Boston College coach York sets NCAA wins record

Jerry York's place among the greatest coaches in college hockey history has long since been sealed, but there are now no others who have experienced more success.

Boston College defeated Alabama-Huntsville 5-2 on Saturday night in the opening round of the Mariucci Classic in Minneapolis, and the win is No. 925 in York's storied career. It pushes him past Ron Mason for the most in NCAA hockey history, after York had tied the former Lake Superior State, Bowling Green and Michigan State coach in Boston College's 5-2 win Dec. 1 against rival Boston University. York's team had played only one game in the previous 28 days -- a 3-3 tie at Providence on Dec. 7.

York began his coaching career at Clarkson in 1972-73 before moving to Bowling Green and replacing Mason in 1979-80. He won four conference titles with the Falcons, and his first of five national titles in 1984, before joining Boston College for the 1994-95 season.

He actually finished below .500 in his first three seasons with Boston College, but York's team reached the championship game in his fourth year and has been one of the most consistent powerhouses in the sport since. York has reached the Frozen Four 10 times in the past 15 seasons, winning four championships.

Boston College is the defending champion, and York's team has won three of the past five titles. Given that the Eagles improved to 13-2-1 with the victory against Alabama-Huntsville and are ranked No. 1 in both the USCHO.com and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls, York could be in a position to add a sixth title to his resume in April.