The Roys: Like Father, Like Son

The other night when Jonathon Roy displayed his total inability to control his emotions and lack of maturity he embarrassed himself and his team in front of the world (let's face it, if you have a tv, satellite, or home computer you have likely seen the video, so this is a broad audience that gets reached). One has to wonder what the two marbles in his head were saying to each other that caused him to think such actions were going to be met with acceptance or approval, let alone fanfare and applause. But, if he DID take the time to evaluate the options and decide to take action anyway, then it simply highlights an even bigger problem, that being a clear inability on his part to judge situations at a mature adult level and make responsible decisions.

How many Todd Bertuzzi or Chris Simon incidents need to occur before everyone gets it? In my mind, this tells me that whatever punishments are being handed down from the NHL or in other leagues for some of the recent violent hockey activities are clearly NOT sufficient enough, as there are clearly NO apparent deterrents here. If there was, people would be thinking twice and choosing an alternative way to express their anger. It just... keeps... happening... So I deduce that the penalties are not yet at a point where they are having any effect on a players choosing to act or not.

Make no mistake about it, I grew up a Philadelphia Flyer fan, turned on to the team by a certain number 27 who patrolled the crease in the late 80’s and 90's. Ron Hextall was one of the first goalies to stand up to those who were crashing his crease. You knew if you were going to be in his way you may pay a price. His jabs and chops with his stick were legendary. But when he two handed Kent Nilsson, breaking his ankle and sidelining him for the rest of the playoffs in 1987, I did not make any effort to defend those actions. He crossed the line and the suspension to start the next year was the punishment he deserved. This was not his only suspension but in any cases, I fully supported the contention that he crossed the line.

Over the past few years, there have been a variety of incidents, from Steve Moore to Chris Simon to Chris Pronger. There has been a crackdown (rightly so) due to the concern that the violence would get out of control. In a day and age when lawsuits are a plenty, the NHL does NOT need to be making the headlines for incidents like this. The discussions have been had and everyone has been made aware of the expectations of the players. That's why when yet another incident like this pops up it is even more baffling. This has been THE topic within hockey. So what aren't these players getting...

Roy displayed a total lack of respect for his team, and for the other goaltender especially. There was absolutely no reason that had to happen, and he is lucky that a significant injury was not suffered. One that would derail Roy's potential future as a hockey player. More disturbing however, are the actions of his father, and team coach. If it holds true that indeed it was Patrick Roy who instructed his son to go looking to fight the other netminder, this incident becomes even more disturbing. Now we are taking the Marc Crawford mentality and instilling it into a bunch of teenagers? What kind of message is that? Roy has been pulling stunts as coach of the Quebec team now since he took the job. Shouting matches when boarding the buses, climbing the glass during games, etc. The passive fan may think this is a coach who is very passionate about his team and hockey. The smart fan knows better. My suggestion? He should be banned from coaching in the QMJHL. Grown men can form their own opinions, but QMJHL players are still tremendously impressionable.

Like father like son, but I don't have to like either one of them when it comes to this incident.