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.
- position
- Goaltender
- team_era
- Colorado Avalanche (1995–2003)
- individual_awards
- Three Conn Smythe Trophies (one with Montreal, two with Colorado)
- retirement_number
- #33
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
The trade was born from frustration in Montreal. On December 2, 1995, during an 11–1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, Roy allowed nine goals on 26 shots. After making a save, the crowd gave mock applause, prompting Roy to sarcastically raise his arms. Coach Jacques Tremblay pulled him mid-second period. Because of a unique seating arrangement at the Forum where Molson executives sat directly behind the bench without glass partitions, an enraged Roy stormed past Tremblay to confront President Ronald Corey, declaring it was his final game in Montreal. He was suspended and traded four days later. His performance in these years helped him become one of only three players to win Conn Smythe Trophies for two different teams, a feat accomplished while playing just eight seasons with the Avalanche.
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.
Did You Know?
- Roy is the only player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy three times.
- Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy with Montreal in 1986 and 1993, and with Colorado in 2001.
- Roy's number 33 sweater is retired by both the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado 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.
When did he play for Colorado?
Roy spent eight seasons with the team, playing from 1995 until his retirement in 2003. His arrival transformed the franchise shortly after it relocated into a perennial contender.
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.
Why is his number retired?
The organization permanently retired jersey number 33 to honor his unparalleled contributions and leadership during his career. It stands as a tribute to the King of the Rockies and his transformative impact on the club's culture.
What individual awards did he earn in Colorado?
During his tenure, he captured multiple prestigious honors including Vezina Trophies for best goaltending and Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP. His accolades reflect a period where he was statistically the most effective player on the ice.
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