Patrick Roy

Canadiens legend Patrick Roy talks to young goalies on-ice to honour him during his retirement ceremony before the game against the Bruins last night. The 12 little guys wore jerseys bearing names of Quebec-bred netminders who had been influenced by Roy, a trailblazer for goalies in the province.
Richard Wolowicz, Getty Images

The Canadiens tonight retired the No. 33 jersey of goaltending Hall of Famer Patrick Roy, who played a huge role in the Habs winning Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993.

Roy said he was thrilled to be back in the Canadiens family, his relationship with the team ending famously in 1995 when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche.

Here's some audio:

• Roy speaks to the Bell Centre crowd, recorded from the press gallery almost eight storeys up;

• Roy speaks to the media in a news conference following the ceremony.

• Red Fisher on Patrick Roy

• Carey Price is looking forward to the ceremony 

• EEEEE-mail

• Life without Komisarek

• Patrice Brisebois praises Roy

• A fan breaks down Roy's greatness 

• Stephen Brunt on the ceremonies for Roy and Wendel Clark 

• Tim Wharsnby of the Globe and Mail talks to Mike Van Ryn :

And where did Van Ryn leave it off with Kostopoulos, who used to play in Van Ryn's hometown for the London Knights on the OHL?

"We have texted back to each other. I told him that I was okay and know how bad he felt. I don't know what else I can say. I know I have made hits that I have regretted, too."

Patrick Roy with the Canadiens in the 1980s.
Steve Babineau, NHLI via Getty Images

Otherwise detained by Grey Cup reporting, so I don't have audio of the teleconference held today with Patrick Roy, whose sweater No. 33 will be retired by the Canadiens on Saturday night.

But here's a story by The Gazette's Randy Phillips, and below is the entire transcript of the call.

The NHL's introduction:

A little over five years ago, Patrick concluded his 19-year National Hockey League career as the NHL's all-time leader among goaltenders in games with 1,029 in victories with 551.

On Saturday night, prior to their game with the Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens will honor Patrick by retiring his No. 33 at the Bell Centre.

Patrick Roy's number retirement is bound to stir spirited discussion among fans.
John Mahoney, Gazette

The Canadiens made the news official this afternoon at the Bell Centre: Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy will have his No. 33 retired on Saturday, Nov. 22 before the Habs game vs. the Boston Bruins. That's the 22nd day of the 11th month, equalling 33, if you're looking for significance to the date.

Roy's will be the 15th number taken out of circulation by the Canadiens.

The announcement, made at the Bell Centre by Canadiens majority owner George Gillett Jr. and team president Pierre Boivin, is bound to stir conversation both positive and negative. Roy brilliantly led Montreal to Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993. Yet he left the team under less than happy circumstances in December 1995, traded to Colorado after his infamous spat with then-coach Mario Tremblay.

That the retirement will coincide with the Canadiens' historic 100th anniversary will also be thoroughly discussed.

Notwithstanding any controversy – Roy says it's time to turn the page, and there are many who agree with him – here is the full audio from today's news conference in French and English, with a few extras.

Formal news conference with Roy, Gillett and Boivin (clip runs 31:05)
Honouree Patrick Roy, scrummed after the conference (4:17)
Canadiens GM Bob Gainey on his former teammate (4:38)
Gainey again on Roy's reaction to being honoured (3:20)
Gillett on the process of honouring the goalie (5:05)

La Presse reports the Canadiens will retire Patrick Roy's jersey number in November. 

The club would not confirm the story. Columnist Richard Labbé was told the team plans to announce its centennial activities on Sept. 24.

Roy's number 33 already has been retired by the Colorado Avalanche.

Patrick Roy takes a breather in the Canadiens net during a 1990s game.
Denis Brodeur, NHLI via Getty Images

Patrick Roy's trademark as a player was a fiery competitiveness, but it hasn't always served him well.

Roy has found himself in the midst of another firestorm as a result of a brawl that erupted during Saturday's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff game between his Quebec Remparts and the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.

Roy's son, Jonathan, was at the centre of attention. The Remparts' backup goalie became a YouTube star for his one-sided attack on Chicoutimi goaltender Robbie Nadeau, who absorbed a beating with the resignation of an early Christian martyr.

Yesterday, the QMJHL handed down its discipline in the case. Among it: Roy was suspended five games, his son banned seven games, and both teams were fined $4,000.

Pat Hickey comments on the case here. Also: a video of the incident, read The Gazette's editorial, Hickey's story from last night's 6-1 Remparts victory and Mike Boone's thoughts from Monday.

Finally: a package in French from today's Journal de Montréal.