The Laval Rocket, the farm team for the Montreal Canadiens, are bringing back head coach Jean-François Houle, signing him to a multi-year contract extension, the club announced Wednesday.
Houle, 49, has coached the Rocket for the past three seasons, posting a 105-86-25 record and leading them to the Calder Cup semifinals in 2021-22.
“Jean-François Houle has done an excellent job as the head coach of the Laval Rocket since being hired in 2021. He and his staff have demonstrated the ability to balance team performance with player development, establishing both a competitive culture and an ideal environment for the growth and maturation of our young players,” said general manager John Sedgwick in a statement issued by the team. “His teams have made two playoff appearances in three years, including a Calder Cup semifinal appearance in 2021-22, and Jean-François and his staff have done a commendable job preparing numerous players for the jump to the National Hockey League over that time.”
Assistant coach Martin Laperrière, goalie coach Marco Marciano and video coach Charles Juneau are also returning on multi-year extensions.