Just weeks after agreeing to a new contract, Laval Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle and the Montreal Canadiens organization have mutually agreed to part ways as Houle will become the head coach of Clarkson University’s men’s hockey team.
Houle is a graduate of Clarkson University, and the opportunity to lead a program he once played for was an opportunity he could not pass up.
“We would like to thank Jean-François for his contribution to the development of the culture of our organization and our players. During his three years at the helm of the team, his dedication and experience allowed the Rocket to be highly competitive, while preparing many players to make the jump to the NHL. We wish him the best of luck for this next chapter of his career,” said Laval Rocket general manager John Sedgwick.
Houle and his wife, Mia, have been returning to Potsdam (where Clarkson University is located) over the last year, as their son Noah is entering his sophomore year at SUNY Potsdam, where he is a member of the Men’s Lacrosse team. Their eldest daughter Emma recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz, and they have a seven year old daughter, Lucy. This move gets Houle to be closer to his family. The Clarkson job opened up last week when their previous coach Casey Jones took a job at Cornell.
The Rocket already had a spot to fill on the coaching staff with the departure of Kelly Buchberger, who took over a team in the AJHL and now will likely see that role filled by whoever they choose to be their new head coach.
The AHL coaching staff usually leads the team’s development camp, which is held shortly after the draft, so it will be interesting to see how fast this position is filled.
It will be the third coaching change for the Rocket since the team moved to Laval, after Sylvain Lefebvre, and Joël Bouchard.
