One of the better known Terrier hockey players of his time, John Cullen has merely enhanced his credentials and respect since departing Babcock Street in 1987.
A four-year scoring leader, Cullen set impressive career marks in goals (98), assists (143), and points (241). During his junior year in 1985-86, he tallied 25 goals and 49 assists for 74 points.
Cullen foreshadowed his future exploits during his freshman campaign in 1983-84 when he earned ECAC and New England Rookie of the Year honors after netting a team-leading 56 points to help the club to a 28-11-4 mark and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The following year he helped the Terriers to the semi-finals of the inaugural Hockey East Tournament, by scoring a career-high 27 goals, including four game-winners, and adding 22 assists for 59 points. Following the season, Cullen received his first of three Team MVP Awards, and was named to the All-Hockey East and All-New England Teams.
As a junior in 1985-86 Cullen helped guide the Terriers to the Hockey East Championship, the Beanpot Title, and the number one Eastern Ranking in the NCAA Tournament, where the club was ousted by Minnesota. A consensus all-star, Cullen earned Second Team All-America, First Team All-Hockey East, and First Team All-New England honors. Prior to his senior year Cullen was selected by the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League in the supplemental draft.Â
Elected team captain for the 1986-87 campaign, Cullen was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He also received Second Team All-Hockey East honors, a third straight Team MVP Award, and the Mickey Cochrane Award as the University's Male Athlete of the Year, after leading the Terriers to their second consecutive Beanpot title.
Upon leaving Boston University, Cullen began a successful NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1988. During the 1990-91 campaign he finished fifth in the league in scoring with 110 points.
