Patrick Roy Turns Down Colorado Avalanche Coaching Job

Patrick Roy has put a couple of coaching rumours to rest, for now.

The Hall-of-Fame goaltender held a press conference in Quebec City on Wednesday to announce that he will be staying on as head coach of the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts.

Roy said he phoned Avalanche president Pierre Lacroix Tuesday night to tell him he was not accepting the team's offer to become its new head coach.

"All I can say is that the Avalanche's offer was more than interesting," he said.

Roy did not reveal his conversations with Lacroix, but said he mulled the offer for two weeks before making the decision.

"I have enormous respect for Pierre Lacroix. This is a man who played a very important role in my life, in my hockey career, so for sure I will always have an attentive ear for (him)."

Roy said part of the decision came down to being closer to his family.

His son Frederic plays for the Remparts, but is thinking of giving up hockey, while an older son Jonathan has already left the sport to pursue a music career.

"My quality of life here in Quebec City is extraordinary," he said.

"I adore this adventure, I adore working with youth. For me it's a daily challenge, working to help these youths realize their dreams."

Roy also noted that there were 780 Remparts season-ticket holders when he took over the team. Now, he says there are 7,800.

"The role that the Remparts play in the community is also very important to me," he said.

Roy met with Lacroix in Denver earlier this month, shortly after GM Francois Giguere was fired following Colorado's last-place finish in the West.

Colorado's 32-45-5 record was its worst since moving from Quebec to Denver in 1995.

There was much speculation as to whether Roy had been offered a coaching position, GM position, or both.

Avalanche spokesman Jean Martineau said that Tony Granato, who has two years left on his contract, is still the team's coach.

Martineau would not comment on whether Roy had also been offered vacant general manager job, but said the search continues for "individuals who might be a part of the new management structure."

Roy feels that LaCroix will make the right choice when it comes to a GM decision.

"I'm convinced that the Avalanche will find somebody who is extremely competent, who will eventually bring the team to where it belongs—the summit of the National Hockey League," he said.

Roy also ended other rumours and speculations, saying that his original team, the Montreal Canadiens, had not contacted him regarding any coaching positions.