QUEBEC -- Patrick Roy says there are no hard feelings about being passed over for the Montreal Canadiens coaching job.
Sounding a gracious note Wednesday, the goaltending legend said he wished the best to the organization and to Michel Therrien, who was named the Habs' new coach the previous day.
Roy told a news conference that he appreciated having been interviewed for the job.
"I'm taking nothing but positives out of this thing," said Roy, a former Montreal and Colorado Avalanche star and current coach and executive in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
"I'm not bitter at all."
Among the positives Roy cited were polls suggesting he was a fan favourite of Montrealers among the potential job candidates. Roy said he appreciated that fan support.
He also said he was touched that Habs general manager Marc Bergevin came to Florida to meet him there during the major junior off-season.
Roy did reject suggestions that, perhaps, it was perceptions about his ego that might have cost him the job. He said it bothers him that people believe he'd insist on running a one-man show because he says he's always worked well with others in his current Quebec roles.
Now that the hiring process is over, Roy says he's happy with his life as co-owner, general manager and coach of the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL.
As for the Habs, he said his old team has a "big challenge" ahead of it after missing the playoffs last year, and he wishes it the best.
"Today, with the (coaching) decision being taken, I respect it," Roy said.
"I'm wishing Michel Therrien the best of luck. I hope things go well for him."
