Laval Rocket hockey team names new head coach

The Montreal Canadiens have named Jean-François Houle as the new head coach for the club’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin says in a statement that Houle’s experience and coaching philosophy make him a good fit for the Laval Rocket.

Houle, 46, has been an assistant coach with the Bakersfield Condors, the Edmonton Oilers’ affiliate team, for the past six years and previously coached in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Bergevin says Houle will help develop the Canadiens’ young prospects.

Houle played professional hockey for six years, with stints in the AHL and ECHL, before turning to coaching.

In 2011, he was awarded the Ron-Lapointe Trophy as the QMJHL’s top coach after compiling a 40-22-6 record in his first season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

2:03 HIGHLIGHTS: AHL Rocket vs Moose – Mar. 30