The real reason behind JF Houle's shocking departure has just been revealed
Photo credit: Laval Rocket
We had a surprise announcement today, as the Canadiens announced the unexpected departure of head coach Jean-François Houle.
This departure took us all completely by surprise, especially because JF Houle had just signed a new contract with the Laval Rocket.
On this topic, some very interesting new information has surfaced.
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The real reason for Jean-François Houle's departure is revealed
TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie mentioned the following:
«J-F Houle had an opportunity to become a coach at Clarkson University.
An opportunity that doesn't come around often, especially since he played at the university level for this team. The Laval Rocket will eventually hire a new coach who will certainly be from Quebec and who works well with young players.»
It's clear that it was really because a golden opportunity presented itself to Houle that he suddenly decided to leave Laval, but many fans still believe there's more to the story.
Being the head coach of an AHL team, and being on the doorstep of the NHL, is no small thing (especially with a new contract in hand), so why did JF Houle decide to leave so unexpectedly?
Was there an unfortunate event that happened behind the scenes? Were there conflicts or internal frictions?
See what the excellent Anthony Marcotte from BPM Sports has to say on the matter.
«Did the prospect of taking a job with much less pressure weigh in his decision? We agree that a collegiate coach can last for years with excellent conditions rather than sitting on a hot seat.
I always found it very peculiar that he was allowed to coach the team the entire season despite good results without a contract for the following season.
Then after the season, it took a month before extending the agreement.
He won't say it publicly, but I felt JF was affected by the situation during the season.
Did the ties fray over time? It's possible. I believe Houle was happy to return to Laval, but when your alma mater gives you the nod to manage their program, you can't help but listen.»
- Anthony Marcotte, the voice of the Laval Rocket
This is really interesting and seems to be the truth.
There's clearly a bit of both. Firstly, Houle had a golden opportunity to return to Clarkson, and secondly, it seems that his relationship of trust with the Montreal Canadiens organization was not necessarily in great shape (for obvious reasons).
A big story to follow with the Laval Rocket.
Previously on HabsFanatics
| POLL |
21 JUIN | 506 ANSWERS The real reason behind JF Houle's shocking departure has just been revealed Who would be your choice to replace JF Houle as the head coach of the Laval Rocket? |
| Pascal Vincent | 132 | 26.1 % |
| Sylvain Favreau | 34 | 6.7 % |
| Paul Byron | 256 | 50.6 % |
| Other | 84 | 16.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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