Nicolas Roy’s story is a powerful example of the resilience and importance of his inner circle. The Université de Montréal Carabins hybrid linebacker, who was confined to a wheelchair on the same day last year, will now try to win the Vanier Cup on Saturday in Kingston.
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Roy suffered a fractured patella in his left knee in the final game of the regular calendar of 2022 and was forced to watch helplessly as the Blues lost the Dunsmore Cup to Laval University’s Rouge et Or. “It wasn’t the injury that hurt the most,” he said, “but the most painful thing was being on the sidelines without being able to achieve our goals.”
Last Saturday in the Uteck Cup, in a emphatic 29-3 win over the Western Mustangs, he had an interception, a sack and a fumble to earn MVP honors. “My long absence allows me to enjoy the present moment even more,” Roy said. The Uteck Cup was fun, but we won’t be satisfied until we win the Vanier Cup.”
Return to the family home
The rehabilitation period was not easy and he returned to his parents. “I had no autonomy,” he explained. I could not move. Showering was difficult and I couldn’t cook for myself. I wasn’t independent. I had a broken leg for two months and it was mentally difficult.”
“Without my parents, I would not have been able to continue the Lionel-Groulx Nordiques product. I’m really grateful. They sacrificed everything for my career. We were already a close-knit family, but my injury and return home caused me to become even closer to my parents and sister.
“The race against time”
Roy long believed that he would not be able to attend training camp in August at the same time as his teammates. “It was a race against time,” he said. I started running again in May, but later I started to believe in my chances. I only found out that I could take part a week before camp started in August. I got the green light from the medical team. We expected a quicker return. I practiced 100 percent, but it was a gradual return.”
“As an athlete, I love sharing time with my teammates and my coaches. spending time in the locker room and on the bus; and the spirit of camaraderie, Roy added. I used it when I returned. This is what I missed the most while I was away. My parents took me to a few training sessions during my rehabilitation and that helped me a lot.”
No waiting time
Roy, the RSEQ’s standout defensive rookie in 2022, had no expectations for his return. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he admitted. I just wanted to get back to the game. I had no goals and just wanted to make it to the end with my teammates. I’m really happy with how it went.”
Antoine Pruneau praises Roy. “He fought all season to get back to 100 percent and he made up for it with his knowledge when he wasn’t at the top,” said the assistant defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Nicolas is a versatile and super intelligent player. “Now things are getting even better and he’s seeing new things.”
“Even away from the game, I kept my head in football and Denis (Touchette) and Antoine helped me a lot in developing my mental side,” Roy added. They were always available to me and I improved thanks to them.”
His relatives are present in Kingston
At the ultimate meeting in Kingston, the hybrid linebacker can count on the support of his family. “There will be about 30 people there to support me. It’s crazy and really special. It really warms my heart.”