DENVER -- Colorado's Patrick Roy, whose 448th career victory
made him the winningest goalie in NHL history, was honored Friday
night in a lengthy pre-game ceremony that included the presentation
of a lifesize bronze sculpture of himself.
Roy broke Terry Sawchuk's previous record of 447 regular-season
wins on Tuesday night in a 4-3 overtime victory at Washington.
|  | | Former Montreal Canadien Guy Lafleur, right, presents a special plate to Avs goalie Patrick Roy in honor of Roy's NHL-record 448th career win. |
In his first game at home since setting the record, Roy was
feted in a 25-minute on-ice ceremony prior to the Avalanche's game
against Florida.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who presented Roy with one of his
sticks dipped in silver with the engraving of each of his
victories, said Roy has "earned a special place in hockey history
... and a very special place in all of our hearts. This is an
amazing accomplishment in the most difficult position in all of
sports."
Prior to the game, Bettman said at a news conference that Roy's
feat "isn't something you can accomplish by having a good season.
This is something you only accomplish by having years of good
seasons, over a lifetime of playing. When you also take into
account that he did it in 121 fewer games than Terry Sawchuk, to
say he has had a truly outstanding career doesn't say it well
enough."
Jerry Sawchuk, son of Terry Sawchuk, called Roy "a class
individual. The record couldn't have gone to a better person than Patrick Roy. I guess if anybody was going to break my father's
record, he's the guy we would want to do it."
After a video of his career highlights was shown on the
scoreboard at Pepsi Center, Roy, 35, skated onto the ice to cheers
of "Roy, Roy, Roy."
Looking slightly uncomfortable at the sustained ovation from the
sellout crowd, Roy was joined by his wife, Michelle, and then by
his three children riding in a personalized golf cart that was
given to him by his family.
Roy's parents, brother and sister embraced him.
Scott Mellanby, captain of the Panthers, presented Roy with a
crystal centerpiece as a symbol of respect for his accomplishment.
Representing the Montreal Canadiens, for whom Roy played from
1984-95, Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur presented him with a specially
engraved silver plate.
Mayor Wellington Webb announced that Auraria Parkway, which runs
near Pepsi Center between Interstate 25 and Speer Boulevard, has
been renamed Patrick Roy Boulevard for the duration of the 2000-01
season. Webb also decreed that Friday was Patrick Roy Day.
Gov. Bill Owens proclaimed Oct. 20-26 as Patrick Roy Week and
gave the goalie the Colorado state flag that flew over the
Statehouse on the day Roy broke the record.
Representing his teammates, Avs captain Joe Sakic gave Roy a
painting, titled "Roy-alty," which shows Roy in both Montreal and
Colorado masks.
Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix gave Michelle Roy a pin
with her initials in diamonds, and gave each children gold rings
with engraved reminders of the day their father set the record.
Avs owner Stan Kroenke presented the bronze sculpture depicting
Roy leaning against his goal with his mask propped up.
"To everyone who has participated in this unforgettable
ceremony," Roy said, "thank you very much. I'd like to thank all
the members of my family for being such a big part of my career; my
teammates, who have been awesome, and all of you Avalanche fans for
your great support."
Roy exited to the theme of "Superman."
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