Patrick Roy Grateful for Colorado Era as Isles Coach

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Patrick Roy, the New York Islanders' coach, went onto the ice at Ball Arena and cast a fleeting glance toward the rafters.

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Yes, his familiar No. 33 was still up there with the other banners honoring retiring Colorado Avalanche numbers.

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Roy's return to town evoked memories of helping Colorado win two Stanley Cups as a goaltender.

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Roy has no regrets about how he handled the situation, even if it took him more than seven years to earn another NHL head coaching job.

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"I'm in a much better place today than I was then, more respect for the position, and more appreciation for being back in the league,"

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Especially for Jared Bednar, who was appointed as coach after Roy left.

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