Patrick Roy

Patrick Roy is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and current head coach of the New York Islanders. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League, renowned for his intense competitiveness, pioneering use of the butterfly style, and record-setting Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy performances. Following his legendary playing career, he transitioned to coaching, winning a Memorial Cup in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and a Jack Adams Award with the Colorado Avalanche.

Early life and junior career

Born in Quebec City, Roy began playing organized hockey in the local Sainte-Foy minor system. He played his major junior hockey for the Granby Bisons of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where his standout performances caught the attention of National Hockey League scouts. His junior career culminated with him backstopping the Bisons to the President's Cup finals in 1984, solidifying his status as a top prospect. Roy was subsequently selected in the third round, 51st overall, by the storied Montreal Canadiens in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.

NHL playing career

Roy's NHL career began spectacularly when he was called up to the Montreal Canadiens during the 1985–86 NHL season and immediately led the team to a Stanley Cup championship, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff Most Valuable Player. He perfected and popularized the modern butterfly style of goaltending, forming a legendary partnership with goaltending coach François Allaire. After winning a second Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy with the Canadiens in 1993, a celebrated but tumultuous relationship with management led to his trade to the Colorado Avalanche in December 1995. In Denver, he promptly won the Stanley Cup in 1996 and again in 2001, while also capturing three William M. Jennings Trophies and three Vezina Trophies. He retired in 2003 as the league's all-time leader in regular-season wins, a record later broken by Martin Brodeur.

Coaching career

Roy immediately moved into coaching and management following his retirement, becoming head coach and general manager of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He led the Remparts to a Memorial Cup championship in 2006. In 2013, he returned to the Colorado Avalanche as their head coach and vice president of hockey operations, winning the Jack Adams Award in his first season. After three seasons behind the Avalanche bench, he returned to the Quebec Remparts before making a highly publicized return to the NHL in 2024 as head coach of the New York Islanders.

Legacy and impact

Roy's impact on the position of goaltender is profound, having revolutionized the game with his technical mastery of the butterfly style and unparalleled playoff prowess. His record of 151 postseason victories stood for decades, and his combined four Stanley Cup championships and three Conn Smythe Trophy awards remain unmatched. His intense, fiery demeanor and legendary rivalry with Detroit Red Wings goaltender Mike Vernon defined an era of the sport. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, with the Montreal Canadiens retiring his jersey number 33, and the Colorado Avalanche following suit shortly after.

Personal life

Roy has five children, including his son Jonathan Roy, who pursued a career in music and junior hockey. He has been involved in various business ventures, including ownership in the Quebec Remparts. His competitive nature has extended beyond the rink, including a well-publicized incident involving a property dispute with a neighbor in Saint-Apollinaire, Quebec. Roy remains a towering and sometimes controversial figure in the world of hockey, known for his passionate approach to both playing and coaching.

Category:Canadian ice hockey players Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches Category:Hockey Hall of Fame inductees