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Adam Houli is building more than a roster — he’s shaping a culture grounded in discipline, accountability, and respect
Adam Houli, the first-ever head coach of the University of Saint Joseph’s men’s ice hockey program, is quick to challenge the perception that the sport is defined by fighting on the ice.
“That’s a surface-level view of a much deeper game,” Houli said. “What people don’t always see is the culture behind it — accountability, discipline, and a strong code of respect. Our players are taught to compete with intensity, but also to carry themselves the right way. At the end of the day, hockey is one of the few sports where you battle hard and still line up to shake hands after.”
That philosophy will define the program as it takes shape.
When hockey season arrives at the University of Saint Joseph this October, Houli envisions a team that contributes to campus life beyond the rink — one that reflects sportsmanship, unity, and a strong sense of community.
“Hockey is a vehicle; it’s not just about developing players, it’s about developing people,” Houli explained. “The habits that make someone successful in our sport — accountability, resilience, respect for others, and being part of something bigger than yourself — translate directly into life beyond the rink.”
The habits that make someone successful in our sport — accountability, resilience, respect for others, and being part of something bigger than yourself — translate directly into life beyond the rink.
Adam Houli
The pull of the ice
Houli’s connection to hockey began early, at just three years old, playing on a Mini Mite youth team in his hometown of Howell, New Jersey.
“Hockey was my first true love,” he said. After years of playing in youth leagues, Houli entered the prep school hockey world at the Frederick Gunn School in Washington, Connecticut (formerly The Gunnery). He stayed in the state for his studies, attending Trinity College, where he played hockey for all four years while earning a degree in Public Policy and Law. With an interest in federal law enforcement, he interned with the U.S. Marshals Service after graduation.
But he wasn’t ready to step away from the game.
“To be honest, hockey was always calling,” he said.
He returned to the Frederick Gunn School as an admissions counselor and as assistant coach for the varsity and junior varsity teams. He later coached for the New Jersey Titans, a premier youth and junior hockey program back in his home state.
“I discovered I liked teaching. I found so much enjoyment in the foundation of the sport again. Being able to make hockey a profession has been a true blessing,” Houli said.
Building from the ground up
In 2016, Houli was asked by the Tier III Eastern Hockey League to start a new hockey program from scratch. Alongside a partner, he developed two youth teams and two junior teams.
A history enthusiast, Houli named the program the New Jersey 87s, after the year New Jersey became a state.
“I wore every hat — recruiting, marketing, budgeting, and even laundry services. I often slept in my office because we had practices at all different hours,” he said.
Under Houli’s leadership, the 87s won five league championships and two EHL titles. Several members of his team went on to play at the NCAA Division I and Division III levels.
He later spent a season as head coach of the Johnstown Tomahawks in the Tier II North American Hockey League before learning about USJ’s new hockey programs — and the opportunity to lead the men’s team.
A natural fit
“I had just taken the Johnstown job and I really did fall in love with what could be there,” he said. Even so, Houli kept a close eye on the coach search at USJ.
Last December, his former team, the New Jersey 87s, attended the Eastern Hockey League’s Mid-Season Snowdown at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury. Following the event, several teams visited USJ for a campus tour and an admissions presentation.
“I got a lot of good feedback from the players and coaches who were amazed by the USJ campus. I realized the head coaching position was something I would really be interested in,” he said.
Adam’s work ethic and deep knowledge of the hockey landscape, and unwavering commitment to supporting our student‑athletes’ growth make him an outstanding fit for USJ. Adam plays a pivotal role in building this program from the ground up, and we cannot wait to see the total impact he’ll have on our campus community.
Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Amanda Devitt
After further research, a campus visit, and a conversation with Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Amanda Devitt, Houli’s interest in USJ continued to grow. “It was checking all the boxes,” he said.
Meeting President Rhona Free solidified the decision.
“When I met President Free, I felt this instant assurance that we would have the support needed to be successful. It was a dream come true.”
Since arriving in March, Houli has recruited a full roster of players and laid the foundation for the men’s program.
“Adam’s work ethic and deep knowledge of the hockey landscape, and unwavering commitment to supporting our student‑athletes’ growth make him an outstanding fit for USJ,” Devitt said. “Adam plays a pivotal role in building this program from the ground up, and we cannot wait to see the total impact he’ll have on our campus community.”
