It started off like any other game; warm up skate, puck drop, cheering, but Louuuuuuuuus could be heard all over the rink. Every time Luongo touched the puck and made a save in his Florida Panthers jersey the crowd "Luuu'd" even louder.
Que the TV time out seven minutes into the 1st period and the jumbo tron filled with images of Lunogo and his time here in Vancouver. The crowd rose to their feet and a 'thunderous' as some described it, cheer filled the arena. Luongo did what any true sportsman would do….. put his hand to his heart, looked up to the crowd and with tears in his eyes said thank you. Athlete to fan, it was a great moment. I know Luongo's time here in Vancouver was filled with ups and downs but at the end of the day he is one of, if not the best goaltender to man the pipes for Vancouver. I have always been Team Luo and will continue to be. Now lets look at the facts:
Originally drafted by the New York Islanders in 1997, Luo went in the 1st round, 4th overall.
During his time in Vancouver, Luongo lead his team to victory 252 times, lost 137 (but who pays attention to that) and picked up points in 50 overtime loses. His save percentage was .919 meaning he stopped more then 91 out of 100 pucks that came his way.
While donning the blue, green and white, Lunogo helped his team win back to back President's Trophies in 2011 and 2012. The President's Trophy is handed out annually to the team that collects the most points. In 2011 the team finished with 117 points and in 2012 it was 111. Luongo also played a big part in the Canucks Stanley Cup run in 2011. It was the 3rd time in franchise history the team made it to the last round. It was sad to lose to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 and Lou says that is the only things he regrets about his time in Vancouver. Not being able to bring a cup to the fans. During his 8 years here, Lou also won not one but two Olympic Gold medals. Here in Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi Russia in 2014. Ironic upon his return to Van City Luongo would play against 2010 Team USA's goalie Ryan Miller. Miller was awarded MVP of the tournament but Lou skated away with the gold medal. Same building, same city, same goalies….awkward. The NHL can be a small world.
Now for the juicy facts: Roberto stands 6'3", weights 217 pounds, shoots left, is 35 years old and was born in Montreal, Quebec. Il magnifique! Brown eyes, curly brown hair, a great great smile and a lover of poker, Lou would be fun at any party especially every charity event the Canucks have ever attended.