Patrick Roy Confirms Why He Returned To Coach The New York Islanders

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Tyler Ball
January 22, 2024 (10:57 PM)

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Patrick Roy was recently hired as the head coach of the New York Islanders. In an interview after his first game back behind an NHL bench he confirmed why he chose to come back with the Islanders.

Roy Returns Behind An NHL Bench

Late last week the New York Islanders made the shocking decision to fire head coach Lane Lambert and replace him with former NHL goaltender and Hall Of Famer Patrick Roy.

Since returning Roy has already had success with the Islanders picking up his first win against the Dallas Stars. After the win Islanders captain Anders Lee scooped up the game puck to give to Roy.

After the game was over Roy had his first post-game press conference with the media. During the press conference, he confirmed what drew him in to take the Islanders job.

Roy Confirms Why He Returned To Coach The Islanders

Patrick Roy's hiring was such an unexpected one that many people wondered why Roy thought this was the right time to return. When asked about the process Roy says that he was impressed with General Manager Lou Lamoriello.

"Everything happened really quickly for sure. At the beginning of the week I got a call from Lou Lamoriello who came to meet me in Florida, and we had a really good exchange. After that he returned to Long Island and he called me a few days later to let me know he was ready to make a coaching change. He asked me if I was interested. After the conversation that we had together there was no doubt in my mind. I was impressed by the man, his values, his desire to win, and it was impossible for me to refuse the invitation to lead his team."

It sounds as though Lou's commitment to come to Roy and see him in person is what convinced Roy this was the right job. As of now, it seems to be a great fit. The Islanders like to play a defensively sound system and that is exactly what Roy thrived doing in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts.

As the season goes on it will be interesting to see if the Islanders can maintain some success and show progress for the future.

As Read On - Markerzone - Patrick Roy Reveals the Real Reason He Chose to Coach the New York Islanders