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The New York Islanders are heading into their first full season with Patrick Roy as their coach. And at least one Isles player – No. 1 center Bo Horvat – is excited to see what the team can do under the guidance of someone who’ll be a major factor as the Islanders battle for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.
“He was great,” Horvat said of Roy while talking to THN.com’s Michael Traikos and reporters at the recent player media tour in Las Vegas. “Right away, you could tell that he is really passionate about the game and just loves winning. For him to come and bring that to us and to our team was really good for us.
“We kind of needed someone like that who was really passionate and wanted to win, and he’s really motivational, too, the way he talks to us before and after games. He brought the best in us and obviously brought us to the playoffs, so I’m looking forward to a full year – and I’m sure he is, too.”
Roy’s colorful personality and unwavering confidence helped make him one of the sport’s all-time greatest goaltenders. While that persona might seem intimidating to people on the outside, Horvat is embracing it.
“Oh, yeah, he definitely is (intimidating),” Horvat said. “I don’t think he’s trying to be intimidating or anything, but it’s still like, ‘That’s Patrick Roy.’ You know what I mean? He’s got that aura about him. His presence, and obviously his success in the league, speaks for itself.”
Being a commanding presence certainly comes with its advantages, however.
“Once he’s telling you to do something, you’re going to listen,” Horvat said. “And he’s really good with the X’s and O’s, but also in being personable and being able to go and talk to him, and getting his input and being able to share yours. So he’s got that good transparency between his players, which is great.”
Horvat also spoke to Traikos about the Islanders’ team culture, which begins and ends with GM Lou Lamoriello.
There are all sorts of stories in hockey about Lamorielllo’s strict guidelines for his team, and while those guidelines may not be ideal for everyone, Horvat said he’s a major supporter of Lamoriello and the way he builds his team.
“I personally love Lou,” Horvat said. “I respect Lou, and I think the entire league respects Lou and everything he does. I just think he wants certain things done a certain way, and you respect him for it. And we do it.
“All he expects us to do, really, is come in and be a pro and work hard. That’s all he expects from his players: be a good person and come in and do your job. That’s the culture we’re building, and you want to play for a guy like that who really cares about his players. He’s been awesome towards me and my family, and he’s been a pleasure to play under.”
One of Lamoriello’s most famous rules is his insistence on no facial hair for his players. It’s a throwback mentality of sorts, but it’s now so engrained in his philosophy, Islanders players take no issue with it.
“I think it’s always been something that he likes, and I think it’s just always been part of him and who he is,” Horvat said. “I think you got to respect him for that. I mean, that’s literally the only thing he asked us to do. It’s shave your face. For me, if that’s all he asks me to do, I’m glad to do it.”
Ultimately, Lamoriello’s facial hair rules speak to his expectations about putting the team above the individual. And Horvat understands where Lamoriello is coming from.
“First of all, I think I look awful with a beard,” Horvat said. “My beard was terrible. So I’m glad he cleaned me up a little bit. My wife and I were talking about that today, because I shaved, and she was like, ‘Jesus, you looked terrible before.’ But I think it speaks to your character. I’m not saying people with beards have bad character, but I think it does help you look presentable, and I think for some people, it does some good, including myself. And for our team, it’s good that everybody is the same and we’re all working toward a common goal here.”
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News Summary:
- 'He's Got That Aura About Him': Islanders Center Speaks On Patrick Roy And Team Culture
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.