Mathieu Darche’s first big decision is taken: Patrick Roy will remain head coach of the Islanders.
“I think Patrick is a winner,” said Darche. “He managed to coach when he came here the first year, he succeeded.
“I did not know Patrick. I know a lot of people in the world of hockey, I am a lot on the phone. I went to meet him last weekend just to know him more and I am extremely comfortable and extremely excited to work with him. I know he is passionate. He works hard. “
It will be the second full season of Roy as an Icelanders coach after a disappointing record of 35-35-12 in 2024-25 left the club of the playoffs and caused management changes, Lou Lamoriello being released and Darche installed as general manager.
Roy will work with mainly different coach staff because John Maclean and Tommy Albelin – who were both acolytes from Lamoriello – were released.
AHL Rick Kowalsky coach was also the rest of the Bridgeport coaches staff.
Benoit Desrosiers, who worked with Roy at the junior level, is selected.
As for Lamoriello himself, a decision has not yet been made to find out if it will remain on an advisory basis.
He and Darche met for an information transfer and it is on the new GM to decide whether the old one will remain as a consultant.
