patrick roy and joe sakic have changed the culture of the colorado avalanche creditmark humphreyassociated pressfeb 8 2014philadelphia it was 1230 pm last thursday and the wells fargo centers janitorial staff was mopping the concourses and seating areas before that nights game between the flyers and the colorado avalanche a few of the workers noticed a pickup game on the arenas icealthough many team officials would have been using that time to prepare for the game the avalanches patrick roy and joe sakic were immersed in a game of shinny with some members of the training staff roy the coach and sakic the executive vice president for hockey operations could stuff a trophy case with mementos from their hall of fame playing careers yet their competitive spirit and good nature prompted this light momentjoe is on the road trip so we took advantage of him roy said of the impromptu game it is fun it is also is good to lose a bit of weight and get in better shapein their first season sakic and roy have altered the team culture the avalanche who have missed the postseason four of the past five seasons were firmly in playoff position as they visited the islanders on saturday roy says he hopes denver hockey fans will reinvest in the teamthey want to make the playoffs they want to see a change roy said at the end of the day everything is in the hands of our players im proud of them and they deserve a lot of creditfun has become the watchword in colorados dressing room i think the biggest difference has been the coaching staff the fifthyear forward matt duchene said i think the biggest thing is we have a more relaxed more fun atmospheresakic a former avalanche captain has been in the front office since 2011 but was promoted last may to his current position his first assignment from josh kroenke the team president was to find a coach to replace joe sacco one name came to mindi heard enough that i knew he was ready to make the next step sakic said of roy he added i played with him and i know the competitor he isroy was the goalie who helped the avalanche reach six western conference finals and win two stanley cups from the time he joined them in the 199596 season until his retirement in 2003 he interviewed for the head coaching position in 2009 but wasnt ready sakic said last may sakic and kroenke offered roy the job while golfing in florida roy who was coowner general manager and coach of the quebec remparts of the quebec major junior hockey league could not refuse his former teammate hes the main reason why i am here roy said i didnt want to go into an adventure like this with someone i dont trust i have a lot of confidence and respect for joe i know that he wants the same thing that i doimagecreditsteve babineaugetty imagesroy