Avalanche legend had big controversial demands for teammates
Photo credit: Ann Heisenfelt / AP
Colorado Avalanche legend Patrick Roy was famous not just for his play in net, but also for the big, often controversial demands he placed on his teammates throughout his NHL career, expecting nothing less than excellence at all times.
The Avalanche boasted one of the greatest goalies in NHL history, who made it clear to his teammates that he expected their absolute best every single game.
Patrick Roy had big demands from his teammates over his career.
Tyler Major-Mcnicol from Breakaway On Si writes that it's no surprise that Hall of Famer and former Stanley Cup-winning Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy was intense, but the high expectations he set for his teammates are a big part of why he remains such a pivotal figure across the NHL.
"Most goaltenders are vocal, and they communicate with their defenseman to move the puck quickly, or let them know when they have a little more time to collect the puck and plan a detailed breakout on the fly. But Roy, who was no stranger to engaging in conversation with the opposition, also knew how to motivate the team's top players." -Major-Mcnicol
Vincent Damphousse told Spittin' Chiclets how Roy motivated him when the Montreal Canadiens needed a spark. Though usually the coaches' job, Roy was blunt yet careful not to be too harsh.
Damphousse was expected to score, especially in tight games when the Canadiens needed a spark. While Roy telling him to deliver 35-plus goals might seem condescending, it carried weight. After all,Roy had saved more than his share of pucks.
"Athletes don't always consider the way their teammates feel while on the ice; it's all about winning and finding innovative ways to gain an extra edge on the opposition.
But Roy conceivably mastered being harsh within reason, which resonated on the ice and off the ice; he was one of the guys, just like any other player." -Major-Mcnicol
But Roy conceivably mastered being harsh within reason, which resonated on the ice and off the ice; he was one of the guys, just like any other player." -Major-Mcnicol
Despite the infamous blow-up with Canadiens head coach Mario Tremblay, who refused to pull Roy even after he allowed nine goals, Roy found his stride with the Avalanche.
"Roy was many things, but fierce competitor, leader and almost like a coach between the pipes sums it up quite well, and his ability to transition into the Avalanche dressing room was impressive. It was a group full of future Hall of Famers, and Roy didn't just fit in; he was the missing piece." -Major-Mcnicol
Colorado acquired Roy on December 6, 1995, and went on to win the Stanley Cup roughly six months later. The Avalanche already had a strong core, with Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg leading the offense and Adam Foote and Sandis Ozolinsh anchoring the defense.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 3 | 16 ANSWERS Avalanche legend had big controversial demands for teammates Do you think Patrick Roy was a good teammate? | ||
| yes | 15 | 93.8 % |
| no | 1 | 6.3 % |
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