Canadian · Quebec City, Canada · Born 5 October 1965Patrick Roy revolutionized goaltending with the butterfly style and became one of the greatest playoff performers ever, winning four Stanley Cups with Montreal and Colorado.
Patrick Jacques Roy was born on 5 October 1965 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and grew up in nearby Cap-Rouge, playing minor hockey with the Granby Bisons of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before the Montreal Canadiens selected him 51st overall in the 1984 NHL Draft. Roy, nicknamed "Saint Patrick," won the Stanley Cup with Montreal in both 1986 and 1993, capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP on both occasions, becoming the youngest recipient of the award at just 20 in his first triumph. Roy was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 1995 and won two further Stanley Cups with the franchise, finishing his career as the first goaltender in NHL history to reach 1,000 games played, and the only player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy three times, in different decades and with two different teams. Roy is widely credited with popularising the butterfly style of goaltending that has since become the dominant technique in the sport, and was named the greatest goaltender in NHL history by a panel of writers in 2004. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, and later returned to the NHL as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche and, more recently, the New York Islanders.
Legendary goaltender, 4-time Stanley Cup champion and 3-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner
He talked to his goalposts between plays, believing it helped him focus.
Did You Know?How They Played
Roy pioneered the modern butterfly style of goaltending, dropping to his knees with pads splayed to cover the bottom of the net. He was known for his exceptional positioning, quick reflexes, and ability to handle the puck behind the net. His intense competitiveness and mental toughness made him particularly dominant in playoff situations.
Lasting Impact
Roy revolutionized goaltending technique and his butterfly style became the standard for modern goalies. He set the template for the athletic, technically-sound goaltender that dominates today's game.
Career Honours
- Hockey Hall of Fame (2006)
- 4x Stanley Cup champion (1986, 1993, 1996, 2001)
- 3x Conn Smythe Trophy
- 3x Vezina Trophy
- 11x NHL All-Star
| Team | Period | GP | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 1984–1995 | 551 | #33 |
| Colorado Avalanche | 1995–2003 | 478 | — |
Canadian Athletes