DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday that their former Hall of Fame goaltender, Patrick Roy, is the new head coach.
The player who was crucial in leading Colorado to two Stanley Cup championships joins another star former player who did the same thing. Roy and Joe Sakic are now at the top of the Avs’ organization.
COACH ROY: The #Avalanche has reached an agreement in principle w/ Patrick Roy to become the franchise's Head Coach/VP of Hockey Operations.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 23, 2013
Sakic was named executive vice president of the Avalanche on May 10.
Patrick’s brother, Stephane, first broke the news on his Facebook page Monday. But then he backed off.
“All along Patrick was our top candidate & we are thrilled that he has decided to accept this offer,” Sakic said. “Patrick has a great hockey mind, is a tremendous coach and there is no one more passionate about this game.”
Roy, 47, has been coach and general manager of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the past eight seasons. His record there is 348-196-0.
The Avalanche will hold a news conference after the Memorial Day holiday next week to officially announce Roy’s hiring… and that the superstar goalie is coming back to Denver.
“This is an unbelievable day for me. It’s a new and exciting challenge that I am really looking forward to,” Roy said Thursday.
Patrick Roy becomes the 6th head coach in #Avalanche team history: Full Story: http://t.co/Z5YCC5xP1V
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 23, 2013
In addition to his coaching duties, Roy will also work with Exec. VP of Hockey Ops Joe Sakic in all player personnel decisions.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 23, 2013
Roy won two Stanley Cup Championships while playing goalie for the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. He retired in 2003 and was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 2006.
Long time Avalanche fans will remember the days when the rivalry between Colorado and the Detroit Red Wings was one of the most intense in all of sports. Remember when goalie Patrick Roy fought goalie Mike Vernon on March 26, 1997 at center ice? Watch it below:
