Patrick Roy has resigned from Colorado Avalanche

Patrick Roy has stepped down as coach and vice president of hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche.

Roy made the announcement Thursday through a public relations agency, two months before the start of the NHL regular season.

The Hall of Fame goaltender spent the past three seasons as coach and VP of hockey operations for the team that he led to two Stanley Cups as a player. Colorado made the playoffs in Roy's first year behind the bench and missed the past two.

Roy cited his vision and the organization's vision not being aligned and his lack of say in team decisions as reasons for stepping down. He says he remains on good terms with the Avalanche

The statement, released on PRNewswire, reads:

"For the past three years, I have carried out my duties as Head Coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Colorado Avalanche with energy, passion and determination.

I have thought long and hard over the course of the summer about how I might improve this team to give it the depth it needs and bring it to a higher level. To achieve this, the vision of the coach and VP-Hockey Operations needs to be perfectly aligned with that of the organization. He must also have a say in the decisions that impact the team's performance. These conditions are not currently met.

Today, I am informing you of my decision to leave the Colorado Avalanche organization. Though it saddens me, I have put much thought about this decision in recent weeks and have come to be fully comfortable with it.

I am grateful to the Colorado Avalanche organization, with which I remain in good terms, for letting me lead this great team. I thank all the players I have had the pleasure of coaching and the fans for their unwavering, unconditional support.

I remain forever loyal to the Avalanche with which I played 478 games, coached another 253, and won two Stanley Cups."

On Thursday afternoon, the Avalanche released an official statement:

“Patrick informed me of his decision today,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President/General Manager Joe Sakic. “We appreciate all he has done for our organization and wish him the best of luck in the future.”

“We will begin the search for a new head coach immediately,” continued Sakic.

NEWS: Patrick Roy has resigned.

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