Brookline hockey scion to play for Boston University Terriers
By Joe Campagna/brookline@wickedlocal.com
Posted Jun 16, 2011
Brookline — Wearing the scarlet and white of Catholic Memorial during home games at Walter Brown Arena during the past four years was a constant reminder to Marc Hetnik Jr. of his lifelong dream to someday put on a similar uniform for Boston University’s famed hockey program.
That aspiration comes as no surprise to those who knew young Hetnik growing up in the Warren Field neighborhood. His dad, Marc Sr., had been a key member of coach Jack Parker’s 1978 National Championship team, and the Hetnik family has been attending games at Walter Brown, where Marc Sr. played, long before they moved to the state-of-the-art Agannis Arena built on the backs of the Terrier’s nationally ranked hockey squads.
During Hetnik’s initial years at CM, it looked as if Commonwealth Avenue might not to turn out to be his college destination. Marc started out as a hard-working forward on coach Bill Hanson’s perennial state championship contender, but hardly stood out on a team loaded with Division 1 talent. The sport he excelled in early on was golf, a game Hetnik mastered during summer vacations at the Robert Lynch Municipal Golf Course. Marc also became a member of the CM lacrosse team, making him not only a rare three-sport athlete, but eventually, the captain of each team as well.
Prior to his junior season, Hanson moved Hetnik back to the blue line to help out a defense depleted by graduation. By that time, Hetnik had suddenly shot him up to a strapping, 6 feet, 2 inches, 180 pounds. That position change and growth spurt proved to be the springboard Hetnik needed. By the time his senior season concluded this winter, many considered Marc the top defenseman in the state.
Add in a B+ average in the classroom, and college coaches were suddenly offering Hetnik a chance to attend a number of top universities, including a few from the Ivy League. There was also some interest from BU, but nothing concrete. Parker, who has developed a worldwide talent net over the years, has less of a need for local talent. Hetnik’s stock continued to rise when he was one of six players from EMass named to the prestigious Boston Globe Super Team and the Herald’s Dream Team.
“Marc Hetnik was one the top student/athletes that has attended CM in recent years,” said Catholic Memorial Athletic Director Alex Campea. “The fact that he was captain of three sports says a lot about what his coaches and teammates felt about him.”
Early this spring, Hetnik was getting ready for a pre-season lacrosse workout when he received a call to come to BU. When he arrived, Parker offered Marc a scholarship to play for the Terriers following a year sharpening his skills playing Junior A hockey for the Vernon Vipers in the Canadian League.
“I’m ecstatic that I was able to fulfill a dream that began when I was very young,” said Hetnik. “I can’t wait to get to BU and begin what I hope will be a great career. Coach Parker said he wanted me because I showed a lot of character and loyalty by staying at CM even when coach Hansen switched me to a new position. Also, the fact I did well in the classroom proved to him a was a hard worker on and off the ice.”
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