Avalanche to Look Outside of Organization to Replace Patrick Roy

The hockey world was collectively shocked Thursday when Patrick Roy announced that he was leaving the Colorado Avalanche. For the last three seasons, Roy served as the team’s head coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations. While the decision may have come as a surprise, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic was quick in calling a press conference and getting some questions answered.

“We’re going to try and find the right coach to move us forward.” – Sakic

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) August 11, 2016

Joe Sakic mentioned that the Avalanche will be looking outside of the organization to find their new head coach. Roy, of course, played for the Avalanche in the past and helped backstop the team to two Stanley Cup championships. The Avalanche are apparently moving in a different direction now, one that will bring in new blood to a team that has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

The main cause of Roy leaving, according to the statement he released announcing the resignation, had to do with his role in the team’s decision-making. Sakic quickly shot that down, however:

We have never had an issue of not getting along. We were friends as players. We’re friends now. He was always involved. He was aware of all the decisions that we were making … We talked about everything. – Joe Sakic

There will be many people vying for the new coaching job in Colorado, but there is no timetable currently set for a decision. Sakic and the Avalanche will take their time and evaluate all options and find the coach best suited for their team’s makeup.