Patrick Roy
The legendary goaltender who won four Stanley Cups and revolutionized the position with the butterfly style.
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.
- Role
- Goaltender
- Affiliation
- Montreal Canadiens (1984–1995)
- Stanley Cups Won
- 2 (1986, 1993)
- Conn Smythe Trophies
- 2
- Status
- Hall of Fame Inductee
Lore & Background
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. In the 1992–93 season, during the first round of the 1993 playoffs against the archrival Quebec Nordiques, the Canadiens lost the first two games of the series, then won the next four games. Roy led his team to the Stanley Cup championship and was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner. On December 2, 1995, in his 22nd game of the 1995–96 season, Roy was in net against the Detroit Red Wings during Montreal's worst home game in franchise history, an 11–1 loss. He was pulled in the middle of the second period. Roy's number 33 sweater is retired by both the Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche.
In Their Own Story
On the ice, the puck zipped toward the net, a blur of white against the dark boards. Roy didn't just react; he anticipated, dropping into his signature butterfly, sealing the bottom corners with surgical precision. The crowd erupted as the save was made, a roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the arena. He rose slowly, tapping his pads against the ice in a ritual of defiance, his eyes locked on the opposing forward. In that moment, he wasn't just a player; he was the guardian of a legacy, a silent promise that as long as he stood between the pipes, hope would not die.
Reader's Guide
Roy is widely credited with popularizing the butterfly style of goaltending. He is the only player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy three times, 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. After retiring, Roy was head coach for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, as well as the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. He then served as head coach of the New York Islanders from January 2024 until April 2026.
Did You Know?
- Roy was selected as the greatest goaltender in NHL history in 2004 by a panel of 41 writers, coupled with a simultaneous fan poll.
- On November 13, 2006, Roy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Roy won the William M. Jennings Trophy in 1987, 1988, and 1989, and the Vezina Trophy in 1989, 1990, and 1992.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Patrick Roy?
Patrick Roy is widely celebrated as one of the greatest goaltenders in hockey history, best known for his transformative tenure with the Montreal Canadiens from 1984 to 1995. His unique butterfly style and fierce mental toughness turned him into an icon who defined an era of dominance for the franchise.
What role did Patrick Roy play on the team?
As the primary goaltender, Roy served as the ultimate guardian of the net, utilizing his signature butterfly technique to stop pucks with icy composure. His presence in the crease provided the defensive backbone necessary for the Canadiens' success during his decade-long stay.
How many Stanley Cups did Patrick Roy win with Montreal?
Patrick Roy led the Montreal Canadiens to two championship victories, securing the Stanley Cup in 1986 and again in 1993. These triumphs cemented his legacy as a central figure in the team's most celebrated folklore.
What individual awards did Patrick Roy earn?
Roy was honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy twice, recognizing him as the most valuable player of the playoffs during both 1986 and 1993. His exceptional performance also earned him a well-deserved induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Why is Patrick Roy considered so important to Canadiens history?
He remains an enduring symbol of excellence for the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge, having transformed the team's fortunes through his unparalleled skill and killer instinct. His ability to deliver under pressure made him the definitive face of a golden era in Montreal hockey.
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