Brief Introduction of Patrick Roy
Patrick Jacques Roy is a legendary Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and current head coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the sport. Nicknamed “Saint Patrick,” his illustrious 19-season playing career in the National Hockey League (NHL) was split between the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche. Roy is celebrated for winning four Stanley Cups, two with each franchise, and is the only player in NHL history to be awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP three times and in three different decades. He is also credited with popularizing the butterfly style of goaltending, a technique that revolutionized the position and has become the dominant style for goaltenders worldwide. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, further cementing his legacy in the hockey world. In 2017, he was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history.
Patrick Roy Overview
| Full Name | Patrick Jacques Roy |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1965 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 60 |
| Birthplace | Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
| Profession | Former NHL Goaltender, NHL Head Coach |
| Husband/Wife | Michèle Piuze (m. 1990, div. 2003) |
| Family | Parents: Michel Roy, Barbara (Miller) Roy; Brother: Stéphane Roy; Children: Jonathan, Frederick, Jana |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated $45 million |
Early Life and Education of Patrick Roy
Patrick Jacques Roy was born on October 5, 1965, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and spent his formative years in the nearby community of Cap-Rouge. His parents are Michel and Barbara (Miller) Roy, and he has a younger brother, Stéphane. Roy’s interest in hockey, specifically in goaltending, ignited at the young age of seven, drawing inspiration from NHL goalies like Rogie Vachon and Dan Bouchard. He honed his skills playing in the 1977 and 1978 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a local Quebec City team. Before ascending to the major junior ranks, he played for the Sainte-Foy Gouverneurs. His junior hockey career was spent with the Granby Bisons of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for three seasons, from 1982 to 1985. Despite being on a struggling team, the Montreal Canadiens recognized his potential and selected him 51st overall in the third round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
Patrick Roy’s Career
Playing Career: A Tale of Two Dynasties
Patrick Roy’s NHL journey began with the team he grew up disliking, the Montreal Canadiens, as he was a fan of the rival Quebec Nordiques. He made his NHL debut on February 23, 1985. His rookie season in 1985-86 was nothing short of spectacular. At just 20 years old, he led the Canadiens to an unexpected Stanley Cup victory, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, making him the youngest recipient in the award’s history at the time. This incredible playoff run, which included a record 10 overtime wins, earned him the nickname “Saint Patrick.” Roy continued to be a cornerstone for the Canadiens, winning the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender in 1989, 1990, and 1992, and sharing the William M. Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed in 1987, 1988, and 1989. He led Montreal to another Stanley Cup championship in 1993, once again capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy after a remarkable playoff performance that included a record 10 consecutive overtime wins.
A dramatic turning point in his career occurred on December 2, 1995. After being left in a game where he allowed nine goals against the Detroit Red Wings, a humiliated Roy skated to the Canadiens’ president and declared it was his last game in Montreal. Four days later, he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter and another dynasty. In his very first season with the Avalanche (1995-96), he led the team to its first-ever Stanley Cup. He continued to be a dominant force in Colorado, backstopping the team to a second Stanley Cup victory in 2001. This achievement was punctuated by his third Conn Smythe Trophy win, a feat unmatched by any other player. He retired in 2003 as the NHL’s all-time leader in regular-season wins (a record later broken by Martin Brodeur). He was the first goaltender to play 1,000 NHL games and remains the leader in career playoff wins with 151.
Coaching Career: From Junior Success to the NHL Bench
After retiring as a player, Roy immediately transitioned into a new role in hockey. He became the owner, general manager, and eventually the head coach of the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. His competitive fire translated seamlessly to coaching, leading the Remparts to a Memorial Cup victory in 2006 and again in 2023. His success in junior hockey led to his return to the NHL, this time behind the bench. On May 23, 2013, he was named the head coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Colorado Avalanche. In his debut season (2013-14), he led the team to a division title and was awarded the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year. He coached the Avalanche for three seasons before abruptly resigning in August 2016, citing a lack of input in personnel decisions. After another successful stint with the Remparts, Roy made his return to an NHL head coaching role on January 20, 2024, when he was hired by the New York Islanders.
