Roy turns down Avalanche coaching offer
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 | 9:01 PM ET
CBC Sports
NHL Hall of Famer Patrick Roy arrives at a news conference at the Colisee on Wednesday to announce his staying with the Quebec Remparts and not joining the Colorado Avalanche organization. ( Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)Hall of Famer Patrick Roy has turned down an offer to coach the Colorado Avalanche.
The Denver Post first reported that the four-time Stanley Cup champion and former Avalanche goalie called team president Pierre Lacroix on Tuesday night to tell him he wouldn't be taking over as head coach next year because of family reasons.
A spokeswoman from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Quebec Remparts, which Roy co-owns and coaches, confirmed the news to The Associated Press.
Roy, 43, said he deliberated over his decision for two weeks.
"All I can say is that the Avalanche's offer was more than interesting," Roy told a news conference Wednesday inside Quebec City's Colisee.
"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]."
It was also rumoured the Quebec City native had been offered the vacant general manager's job with the Avalanche, which he didn't address. At one time, Roy was also denying rumours he'd been offered the coaching position.
The former goaltender said he didn't take the coaching position because he wants to spend more time with his three kids: Jonathan, Frederick and Jana.
"I felt pretty comfortable moving up, but the family situation is just not quite there for me right now," said Roy.
'The door is not closed'
"When it comes to family, it's always easier to make a decision. But don't get me wrong here, I have the Avalanche at heart. There's two very special organizations for me — Montreal and Colorado, and it's never easy. I would have seen it as a great challenge. But the door is not closed, that's for sure."
Roy will continue coaching the Remparts. He became part-owner and head coach of the club in 2005 and the team won the Memorial Cup in 2006.
"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 posted a 551-315-131 record and 2.54 goals-against average with 66 shutouts in 1,029 games over 19 NHL seasons with the Canadiens and Avalanche. He won two of his four Stanley Cups with the Avalanche in 1996 and 2001.
The Conn Smythe Trophy winner as top playoff performer three times, Roy saw his No. 33 retired by both the Canadiens and Avalanche.
Tony Granato remains the Avalanche's coach, but the team is still looking for a GM after firing Francois Giguere on April 13.
With files from The Canadian Press
