Boston University ‘in great hands’ with Quinn succeeding Parker

Boston University announced Tuesday that alumnus David Quinn will replace Jack Parker as the Terriers’ new head coach.

WHDH sports director Joe Amorosino first reported the news via Twitter on Monday:

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/joeamorosino/status/316353396586184705″]

Quinn was Parker’s associate head coach for five seasons before leaving after the 2009 national championship run to join the Colorado Avalanche organization. He currently is an assistant coach for the NHL team.

“I’d like to thank [BU] president [Dr. Robert] Brown and [BU director of athletics] Mike Lynch for giving me this incredible opportunity and entrusting me with the BU hockey program,” said Quinn in a news release. “I surely wouldn’t be in this position if it were not for Jack Parker and I’m very lucky to be able to call him my coach, mentor and friend. One of the things that makes this job so unique is that beyond all the success here, the former players have such a loyalty towards the program. I look forward to continuing that and the legacy that Coach Parker leaves behind.”

“David Quinn is the ideal candidate for this job,” added Lynch. “His resume is filled with great experiences at every level and he is a proven head coach and a consummate professional. He is also a BU man, an important consideration as we deliberated. Jack Parker is in many ways irreplaceable, but I’m absolutely convinced that the future of BU hockey is in great hands.”

Quinn, 46, was a first-round pick of the Minnesota North Stars in 1984 and then played three seasons for Boston University before his career was derailed by the diagnosis of a blood disorder called Christmas Disease.

He was the head coach of the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters from 2009 to 2012 before joining the Avalanche staff this season.