Boston University opened its season last Saturday night against Lowell without a key player.

Behind every great hockey program is a good -- make that also great -- SID. None better in the history of college hockey than the guy they call "Carpy" at Boston University.

"College hockey is a family, not a game," said BU Sports Information Director Ed Carpenter, who hung up his line charts and game summaries last March at the East Regional in Worcester where he presided over his last press conference after 28 storied seasons as the go-to guy behind the scenes of Terrier hockey.

Indeed, Carpenter seized -- and enjoyed -- many a hockey day in that storied career, winding down this season during the sports information transition and helping to coordinate the key people organize the various NCAA championships hosted by BU this year.

If Jack Parker's boys were not undefeated in mid-winter of Carpenter's first season in 1977-78, he may well have been charting Peyton Manning's record-breaking 49 touchdown passes last season.

"In 1978, I got a call from the Baltimore Colts in January," said Carpenter who cut his sports PR teeth at Penn State working for the school newspaper, followed by six years at Delaware in sports information.

In his museum-like office across from Walter Brown Arena, the former hockey haven where Jack Parker called his dogs out until the opening last fall of the 90-million-dollar Agganis Arena, Carpenter rattles off career details like post-game goals and assists a few hours earlier. "We had started that season at 20-0, and ended up 30-2, and winning the national championship. They asked, 'Are you interested in coming down here to be our PR director?' I told them, 'I can't now, we're in the middle of our hockey season and I feel a loyalty to BU.' They needed somebody right away, and the rest is history."

Parker waxes Carpenter's loyalty and dedication. "We've been together for a long time," said the 32-year coach who won national championships in 1978 and '95, and has taken his Terriers to the NCAAs 20 times. "He's a fabulous guy and family man. He's always has a special spot for hockey and a great promoter of the sport.

"It has been and it should be that when kids come to BU, they get a great experience. And Ed Carpenter's presence at BU has made it a great experience for all our players."

"Hockey wise, the two national championships, the 1980 BU Olympians, Travis Roy, and the recent opening of the new Agganis Arena stand out," Carpenter reminisced. "Also add the 8-7 loss to Northern Michigan in triple overtime (in the 1991 championship game). And winning Beanpots has always been special. I've also worked the Olympics, World Cup Soccer and World Series. I've received more blessings than anyone could expect."

What are the major responsibilities of an SID?

"The most important thing is to establish credibility," said Carpenter. "That is No. 1 with all your constituents that you serve. You have to enjoy the sport, and you have to develop strong relationships."

"The thing I'm most proud of his relationship with all the press and all the media," said Parker. "Everybody respects him. When the media is a booster of Ed Carpenter that helps Boston University."

Like two smooth skating first-line forwards, Carpenter always knew Parker's media moves, and what the business of college hockey is supposed to be about.

Carpenter will be missed at Boston University's Harry Agganis Arena.

"I've never gone to a rink in 28 years surprised about anything involving our team," said Carpy. "(Jack's) never put me in a compromising position with regard to my credibility with the media. I've worked in a department that is really realistic in how it views the emphasis on the student athlete --- not the athlete student."

What advice does he give to Christy Jeffries, his successor and other aspiring SIDs?

"You got to realize that there is no such thing as a time clock; you got to love what you're doing; if you have a family, they have to accept this is your chosen profession," said Carpenter who could be seen many a late and bone-chilling night, posting a game story on the Web for BU alumni.

"You never know when a BU alum in Malaysia or Thailand wants to know how the team did against BC last night, especially the Beanpot. It's 3:00 in the afternoon there.

"And how do I thank my wife Suzy for all those years of understanding that. She's truly my mentor and best friend."

Carpenter has witnessed the growth of college hockey from roads trips in blizzards to recent Frozen Fours.

"It sure looks like college hockey's headed into a greater area," he said. "Look at the sites of Frozen Fours and attendance; the future is very bright indeed."

How does one summarize a lifetime with one program, mentoring and watching players such as Jack O'Callahan, Jim Craig, Tony Amonte and Chris Drury reach the pinnacle of greatness on the Olympic and NHL stages?

"I really appreciate that Jack and AD Mike Lynch went to bat for me to be involved this year in the transition," said the ever modest and appreciative Carpenter. "I've really loved doing what I'm doing and I've never considered it a job. I'm sitting in Agganis or other venues saying, 'Boy are you ever lucky.'"

So is Boston University.

On Campus Clips -- Thanks to a reminder from Mr. Carpenter, I stand corrected in last week's column about naming the three college teams to win back-to-back titles. Indeed, it was four with BU winning in 1971 and '72, in addition to the stated Michigan, Denver and Minnesota. ... Maine avenged that 1-0 loss to Denver in the 2004 title game just a bit by twice trouncing the Pioneers over the weekend in Alfond Arena, 5-1 and 4-2. ...The U.S. Air Force Academy extended the contract of nine-year head coach Frank Serratore through 2010. Air Force joins Atlantic Hockey next year from College Hockey America.

NHL.com's Current Top 10

1. Michigan
2. Ohio State University
3. Cornell University
4. Colorado College
5. Maine
6. North Dakota
7. Boston College
8. Minnesota
9. Denver
10. Michigan State

Bob Snow covers college hockey for NHL.com.