NFL
By: Jesse Rosales
In a surprise move, it was announced over the weekend that the New York Islanders had fired Head Coach Lane Lambert, and immediately hired NHL All-Time great goaltender, Patrick Roy, as his replacement. Lambert was only Head Coach of the Islanders for 2 seasons, but this campaign just hasn’t gone according to plan. Having won only 2 of their previous 10 games prior to Roy’s arrival, the team was desperate to make a move in order to keep pace in the Wild Card race in the Eastern Conference.
New York president of hockey operations and general manager Lou Lamoriello said, “Watching our team play, I felt that the inconsistency that has been going on for some period of time was not going to end,”. Not words of endearment for your Head Coach, and maybe the organization just felt like they needed a more aggressive and dynamic voice in the locker room. Well, it doesn’t get any more aggressive and dynamic than Patrick Roy. Let’s recap Roy’s career and how we got to where we are today.
Patrick Roy – The Goalie
Born on October 5, 1965, in Quebec City, Canada, Roy’s journey from the goaltender’s crease to the coaching bench has been nothing short of remarkable.
Roy’s playing career, primarily with the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, established him as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. Known for his exceptional reflexes, mental toughness, and an unmatched competitive spirit, Roy won four Stanley Cups during his playing career and earned numerous accolades, including the Conn Smythe Trophy three times.
Roy’s 151 playoff wins record is first all-time and his 551 regular season wins record is third all-time. played in eleven All-Star games and won three Vezina Trophies (awarded annually to the NHL’s best goalie) and five William Jennings Trophies (awarded annually to the goalie on a team with the fewest goals against). Arguably the single greatest goalie of all time, but undeniably one of the most ever to do it.
Patrick Roy – Coach of Quebec Ramparts
In 2005, Patrick Roy, fresh off a storied playing career, took the reins as the head coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Quebec Remparts. The move marked a significant transition for Roy, transitioning from the celebrated goaltender to a leader behind the bench.
Roy’s impact was immediate. In his inaugural season as head coach, he guided the Remparts to a remarkable achievement—the Memorial Cup championship. The team’s triumph was a testament to Roy’s coaching acumen and ability to motivate his players. It was evident that his winning mentality and experience as a player seamlessly translated into success in his coaching role.
Roy’s coaching philosophy extended beyond the tactical aspects of the game. He became known for his ability to develop young talent, nurturing the skills and potential of his players. Under his guidance, several players flourished, showcasing their abilities and contributing significantly to the team’s success. Roy would return to coach the Ramparts one more time from the 2018/19 season through the 2022/23 season when he would once again have the Remparts winning the Memorial Cup for a second time during his tenure.
Patrick Roy – Colorado Avalanche Head Coach
Retiring as a player in 2003, Patrick Roy didn’t stay away from the game for long. In 2005, he made his entry into coaching by accepting the position of head coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Quebec Remparts, a team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Roy’s impact was immediate, as he led the Remparts to a Memorial Cup championship in his first season behind the bench.
Roy’s success at the junior level quickly caught the attention of NHL teams. In 2013, he returned to the Colorado Avalanche, this time as the head coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations. His tenure with the Avalanche was marked by a remarkable turnaround, taking the team from the bottom of the standings to a Central Division title in his first season. Roy’s coaching style, a blend of strategic acumen and motivational skills, played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Avalanche.
One of Roy’s notable strengths as a coach was his ability to develop young talent. Under his guidance, players like Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog flourished, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Roy’s emphasis on a fast-paced, aggressive style of play resonated with his players and brought excitement back to the Avalanche franchise.
However, coaching at the highest level comes with its challenges, and in 2016, Patrick Roy decided to step down as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche. Despite his relatively short tenure in the NHL coaching ranks, Roy left a lasting impact on the teams he led.
Patrick Roy’s coaching career extends beyond the NHL and into the international stage. He served as the head coach for Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2017, adding another dimension to his coaching portfolio.
Patrick Roy – The Next Phase
Now as the head coach of the New York Islanders, the league will turn their eyes to Roy and see how he does during his second tenure as an NHL head coach. There is no doubt in the difference in personality between Lambert and Roy, but to be honest, that could probably be said for anyone you put up against #33.
The team is currently 2 points out of a playoff position, but we still have half of a season of hockey to play. With teams like the Capitals, Devils, and Maple Leafs struggling as of late, the door is completely wide open for Patrick Roy and the New York Islanders. The Isles started off on the right foot by beating the Dallas Stars in OT to give Roy his first win in his inaugural game behind the bench. It will be fascinating to watch, and I will admit that a very small piece of soul, just became a Islanders fan.
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