Patrick Roy, the coach of the New York Islanders, recently visited Ball Arena in Denver, where he used to play for the Colorado Avalanche. Roy, who won two Stanley Cup titles with the Avalanche as a goaltender, reflected on his time with the team, both the good and the bad.
Despite abruptly resigning as the Avalanche coach in 2016, Roy has no regrets about his decision. It took him over seven years to land another NHL head coaching job, but he is grateful for the opportunity to be back in the league. He expressed his appreciation for the position and the chance to return to the bench last January with the Islanders.
Roy’s departure opened the door for Jared Bednar to take over as the Avalanche coach. Bednar struggled in his first season, but eventually led the team to win the Stanley Cup in 2022. Roy congratulated his former team on their success and expressed his pride in the connection he had with the fans during his time in Colorado.
During his visit to Denver, Roy couldn’t help but remember Pierre Lacroix, the former Avalanche general manager who passed away in 2020. Lacroix played a significant role in bringing Roy to Colorado, and Roy will always be grateful for the opportunity Lacroix gave him.
Throughout his Hall of Fame goaltending career with Montreal and Colorado, Roy won 551 games and was part of four Stanley Cup-winning teams. He acknowledged that his coaching philosophy has evolved over the years, emphasizing the importance of hard work and continuous learning in the NHL.
As Roy prepared to face his former team as the Islanders’ coach, he maintained a respectful and grateful attitude towards the Avalanche organization. He cherished the memories he made during his time in Colorado and expressed his gratitude for the experience.
Reflecting on his journey from player to coach, Roy highlighted the privilege of coaching in the NHL and the need to appreciate every day in the position. Despite the ups and downs he faced in his coaching career, he remains thankful for the opportunities he has had in the league.
Roy’s return to Denver symbolized a full circle moment in his career, where he could appreciate the past while looking towards the future with optimism. His humility and gratitude towards his hockey journey serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and appreciation in the face of challenges.