Patrick Roy Personal Life & Family
Patrick Roy married Michèle Piuze on June 9, 1990. Together, they have three children: two sons, Jonathan and Frederick, and a daughter, Jana. Both of his sons followed in his footsteps to play hockey, with both playing for the Quebec Remparts while their father was the head coach. Jonathan eventually left hockey to pursue a music career. Jana is reportedly a high school teacher and has made Roy a grandfather to two boys. The marriage between Patrick and Michèle ended in divorce in 2003. Roy has largely kept his personal relationships private following his divorce and has not remarried. He has been a significant contributor to the Ronald McDonald House charity since the 1980s.
Awards and Achievements of Patrick Roy
- Stanley Cup Champion (Player): 1986, 1993, 1996, 2001
- Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP): 1986, 1993, 2001
- Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender): 1989, 1990, 1992
- William M. Jennings Trophy (Fewest Goals Against): 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 2002
- Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year): 2014
- Hockey Hall of Fame Induction: 2006
- Named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’: 2017
- NHL All-Rookie Team: 1986
- NHL First Team All-Star: 1989, 1990, 1992
- NHL All-Star Game Appearances: 11 times
- Memorial Cup Champion (Coach): 2006, 2023
Patrick Roy Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Patrick Roy’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his long and successful career as an NHL player, where he earned substantial salaries, and his subsequent career as a team owner, general manager, and head coach in both the QMJHL and the NHL. His various roles have provided him with multiple streams of income within the hockey industry for decades.
Legacy and Influence
Patrick Roy’s legacy is immense and multifaceted. He is widely credited with popularizing the butterfly style of goaltending, a technique that involves dropping to the knees to cover the lower part of the net. This style has since become the predominant method used by goaltenders at all levels of hockey across the globe. His intense competitiveness and remarkable clutch performances redefined the importance of the goaltender position, proving a goalie could be a team’s most valuable player and leader. His number 33 jersey has been retired by both the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, making him one of only a handful of players to receive such an honor from two different organizations. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2006, Roy is consistently ranked among the greatest goalies of all time, with many polls and panels selecting him as the very best in NHL history.
Interesting Facts about Patrick Roy
- Patrick Roy was born on the exact same day as fellow hockey legend Mario Lemieux: October 5, 1965.
- He was notoriously superstitious during his playing career, known for rituals like talking to his goalposts, never skating on the blue or red lines, and writing his children’s names on his sticks.
- An avid hockey card collector, Roy’s passion began when his father gave him a 1951-52 Parkhurst set; his personal collection has grown to over 100,000 cards.
- The first major individual award Roy ever won was the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1986; he had never won an MVP or All-Star team selection in junior hockey.
- In 1994, he underwent an emergency appendectomy during a playoff series against the Boston Bruins, missed only one game, and returned to lead his team to a 5-2 victory, making 39 saves.
Controversies
Patrick Roy’s career has not been without controversy, often stemming from his intense and fiery personality. In October 2000, while playing for the Avalanche, he was arrested for domestic violence following an argument with his then-wife, Michèle Piuze. He admitted to damaging property in their home, though the charges were eventually dropped. As a coach in the QMJHL, he was involved in a controversial on-ice incident in March 2008. A brawl broke out during a game, and Roy’s son, Jonathan, who was the team’s goaltender, was involved in a one-sided fight with the opposing goalie. Patrick Roy faced criticism and a five-game suspension for his perceived role in encouraging his son’s actions.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy’s journey from a young goalie in Quebec to a celebrated player and respected coach is a testament to his passion, skill, and unwavering competitive spirit. As a player, he revolutionized the goaltending position and built a legacy defined by clutch performances and championship victories. His transition to coaching has allowed him to impart his knowledge and intensity to a new generation of players, achieving success at both the junior and professional levels. Currently serving as the head coach for the New York Islanders, Roy continues to be a prominent and influential figure in the hockey world. His impact on the game is undeniable, ensuring that “Saint Patrick” will be remembered not just for the records he broke and the trophies he won, but for fundamentally changing the way the game is played.
