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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 stepping into his first training camp as the Islanders’ coach, having succeeded Lane Lambert on Jan. 20. The Islanders concluded the regular season with a 20-12-5 record in their last 37 games and a nine-game point streak (8-0-1). They secured the third spot in the Metropolitan Division, but fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference First Round, losing in five games.

Roy was welcomed into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006. He garnered the Stanley Cup four times, with two victories each for the Canadiens (1986, 1993) and the Colorado Avalanche (1996, 2001). Over his 19-season career, he earned 11 All-Star Game appearances. He also received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP three times (1986, 1993, 2001) and clinched the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goalie on three occasions (1989, 1990, 1992).

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

“Turgeon, who played for New York from 1991-95, described him as a winner and a man passionate about hockey. He praised his performance last year as incredible and highlighted his uncompromising nature. He will push you, ensuring you are held accountable for your actions,” he said.

If the Islanders hope to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a strong start to this season is vital. Over the previous two seasons, they’ve had to secure their berth in the final week, even requiring to the very last game in 2022-23, and in Game 81 the season prior.

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 begins for New York at home on Oct. 10, against the Utah Hockey Club.

“Turgeon remarked, “They won’t do it immediately, but being in this place right now is good, I believe. They have a considerable amount of work ahead of them. It won’t be a walk in the park, but Roy’s assistance will undoubtedly be beneficial for us.”

“He is familiar with both the owners and the New York market. He is committed to giving 100 percent and will always do whatever is necessary to compete.”