Patrick Roy was the heart and soul of the Montreal Canadiens throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s—he made spectacular saves almost every game and gave the impression of a hockey warrior in the nets.
In October, his father Michel did his own tribute to his son, a biography entitled Patrick Roy: Winning. Nothing Else.
This is as close as one is going to get to a true Patrick Roy biography. For years Roy refused the help of ghostwriters wanting to publish his life story. His father, a full-time musician, writer and journalist, obviously has a lot of bias towards his son.
However, this bias doesn’t ruin the exciting style exhibited in this new biography. He clearly showcases a passion for hockey when he tells of his son’s games. Michel Roy also displays a great knowledge of history and how young hockey players are brought up in Canada.
The book is as much a biography of Roy as it is Michel Roy, who fills the reader in on his own life during the rises and falls of his son. Patrick Roy was not an instant success—he was seen as different due to his butterfly style of goaltending. But his determination and love for playing hockey kept him motivated and focused on his destined career.
His father fills the reader in on almost every detail of Patrick Roy’s NHL career, from a brief overview of each season to a detailed playoff run, including all of his Stanley Cup wins.
When it comes to conversational topics, such as Roy’s departure from Montreal, Michel Roy does not hold back his own opinion of the disgraceful night against the Detroit Red Wings. However, Michel Roy backs up his argument with many quotes from Habs players on the team and former Habs greats like The Rocket and Ken Dryden. Regardless what side you take, the picture of a dark day in Habs history was perfectly illustrated.
If you’re looking for the juicy gossip about Patrick Roy’s domestic disturbance, that eventually saw him in divorce court, you’re out of luck. Although his ability to decipher what his son was thinking at the time of certain events is questionable, it is apparent that he had a profound influence on his son’s life.
Whether you’re a fan of Roy or not, Patrick Roy: Winning. Nothing Else, is a great hockey book and explains the origins of a Habs hero.
Patrick Roy: Winning. Nothing Else
Michel Roy
John Wiley & Sons Canada
October 2010
528 pp.