Brass' Houle a new dad, back in fold February 7, 2002

By Peter Barrouquere
Staff writer/The Times-Picayune

PENSACOLA, FLA. -- Emma Houle is much too young to talk, but for a while it looked as if she was going to have a lot to say about the New Orleans Brass' playoff chances.

Mia Houle was late in delivering her first child, meaning her husband, J.F., an aggressive right wing who was leading the Brass in scoring, missed the last three games, all on the road, to be with her. The Brass, which is scrambling for a playoff spot, lost two of those games.

Emma finally arrived nine days late Tuesday, weighing six pounds, nine ounces, at Touro Infirmary. Her dad is now resuming his playing career when the Brass plays the Pensacola Ice Pilots at 7:05 p.m. today at Pensacola Civic Center.

"I'm anxious to get back to playing," said J.F. Houle, who now trails Mikko Sivonen by a point as the Brass' No. 2 scorer. "I haven't played in almost two weeks. I'm anxious to be with the boys and meet the new guys."

Houle has 20 goals and 21 assists in 38 games, so Coach Ted Sator is just as anxious to get him back to help pump up the Brass' offense.

"We missed him, there's no question," Sator said. "We missed his grit. We missed his leadership in the room, but our main concern was for the health of Mia Houle and her baby."

Houle said he missed playing, but the decision was a no-brainer.

"(Mia) was a little late, so I didn't want to take any chances and go to Peoria (Jan. 25, 26)," he said. "That was her due date. I really wanted to play against the (Louisiana) IceGators (on Monday night), but I guess nature runs its course the way it wants to. The baby just didn't want to come."

Emma Houle finally was born, and her father said she was well worth the wait.

"She's beautiful," J.F. Houle said. "The whole thing is awesome. It was a great experience. She's a special little girl that we have. It's great."