Avalanche name Patrick Roy head coach, VP of hockey operations

Patrick Roy retired from the NHL in 2003 after eight seasons in Colorado and 10 in Montreal. (Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images)

The Colorado Avalanche have announced an agreement with Patrick Roy to become the team's head coach and vice president of hockey operations.

The former Avalanche goalie and Hall of Famer had been linked to the team's head coach opening earlier in the week.

From the Avalanche:

"This is a very exciting day for our fans and a significant moment in our organization's history," said Avalanche President Josh Kroenke. "Patrick's passion for the game of hockey both as a player and as a coach defines who he is as a person. He is a winner and is coming back to Denver where he created numerous special moments on and off the ice while helping lead us to two Stanley Cup championships."

"This is an unbelievable day for me," said Roy. "It's a new and exciting challenge that I am really looking forward to. I would like to thank Stan and Josh Kroenke for this opportunity as well as Joe Sakic for the trust they are putting in me. Almost 10 years to the day that I announced my retirement as a player I am back in Denver and hope the fans are as excited as I am."

MUIR: Hiring Roy would give Avalanche fans hope

Roy's legendary status as a two-time Stanley Cup winner in both Denver and Montreal -- and his penchant for wielding a fiery temper -- should get the attention of a young Avalanche roster.

Roy has kept his hand in pro hockey, spending the last eight seasons as coach, general manager and part owner of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The team won the 2006 Memorial Cup.