J.F. Houle returned to his alma mater in June 2024 as the head coach of the Clarkson University Men’s Hockey program, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate, major-junior and professional levels. A former Golden Knight player and assistant coach, Houle returned to Potsdam after spending three seasons as head coach of the Laval Rocket, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to return and coach at my alma mater. I am excited about the future of Clarkson Hockey and eager to continue the rich history of the program.” said Houle. “I am looking forward to becoming a mentor and instilling the Clarkson University values to the next generation of student-athletes. My family and I have forged some deep friendships within the community and we are happy to make Potsdam home again.”
Houle made an immediate impact during his first season behind the Clarkson bench. He guided the Golden Knights to a 24-12-3 record and an appearance in the ECAC Hockey Championship weekend in Lake Placid. Clarkson’s improvement and success earned Houle the 2025 Tim Taylor Award as ECAC Hockey Coach of the Year. The Knights also collected several of the conference’s leading individual honors, including Player of the Year, Best Defensive Defenseman and Goaltender of the Year. ECAC Hockey
Clarkson continued its postseason success during Houle’s second season, upsetting top-seeded Quinnipiac in the ECAC Hockey quarterfinals to advance to Lake Placid for the second consecutive year. His teams have displayed a competitive, disciplined style while emphasizing player development, accountability and the traditions associated with Clarkson Hockey.
Before returning to Clarkson, Houle served as head coach of the Laval Rocket from 2021-24. Working within the Montreal Canadiens organization, he played an important role in developing players for the National Hockey League while guiding Laval to the AHL’s Eastern Conference Final in 2022.
Houle previously spent seven seasons in the Edmonton Oilers organization with the Bakersfield Condors. He began as the Condors’ head coach during their final season in the ECHL before remaining with the organization as an assistant coach following its move to the AHL. His responsibilities included player development, special teams and helping prepare prospects for the NHL level.
Prior to entering professional coaching, Houle enjoyed a successful tenure in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He served as head coach of the Lewiston MAINEiacs and the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, helping develop numerous players for collegiate and professional hockey.
Houle’s first collegiate coaching opportunity came at Clarkson, where he served as an assistant coach from 2003-10. During those seven seasons, he contributed to recruiting, player development and the program’s day-to-day operations. The Golden Knights captured the 2007 ECAC Hockey Tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both 2007 and 2008 during his time on the staff.
As a player, Houle competed for Clarkson from 1993-97 and helped the Golden Knights win three ECAC Hockey regular-season championships while making three NCAA Tournament appearances. Selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, he played five seasons professionally in the American Hockey League and ECHL following his Clarkson career.
A member of Clarkson’s Class of 1997, Houle brings a deep understanding of the University, the North Country and the proud history of Golden Knights Hockey to his role as head coach.
“People who have been following Golden Knights hockey since we moved into Cheel Arena know JF was among the all-time fan favorites, who played every shift as if it was an overtime in the national championship. With work ethic, passion, loyalty and love for Clarkson hockey and the Potsdam Community, JF is the proven leader we need. He has a deep understanding of our program's values and a strong commitment to student athlete excellence both on and off the ice," Athletic Director Kane said.
JF and his wife, Mia, reside in Potsdam with their eldest daughter Emma recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz and obtained a Masters from SUNY Potsdam, son Noah, a Junior at Clarkson University, and daughter Lucy.
