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MIDDLE ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York Islanders are hopeful Patrick Roy’s demand for excellence and accountability will pay dividends this season.

So is a member of their alumni who knows him well.

“He’s got the fire,” said Hockey Hall of Fame center Pierre Turgeon, who played with Roy for the Montreal Canadiens in 1995. “He’s emotional. He’s got all of his emotions under him. He wants to win. He was the same as a player. It was all about one thing. He wants to win.”

Roy is set to experience his first training camp as the coach of the Islanders, having taken over from Lane Lambert on January 20. Under his leadership, the New York team closed the regular season with a 20-12-5 record in their last 37 games, including an impressive nine-game point streak (8-0-1). They secured third place in the Metropolitan Division, before being defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference First Round within five games.

Roy was admitted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006. He has won the Stanley Cup four times, twice with the Canadiens in 1986 and 1993, and twice with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. Over his 19-season career, he was selected for the All-Star Game 11 times. Roy also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1986, 1993, and 2001, and the Vezina Trophy for being the NHL’s top goalie in 1989, 1990, and 1992.

He also has the record for the most games played (247) and wins (151) in the League’s postseason.

“Turgeon, who was a player for New York from 1991-95, described him as a victor and a man who is passionate about hockey. He praised his exceptional performance last year and added that he is demanding and will push you to ensure you take responsibility for your actions,” said Turgeon.

For the Islanders to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting this season strong will be vital. Over the last two seasons, they’ve had to secure their spot in the final week. In the 2022-23 season, they made it in the last game, and last season, they did so in Game 81.

Turgeon, who was in New York on Saturday for the 23rd Annual McMahon Family Golf Outing, is optimistic Roy’s methods will help the Islanders find more consistency.

The 2024-25 season kicks off in New York with a home game against the Utah Hockey Club on October 10.

“Turgeon stated, “They won’t accomplish it immediately, but I believe our current position is favorable. They undoubtedly have a substantial amount of work ahead of them. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, but Roy will certainly be beneficial to us.”

“He is familiar with the owners as well as the New York market. He is committed to giving his all and will always do whatever is necessary to compete.”