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Head coach: Patrick Roy knows his departure from Colorado still haunts him
Patrick Roy admits he made a mistake when he left the Colorado Avalanche in August 2016.

He makes no secret of it: his unexpected departure still hurts him today, as he looks forward to a return behind the bench of an NHL team.

In an interview with Dave Stubbs (NHL), the man nicknamed “Casseau” was frank in saying that he understands that some teams may be reluctant to hire him after what happened in Denver…

And he knows he has to live with that mistake:

I know that the way I left and everything I did can affect people’s perspective of me today […] It’s hard for me to get a job because of the way I left Colorado. – Patrick Roy

My hat’s off to him. In reality, it takes a lot of maturity to say things like that, and I think it’s worth mentioning.

Patrick Roy has a good head on his shoulders, after all. But to see that he knows how much the unfortunate events in Denver still haunt him as of today, that’s something else.

We’ve been saying this ever since Sunday, when he led the Remparts to a Memorial Cup victory. The former CH goaltender has what it takes to lead a National League team, given his experience in both show business and junior hockey.

But it’s not as easy as all that, and that’s the ultimate reality.

“You think the door will always be open, but you realize it doesn’t work that way,” he told Dave Stubbs. And the quote is perfect to describe what I’ve just said.

I think it’s a shame because, ultimately, I think everyone deserves a second chance in life in general. Yes, Patrick Roy made mistakes and yes, it’s true that the whole Colorado situation looks like a big gray cloud underneath his candidacy for any NHL head coaching position…

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve the chance to shine again. At least, that’s the opinion I share.


Breaking news

– I devoured this text. A very fine read about the journey of a young man full of promise.

– That’s saying a lot!

– It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

– Remember that the QMJHL draft will take place tomorrow, June 10.

– This is a good move for the Leafs.

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