End of an Era: Allain Retires at Yale, Howe Steps In for 2025-26

Assistant coach Joe Howe will take over as interim head coach for 2025-26

Yale head coach Keith Allain is retiring — effective immediately. Longtime assistant Joe Howe will take over the Bulldogs on an interim basis for the 2025-26 season, with the university set to launch a national search once the year wraps up.

Allain, a 1980 Yale alum, carved out a remarkable run in New Haven, highlighted by the program’s lone national championship in 2013. In 18 seasons behind the bench, he guided the Bulldogs to six NCAA Tournament appearances.

“It is with profound gratitude that I announce my retirement from Yale Hockey,” Allain said in a statement. “My wife, Mi, our three children, and I have been truly blessed by our time with the Bulldogs. I want to thank each of my players, who inspired and challenged me to be at my best; the coaches and administrators who became like family; and our alumni and fans, whose unwavering support made Ingalls Rink a true home for all of us. Serving as Yale’s head hockey coach has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Thank you.”

Howe, a former Colorado College goaltender, brings a championship pedigree of his own. He was part of Denver’s 2017 national title-winning staff and joined Yale in 2021 after a stint as an assistant at Alaska.