DENVER — Stepping onto the ice at Ball Arena, New York Islanders coach Patrick Roy paused to take in the sight of his retired No. 33 banner hanging among others representing the Colorado Avalanche. This familiar setting stirred up fond memories for Roy, who played a pivotal role in securing two Stanley Cup victories for Colorado. However, it also served as a reminder of his abrupt exit from the team’s coaching position just two months prior to the 2016-17 NHL season.
Roy reflected on this mixture of memories following practice on Monday, ahead of his first game against the Avalanche as the Islanders’ head coach. “A lot of good memories,” he remarked, expressing his desire to focus on the positive aspects of his past rather than any lingering negativity.
Despite the prolonged wait of more than seven years for another head coaching opportunity in the NHL, Roy harbors no regrets about how events unfolded. He expressed a heightened appreciation for coaching after returning to the role last January when he succeeded Lane Lambert, guiding the Islanders to a playoff berth with a record of 20-12-5. “I’m in a much better place today than I was then,” he stated, noting his newfound respect for the coaching position and the league itself. He acknowledged the success that followed his departure from Colorado, particularly in the case of Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar.
Bednar, who took over coaching duties after Roy’s exit, faced a challenging initial season with the Avalanche. However, just five years later, the team was celebrating its Stanley Cup victory. “I probably owe him a big hug and a steak dinner,” Bednar joked about Roy’s influence. He emphasized the personal nature of decisions, but acknowledged that losing Roy opened the door to an incredible opportunity for him.
In 2022, when the Avalanche captured the coveted Cup, Roy reached out to long-time teammate and Avalanche president Joe Sakic to express his pride in their accomplishment. “I was happy for them,” Roy shared, reflecting on the deep connection he feels with the franchise and its fans.
Returning to Denver provoked thoughts of Pierre Lacroix, the Avalanche general manager who passed away in 2020. Lacroix had previously been Roy’s agent and was instrumental in orchestrating the trade that brought Roy to Colorado. “He’s the one that gave me my chance,” Roy remembered.
Over the course of his illustrious goaltending career, Roy amassed 551 wins and collected three Vezina trophies, contributing to four Stanley Cup victories with the Canadiens and Avalanche combined. In 2013, he was hired by Colorado as head coach to help resurrect the struggling franchise, leading them to the playoffs in his first season. However, Roy unexpectedly stepped down two years later, with Sakic attributing his departure to the team’s challenges on the ice.
“I used to take things for granted,” Roy admitted regarding his past attitudes. He emphasized the importance of humility in coaching, recognizing it as a privilege to be in the NHL. “Every day you need to put the work (in), you try to learn new things,” he said, asserting that he has embraced this philosophy more than in the past.
As he prepares for the game, he maintains a steady approach, reflecting on his affection for both the Avalanche and Montreal, the two teams that shaped his illustrious hockey career. “I had great memories over those 11 years that I was involved with the (Avalanche) organization. I’m thankful for it,” he concluded, cherishing the journey that has brought him back to the ice.
