Houle Leaves for Head Coaching Job

Clarkson assistant coach Jean-Francois Houle is leaving the program to become the head coach of the Lewiston Maineiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Houle will take over his new duties later this month.

Houle, who graduated from Clarkson in 1997, has been on head coach George Roll's staff since Roll began in the 2003-04 season.

“We are sorry to see J.F. leave, but this is a great opportunity for him to become a head coach,’ remarked Roll on Clarkson's Web site. “It has been a very enjoyable seven years with J.F. on our coaching staff. Not only is he a good hockey man, but he is also a great person who is well respected at Clarkson as well as in the hockey community. We wish J.F. and his family the best. We are certainly going to miss him.”

Houle played in 143 career games at Clarkson with 49 goals and 80 assists and spent his senior year on a forward line with current Atlanta Thrashers forward Todd White.

He and White were co-captains on the 1996-97 Clarkson team that ended the regular season ranked No. 2 nationally and finished with a 27-10 record.

No word on a replacement for Houle has been announced.