
Watching the goalies was always fun. They don't really get to take a break like the forwards or defence do when coaches are running certain drills. They man their nets the entire practice. Most certainly 2 of the hardest working players on the team. Roberto Luongo was particularly fun to watch. He does have this incredible focus. He was also one player who would stop and sign multiple autographs for lucky fans who were at practice. It didn't matter if only 2 people were there or 20 he always stopped. Even if he had a bad practice or a bad game the night before Luongo always stopped to talk to the fans. He was never shy about engaging in conservation with people and always had a smile on his face. It was interesting to see that Lou, then I would be at home later that day, turn on the news and see him shift to interview mode in the locker room. Not so smiley, not so relaxed and not looking like he was enjoying himself nearly as much when he was talking to fans only a few minutes before.


Cory is also great with the fans at practice. He always stops for autographs. There is also one little boy I would see at practice quiet often. Cory must have met this little guy on some other occasion because every time Cory saw him watching practice by the tunnel he stopped to talk and say hi. You can only imagine how over the moon this little boy was that Cory Schneider remembers his name and stops to say Hi, ask how his skating lessons are going and ask when he is going to start playing on a team. Cory has also handled himself beautifully in front of the cameras. I know the media like to make a big deal and create a Roberto/Cory standoff in the press but at practice they are nothing but supportive to one and other. When they do get waterbreaks they chat, the goalie coach gives both of them the time they need and both players seem to have a huge respect for one and other. Cory gets to backup one of the best and Lou knows he has a #1 backup.

It will be interesting once this lockout situation is cleared up who will be the goalies on the Vancouver roster. Personally I think any 2 of the 3 would be great. And that is all I have to say about goalies! Enjoy X


