Roche signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes in the summer of 2006, and after a strong training camp for head coach Wayne Gretzky, and with 17 games played, one goal and nine assists for the team's AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, Roche was called up by the Coyotes for the remainder of the 2006–2007 NHL season.
Roche joined the Phoenix Coyotes as a free agent in the summer of 2006, under head coach Wayne Gretzky. He was then elevated to the NHL team from their AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, after playing 17 games and contributing one goal and nine assists.