POTSDAM, NY | Jean-François Houle captained the Golden Knights in his final season as a player at Clarkson University, he understands the culture of the school.
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“He represents what we want hockey to be at Clarkson. He works hard, he has a good work ethic, he has green and gold blood, he understands what it means to be a hockey player at Clarkson,” says sports director Laurel Kane, who I’m surprised to have been able to hire him in the space of a week last summer.
Laurel Kane, Clarkson University athletic director who hired Jean-François Houle to lead the Golden Knights. PHOTO DAVE LÉVESQUE
Photo DAVE LÉVESQUE
“He’s fantastic. He has played here and he knows how things should work. He knows what it’s like to be a student-athlete here, he understands our reality,” says Kaelan Taylor, who is from San Diego, but whose father and maternal grandfather are Clarkson graduates.
“He’s played here before, he knows what the fans want, which is players who work hard every game, and he instilled that in us. There’s sandpaper in our game,” adds Carter Rose, who comes from Brasher Falls, 20 minutes from Potsdam.
Carter Rose, player for the Clarkson University Golden Knights, who are managed by Jean-François Houle. PHOTO DAVE LÉVESQUE
Photo DAVE LÉVESQUE
Enthusiasm
We don’t realize it in Montreal, but Jean-François Houle was a player adored by Golden Knights fans during his four years, during which he amassed 130 points in 143 games, including 58 in 37 games in his last year.
“When we announced his hiring, the alumni were delighted. He is one of the most popular players in the history of the team,” underlines Laurel Kane.
“After the announcement of his hiring, we felt a certain excitement in town. Friends of my father contacted him telling him about J.-F.’s arrival,” notes Kaelan Taylor, who adds that the team’s veterans were consulted in the hiring process.
Kaelan Taylor, player for the Clarkson University Golden Knights, who are managed by Jean-François Houle. PHOTO DAVE LÉVESQUE
Photo DAVE LÉVESQUE
Houle is not surprised, but is not boasting either. It’s not his type.
“It’s a common project, especially for people who have graduated from university. There are people I have worked with as a player and as a coach, and they form a big family. The feeling of belonging becomes very great after spending four years in a place like here.”
