Terriers To Retire Roy's Number
October 28, 1999 | Men's Ice Hockey
The Terrier hockey team will open the home portion of its 1999-2000 schedule on Saturday night (October 30th) when it hosts Providence College at 7:00 p.m. But, much of the attention will be focused on what will happen before the game, as the Terriers will retire the number worn by Travis Roy.
Travis is currently a senior majoring in communications at B.U. When the Terriers raise Roy's jersey number 24 to the Walter Brown Arena ceiling, it will mark the first time in school history that a hockey number will be retired.
"The greatest way a player can be recognized is to have his number retired," said Roy, who has already had two previous teams retire his number. Tabor Academy, the prep school from which he graduated prior to his matriculating at Boston University, and Hockey Night In Boston have both retired the number he wore 14.
"So, I am deeply honored not just that my number is being retired but also that this is the first B.U. hockey number to be retired. I know it will be an emotional evening for my family and me."
"It is apropos that this is the first number we are retiring," said Terrier head coach Jack Parker. "Travis has epitomized the perseverance, determination, and true grit that we expect of all Boston University hockey players. He has all the attributes that has embodied all those who have worn number 24, and all those who have worn the B.U. hockey uniform over the years."
Of the four Terriers who wore number 24 prior to Travis, three served as team captain. They include Peter Marshall, Mike Sullivan, and Jacques Joubert. Since 1982, the only player to wear number 24 and not serve as captain was Keith Tkachuk. However, Tkachuk played just during the 1990-91 season, as he left early to play on the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team and then signed with the Winnipeg Jets, now the Phoenix Coyotes.
"I did not realize the significance of the number until about a year after my accident," said Roy. "That's when I realized that some great players and great team leaders at B.U. have worn that number.
"It was obvious then to me that Coach Parker had high expectations for me. I take great pride in knowing that was my number, and I am honored that Coach gave it to me. But, the greatest honor I have received is to have him (Parker) as a friend."
Roy's number 24 isn't the only banner that will be raised prior to the game. In addition, the Beanpot banner, representing the Terriers' 25th Beanpot title they won last February, also will be raised prior to the opening faceoff.
