Patrick Roy: From Legendary Goalie to Fiery Islanders Bench Boss
The hockey world was jolted on January 20, 2024, when the New York Islanders made a stunning mid-season change, firing Lane Lambert and naming Patrick Roy as their new head coach. For a franchise steeped in a history of legendary goaltending, the move to hire “Saint Patrick”—one of the greatest to ever play the position—felt like a seismic shift. Roy’s return to the NHL bench wasn’t just a coaching change; it was the arrival of a volcanic, championship-winning personality determined to reignite a struggling team.
Roy’s legacy as a player is untouchable, a Hall of Famer who revolutionized goaltending with his butterfly style and competitive fire. Now, he brings that same intensity to Long Island, promising a new era for the Islanders. His coaching tenure, marked by immediate passion and headline-grabbing press conferences, has already become one of the most compelling stories in the league.
The Legend: Patrick Roy’s Unmatched Playing Career
Video Correlato: Patrick Roy and Dave Rittich on Islanders blanking Rangers 2-0
Born on October 5, 1965, in Quebec City, Patrick Jacques Roy’s path to immortality began with the Montreal Canadiens. His competitive fire was legendary, perhaps best exemplified early in his career. After a newspaper in his hometown suggested he be traded following soft goals, Roy used the criticism as fuel, leading the Canadiens on a dominant playoff run. This fiery response became a hallmark of his career.
Roy’s impact transcended wins and losses. He is widely credited with popularizing the butterfly style of goaltending, a technique that has shaped how every NHL goalie plays today. His list of accolades is a testament to his dominance, cementing his status as a Canadian sports icon.
Patrick Roy: Career Biography & Key Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Jacques Roy |
| Birth Date & Place | October 5, 1965, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
| NHL Playing Career | 1984-2003 (Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche) |
| Primary Position | Goaltender |
| Stanley Cups | 4 (1986, 1993 with MTL; 1996, 2001 with COL) |
| Conn Smythe Trophies | 3 (1986, 1993, 2001) |
| Vezina Trophies | 3 (1989, 1990, 1992) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2006 |
| Current Role (2026) | Head Coach, New York Islanders |
Coaching Journey: From Colorado to Long Island
After retiring, Roy transitioned to coaching and management. His first NHL head coaching opportunity came with the Colorado Avalanche in 2013, where he made an immediate splash. In his first season, he led the team to a Central Division title and won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year. Following his time in Colorado, he returned to major junior hockey, leading the Quebec Remparts to a Memorial Cup championship in 2023.
This success made him a prime candidate for a return to the NHL. When the Islanders were searching for a spark in January 2024, President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello turned to Roy’s proven winning pedigree and intense leadership style.
The Islanders Coaching Change: Key Dates
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| January 20, 2024 | Lane Lambert Fired | Islanders part ways with their head coach mid-season. |
| January 20, 2024 | Patrick Roy Hired | Roy is officially named the new head coach of the New York Islanders. |
| January 21, 2024 | First Practice & Media Availability | Roy admits to nerves but outlines his vision for the team. |
Roy’s Coaching Style: Passion, Fire, and High Expectations
True to his personality, Roy’s coaching tenure with the Islanders has been anything but quiet. He has brought his legendary intensity directly behind the bench and into the media room. Reports and videos have shown Roy as “absolutely furious” after poor performances, even following wins. He has been visibly irate over defensive lapses, such as an “embarrassing final few minutes” in a victory against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Yet, his approach is multifaceted. Following a six-game losing streak, he was also noted for being “shockingly ultra-optimistic” in a post-game press conference, showing a calculated side aimed at protecting and motivating his players during tough times. This complex blend of blistering criticism and steadfast support defines his leadership.
“It was unacceptable. We have standards here, and we did not meet them in those final minutes. That will be addressed.” – Patrick Roy on his team’s performance in a 5-4 win.
What Roy’s Hire Means for the Islanders’ Future
Roy’s hiring signals the Islanders’ commitment to changing their culture. He is a winner who demands accountability and excellence, traits he embodied as a player. For a core group that has experienced playoff success but has struggled with consistency, Roy’s voice commands immediate respect. His task is to harness his fiery passion to elevate the team’s performance, particularly in tight, defensive games that define playoff hockey.
The early chapters of his Islanders story have been defined by emotional extremes—from explosive criticism to calm optimism. This rollercoaster is likely to continue, as Roy seeks to imprint his championship mentality on every player in the room. For Islanders fans and the NHL at large, the Patrick Roy era promises to be must-watch television.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Patrick Roy hired as Islanders coach?
Patrick Roy was hired as the head coach of the New York Islanders on January 20, 2024, replacing the fired Lane Lambert.
How many Stanley Cups did Patrick Roy win as a player?
Patrick Roy won four Stanley Cups during his legendary playing career: two with the Montreal Canadiens (1986, 1993) and two with the Colorado Avalanche (1996, 2001).
What is Patrick Roy’s coaching style known for?
Roy’s coaching style is known for its extreme passion, fiery intensity, and extremely high expectations. He is very vocal about accountability and effort, which is often displayed in his candid and sometimes explosive post-game press conferences.
Did Patrick Roy coach in the NHL before the Islanders?
Yes. Prior to joining the Islanders, Patrick Roy was the head coach and vice president of hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche from 2013 to 2016, winning the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in his first season.