By Tim Healey/DFP Staff
Marc Hetnik Jr., the son of former Terrier Marc Hetnik, committed this week to the University of Massachusetts for the fall of 2013, news that came as a surprise to some because Hetnik Jr. had committed to Boston University in April 2011.
According to Bill Hanson, Hetnik Jr.’s former coach at Catholic Memorial School, the change was the result of BU’s lack of an available scholarship.
The elder Hetnik worked at BU at the time of his son’s commitment, meaning the family would have paid just 10 percent of BU’s tuition rate thanks to the school’s tuition remission benefits.
However, Hetnik lost his job at BU in May, according to Hanson. BU head coach Jack Parker and associate head coach Mike Bavis were “straightforward in that they didn’t have a scholarship for [Hetnik Jr.],” Hanson said.
UMass, which Hanson said has scouted Hetnik Jr. heavily during his time with the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League, offered him a full scholarship.
“I think it’ll be a really good fit for him,” said Hanson, who was also Hetnik Jr.’s high school guidance counselor.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defenseman has collected five points (one goal, four assists) in 29 games for Vernon this season. He put up a line of 3-14-17 during the 2011-12 season.
Hetnik Jr.’s father played at BU under Parker for four seasons between 1975 and 1979, and played in all but one game during the Terriers’ 1977-78 national championship season.
This is just bad jornalism. He didn’t “de-commit from BU” – if anyone de-committed, it was the BU coaching staff who took away the scholie which was a key ingredient of his committment.
Come on guys, let’s try and have a little integrity with this blog and not lead with a title that is completely deceptive.
Way to go Marc for telling the BU coaches to go pound sand when they couldn’t deliver on their pledge!
Rather than push your private agenda….feel empathy for a dad who lost a job AND impacted a son’s decision on school.
Be thankful the BU coaches were honest with the son; and finally that UMass had a scholarship available to give.
It all ends well for the son, and I wish the family well.
Oh… I’ll bet the NCAA requires the verb “de-commit” to allow the ‘Commit” to Umass.
I know this site is all about hockey, but when young Mr. Hetnik is off the ice, he’s going to find himself getting a great education at UMass. Plus,the girls are prettier out here in Amherst. He will, however, have to get used to the bears, and the lack of running water.