Tuesday, December 4, 2001
Roy no talk, no play
Avs goalie has no comment on Olympic decision
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
DENVER -- The Avalanche's Patrick Roy didn't want to say anything about Canada yesterday.
Knowing his decision to withdraw from the running to be the nation's Olympic goalie was controversial, the Avalanche has taken up a siege mentality when talk turns to Roy.
CJRC play-by-play man Michel Langevin found out about the ban first hand following the morning skate. He turned on his tape recorder to ask about Team Canada, but was rebuffed by Roy.
"I'm not going to answer any questions about the Olympics," said Roy, who by withdrawing his services has likely handed the No. 1 job to Toronto's Curtis Joseph or New Jersey's Martin Brodeur.
It's clear the coverage in the Canadian media is a touchy subject with the Avalanche after weekend stops in Vancouver and Calgary.
While Roy refused to answer questions in those cities, Colorado coach Bob Hartley snapped at reporters, which only meant the club received more criticism.
"(Roy's decision) is behind us," Hartley said yesterday. "We addressed that issue two weeks ago.
"We've moved on and we're not going to address anything to do with Patrick and that situation. As far as we're concerned, the book is closed on the Olympics."
"If you look at the whole picture you've got to respect (Roy's) decision," said Colorado defenceman Adam Foote, who is expected to be named to Team Canada. "This guy has played a lot of hockey and he wants to take a break.
"If he didn't think that Canada wasn't in a good situation in goal, then I don't think he would have made this decision."
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
