Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation

J.P. McKERSIE
1996 HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNER
Boston University Goaltender

Boston University goaltender J.P. McKersie's magical comeback continued yesterday when he was presented with the first-ever Annual Hockey Humanitarian Award by members of the Hockey Humanitarian Organization. In recognition with his struggle to recover from a near-fatal bicycle accident on July 28. 1994, the trophy was awarded to McKersie yesterday afternoon at Walter Brown Arena between the first and second periods of BU's 6-3 win over the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

McKersie's ordeal began when his bicycle struck a car and his head hit the pavement, leaving him in a coma for two days. The BU senior, originally from Madison, Wis., sat out last season in order to begin a massive rehabilitation process that has allowed him to continue playing hockey. "This is definitely a shock to me," McKersie said yesterday, clutching the trophy. "It is definitely an honor and it's definitely the best trophy I have ever received."

McKersie did not know he had won the award until moments before he was summoned to the ice by public address announcer Jim Prior. The sellout crowd of 3,806 fans gave him a standing ovation- an impromptu salute to the senior goaltender during his final regular-season home game. "I had no clue," McKersie said. "[Terrier head] coach [Jack] Parker said, 'J.P., come here,' and I had no idea why he wanted to talk to me. then he said they wanted to give me an award, and I didn't have enough time to even ask why."

The inscription on the trophy reads, "Presented annually to the hockey collegian who best exemplifies the qualities of character, sportsmanship, and devotion to the game, the team, and the community."

Jeff Millman and John Greenhalgh, co-directors of the Hockey Humanitarian Organization, joined members of the Boston Junior Terriers in presenting McKersie with the award. In addition to his duties as BU's third-string goaltender, McKersie also serves as the volunteer goalie coach for the Junior Terriers.

McKersie posed for pictures with Millman, Greenhalgh and the Junior Terriors before skating a victory lap around the ice with the trophy held high above his head. "John Greenhalgh looked at me and said, 'Why don't you take a lap?'" McKersie said. "I didn't think he was serious, but it was just great." The Junior Terriers also presented a check for $2,000 to the Travis Roy Rehabilitation Fund, representing money they raised in advertising sales during a four-team tournament during winter recess. The funds will be forwarded to Roy, a freshman forward who was paralyzed during an Oct. 20 game.

This season has been filled with magical moments for McKersie. On Oct. 3, McKersie made his first public appearance back on skates at Brown Arena during Midnight Madness. McKersie - playing in his first game since the accident - relieved starter Tom Noble on Nov. 4. McKersie also played in the Beanpot Tournament championship game on Feb. 12, replacing Noble in the third period.

"I still think my best work has yet to come," McKersie said. "I'm just so lucky to have great teammates and great fans to keep pushing me harder."

By Scott Lauber, BU Daily Free Press Staff