Junior League to the Big League:Patrick Roy to Coach The Colorado Avalanche?

On May 28, 2006, the Quebec Remparts won the Memorial Cup, making Roy the seventh coach the win the Cup in his rookie year. However, not all his days as a coach are glorious ones.

Here are little examples of Roy’s behavior as a coach in the Quebec Junior league.

On Jan. 19, 2007, police investigated an incident involving Patrick Roy and Pierre Cardinal, the co-owner of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Reports say Roy threw several punches at the co-owner after he tried to disperse a crowd of fans that was blocking the Remparts' bus. An assault complaint was filed against Roy. It was later reported that he apologized to Pierre Cardinal by telephone.

During a press conference on Jan. 21, 2007, Roy said he was "suffering prejudice on the part of the media" and that he felt no guilt about the whole incident. He even questioned his future with the team. A few days later, Pierre Cardinal announced he was removing his complaint against him. Roy decided to stay with the team.

On March 22, 2008, an on-ice incident tarnished Roy’s image once more. It was Game Two of the playoffs against the Sagueneens. Late in the second period, a brawl started between the two teams.

Jonathan Roy, Patrick’s son, charged the other goaltender, Bobby Nadeau. Roy punched him several times despite the fact that Nadeau didn’t want to fight. He continued to punch him after Nadeau fell on the ground. He then went out to fight another player. He left the ice pointing both middle fingers at the crowd.

While Patrick Roy denied that he incited his son to fight, the cameras caught him gesturing toward his son while Jonathan was skating towards Nadeau.

The league suspended Jonathan Roy for seven games and fined him $500. His father was suspended for five games and fined $1,000. The Quebec Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into the matter as well.

These incidents are not the only ones. There several other reports of Roy physically or verbally attacking parents, fans, refs, and his former coaches.

In December 1995 game against the Detroit Red Wings, Roy allowed nine goals on 26 shots. Coach Mario Tremblay kept him in the net to teach him humility. When Tremblay pulled him out in the middle of the second period, Roy stormed past Tremblay and told team president Ronald Corey, “It’s my last game in Montreal.” It was no secret that Roy and Tremblay didn’t like each other.

In another incident during the 2006-2007 NHL season, he joked around with reporters every time Guillaume Latendresse would miss a goal. When Latendresse finally scored, Roy said to the media, “Are you sure he touched the puck?” That’s no way to treat a teammate when you’re supposed to be one of the team leaders.

Is Roy ready to step into NHL coaching?

I personally don’t think the NHL needs a coach like Roy. His childish attitude behind the bench doesn’t deserve a chance in the big league. Yes, he indeed has a winning record,but it's about more than that

With his ego, how will he handle players? Will he be able to get the best performance out of them, or will he divide the locker room? Right now, he’s owner and coach of the Remparts. How is he going to respond to having to report to a GM and president?