released this week. They will feature a very young team, after losing the likes of Nick Bonino, Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen. They'll host the University of Toronto at Agganis Arena this weekend, but Parker won't be on the bench. He'll be in the building, watching, and learning a little more about his team.

Patience doesn't always come easy for a man who has won more than 800 games coaching his alma mater. You don't get to be one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game by taking things slowly.

"If [the doctors] tell me, 'You can do things half-way,' that might be difficult," said Parker. "It's either you're all in or all out. This is the type of job, if you're in, you're in 24-7."

Parker got a reminder to slow things down from a familiar voice. Boston College's Jerry York, the only active college hockey coach with more wins than Parker, called his crosstown rival this summer to remind him to follow doctor's orders. You see, a few years back, York had a health scare of his own. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and one of the people who called him the most that summer was Parker.

"Jack was very instrumental in calling me and keeping me focused," said York. "Hopefully I did the same thing when Jack got that scare. He and I have talked a number of times."

Parker says that's one of the beauties of college hockey. Today, he might be battling York or another coach for a prized recruit. Tomorrow, that coach will be calling to check in on his health.

"I had more contact with [late University of Maine coach] Shawn Walsh after he got sick than I ever did before he got sick," said Parker. "I think that's the way we are in college hockey. One of the great things about our sports is we have a lot of guys that can be very competitive against one another and then be real friendly, too."

Parker is looking forward to the time when he can be a little more competitive and a little less friendly with these other coaches. That will mean he is all the way back and ready to lead the Terriers once again. If all goes well, that time is now just days away.