There's speculation about raising #33 to the rafters. While no one has really confirmed it, the media is treating it like it's a done deal. Personally, though I grew up with the man in nets talking to his goalposts, I don't know if he belongs up there. On one hand I say yes. He really pushed and popularized the butterfly style which is the mainstay norm of goalies today (even though he wasn't the first to use it). He racked in the Jennings (with Hayward) and Vezinas, the Conn Smythes and brought the team to win ye olde Adams Divisions a few times. He was also the first real star of a goalie the Habs had since Dryden retired, bringing two stanley cups and bringing the team close to a few more. There are other reasons involving a rookie goalie saving the franchise, stats, playoffs elevation, etc. Of course there's also his charity work, and you can say what happens off ice really should hold no ground...right? He's only human, right? But on the other hand I say no.
Whether the blame should fall on Mario Tremblay/Ronald Corey/Rejean Houle or not, unfortunately most fans remember his "last game" in Montreal before storming off to the Nordalanche. As a goalie, yes, it's hard to get shellacked in a 12-1 loss. Goaltending is the most unique and often embarrassing position to play. But instead of breaking down, he should have held his head high and shoved it back in Tremblay's face. (Afterall Tremblay never liked the guy. Ever). And where was the team in that terrible game? Of course, ask anyone and his character will come up. He's no Carey Price or Cristobal Huet, who would suck up a 6-1 loss together and just continue on to try and do better the next game. Roy was indeed a hot head with a rather large ego, but you could probably say that for most athletes in such a competitive sport. This is, after all, the guy who led Team Canada to a bronze medal loss while refusing to let backup Martin Brodeur play.
But then there's the middle ground. Should the Canadiens let bygones be bygones and raise the number, it would be the definite olive branch to mend those past wounds held not only over the organization but the fans. Yes his actions brought shame to the Tricolore, and the recent events involving his son don't really help...but ask any kid growing up from the 80s and they'll tell you Patrick Roy was the best there was, and not just as a player. Besides, no one appears to dare to wear his number since he left, as if it were retired behind the scenes. (Yea yea, the Avs already retired it). May as well make it official.
So what do you do? If anyone can solve this, it could be mr. reasonable Bob Gainey (though I've no idea who decides what number to retire). But with the ghosts of historical greats like Bill Durnan or Toe Blake seeking a number raise, particularily in the Centennial year, does Roy warrant it this year? Maybe CBC could one-up the BBC and make a new reality show on it. Oh, right, they only worry about the Leafs.
