Patrick Roy

King of goaltenders, Saint Patrick.

Patrick Jacques Roy (born October 5, 1965) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach, executive, and former player who most recently was the head coach for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Roy was hailed in sports media as 'king of goaltenders' and was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history in 2017. Nicknamed 'Saint Patrick', he split his playing career in the NHL between the Montreal Canadiens, with whom he played for 11 years, and the Colorado Avalanche, with whom he played for eight years. Roy won the Stanley Cup four times during his career, two with each franchise.

Quick Facts

Hall of Fame: 2006
Born: 5 October 1965
Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Position: Goaltender
Catches: Left
Played for: Montreal Canadiens; Colorado Avalanche
Coached for: Colorado Avalanche; New York Islanders
Draft: 51st overall

Lore & Background

Roy is widely credited with popularizing the butterfly style of goaltending, which has since become the dominant style of goaltending around the world. After retiring, Roy was head coach for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, as well as the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He then served as head coach of the Islanders from January 2024 until April 2026.

Reader's Guide

Roy was drafted in the third round as the 51st overall pick in the 1984 NHL entry draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He made his NHL debut on February 23, 1985. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy three times, the only player in NHL history to do so, and the only one to do so in three different decades (1980s, 1990s, and 2000s), and the only one to do so for two different teams. Roy's number 33 sweater is retired by both the Canadiens and Avalanche.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Patrick Roy?

He is a legendary Quebec-born goaltender who joined the Avalanche in 1995 and became the franchise's most iconic player. Many consider him one of the greatest netminders in NHL history due to his dominance between the pipes.

What championships did he win?

He led the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup victories, securing titles in both 1996 and 2001. These wins cemented his legacy as a winner who could perform under the highest pressure.