Happy Birthday St. Patrick!

 “I can't really hear what Jeremy (Roenick) says, because I've got my two Stanley Cup rings plugged my ears.” – Patrick Roy

A Happy 44th Birthday to arguably one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.

Patrick Roy was born on this day in 1965.

A fan of the rival Quebec Nordiques, Roy was drafted in the 3rd round (51st overall) by the rival Montreal Canadiens.

On February 23, 1985, he made his NHL debut when he replaced the Canadiens starting goaltender Doug Soetaert in the third period, and getting his first of 551 career NHL wins.

After two Conn Smythe winning campaigns leading the Canadiens to Stanley Cup victories in 1986 and 1993.

Roy was an icon in Montreal, winning three Vezina Trophies and four Jennings Trophies in le bleu-blanc et rouge. He was named to three First All-Star and two Second All-Star Teams with the Canadiens.

After the infamous “Le Trade” of 1995, Roy won two more Stanley Cups with his new team, the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and 2001 taking another Smythe trophy that year.

Patrick Roy retired in 2003, and  was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.

Patrick “came home” when the  Montreal Canadiens retired his #33 on November 22, 2008.

At the news conference announcing Roy's jersey retirement, Roy stated that it was time for him to move on in regards to what happened in 1995, and that he hoped the Canadiens would do the same.

Obviously, they have.

More on Patrick Roy’s career can be found on the Legends of Hockey and on the Canadiens “Our History” site.