Reading's Sam Kurker Has Bright Future at BU and Beyond

Sam Kurker has already been drafted in the second round of the National Hockey League's amateur draft, played in the historic Beanpot Tournament and suited up for one of the most legendary coaches in college hockey history. 

But despite that list of accomplishments, the best is likely still to come for the Reading resident.

Kurker wasn't expected to play for the Boston University men's hockey team right out of high school, but 40-year head coach Jack Parker decided going into the campaign that the St. John's Prep graduate would be in the fold for the Terriers.

After a slow start, Kurker became an important piece for the team that reached the Hockey East finals before falling to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, 1-0, on Saturday night.

"It’s a pretty big jump coming right out of high school, and Sam was nervous. But after he got settled in he began to play real well," said Parker, who coached his last game on Saturday as he announced his retirement earlier this year. "We’ve watched him grow up right in front of us as far as poise and confidence. He was jumpy early on, wanting to be good for his new teammates. That’s hard. You want to show you’re going to be a good player."

Kurker's numbers were modest, but he still had a role on the team. The forward played in 28 games this year, notching two goals and two assists during the team's run to the Hockey East final.

As the season went on, Parker said he gained more trust in Kurker and gave him more responsibility on the ice. The longtime head coach said he was impressed that Kurker didn't have any ego despite entering college having been drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the 2012 NHL draft.

"He's a really good kid," said Parker. "He's not an ego guy. He just put his nose to the grindstone and did what he had to do. He had to face adversity and got over it. Some players face adversity and go home. He handled it extremely well."

According to Kurker, one of the best parts about playing at Boston University is that he is within just a short drive of his father Paul, mother Lynn O'Brien, his brother Harry, 16, and sister Lilly, 12.

Kurker credits much of his success to the mentors he had while playing youth hockey in Reading and high school hockey at St. John's Prep.

"It's just a good hockey community," said Kurker. "Growing up I had great coaches since day one. I was luck that I had so many great coaches, and that everyone wanted me to succeed. We're lucky to be from a great town with great people. They give you the best opportunity to succeed."