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Legendary
Roy calls it a career
May 28, 2003 - By David Smith
Denver, CO (AZ) -- Love him or hate him, there's no
denying that the NHL lost one of its finest players of all
time when Patrick Roy ended all speculation and
announced his retirement. Roy leaves behind 18 years worth
of memories and amazing accomplishments, and a niche' as
one of the greatest goaltenders ever.
"I've had a blast. It's
been unbelievable. I've been so fortunate to have lived a
dream and have fun for more than 18 years earning a living
by playing a game I love," Roy told reporters, speaking in
English and French.
Roy was accompanied
by his wife Michelle, his three children, teammates Mike
Keane, Brad Larsen, Joe Sakic, head coach Tony Granato,
and general manager Pierre Lacroix for his press
conference in Denver. Roy expressed that he was confident
he made the right decision.
"I made this decision before the start of 2002-2003 season
that this season would be my last," Roy said at the news
conference. "I step aside with no regrets." He said
playing with consistency always has been important to him,
and he wanted to leave when he felt ready. I've done
everything I think I should."
There is
virtually nothing that Roy didn't accomplish,
he is only two years removed
from his best regular season ever and is still considered
one of the league's premier goalies at age 37, but he
figured it would be better to go out on top rather than
tarnish his image.
Roy's legacy is one that
few if any will ever reach. He holds nearly every major
goaltending record. The Montreal native is a
four-time Stanley Cup champion, winning two each with
Colorado and Montreal. He is the only player to ever win
the Conn Smythe Trophy three times, and is the NHL's
career leader in victories with 551 and games played with
1,029. He is also the leader in playoff victories with
151, games played with 247, and shutouts with 23.
.
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