Patrick Roy's number to be retired this year.

At a press conference scheduled yesterday at the Bell centre, the Montreal Canadiens announced that the number 33 worn by the legendary goaltender Patrick Roy will be retired.

Before a match with the Boston Bruins on Saturday November 22nd, the hall of famer will see his famous number 33 join the other retired numbers of legends like Maurice Richard, Howie Morenz and Jean Beliveau.

The team owner, George Gillett, and the team president, Pierre Boivin, said that they were thrilled to bring back Patrick in the great family of the Montreal Canadiens. The team's rich history over the last hundred years was marked by the passage of Patrick Roy.

The team's last two Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993 were in a large part due to the exceptional talent of Roy in net. Patrick was able to win a hockey game by himself. Roy holds or shares at least 20 team records and as many league records.

To this date, Patrick Roy is also the goaltender with the most wins in career. His record of ten consecutive overtime wins during the 1993 playoffs will should not be ever broken.

After being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 1995, Patrick Roy added two Stanley Cup championships to his record and saw his number retired by the Avalanche a few years ago.

When asked about his thoughts on this upcoming ceremony, Roy said that it has a special meaning for him.

''This is where it all began. I am proud of my ten years in Montreal. It is where I learned to be a winner.'' Roy also thanked Serge Savard, the club's ex-General Manager for giving him his first chance in the NHL.

The ceremony promises to be very emotional and the crowd gathered at the Bell centre on November 22nd are in for an historical night. I will not miss this ceremony for any reason.