Roberto Luongo made history in the modern era of the NHL in 2008 by becoming the seventh goaltender to be named captain
• Also read: Hockey Hall of Fame: Roberto Luongo, the induction of one of the last greats
He was the first goalie to hold the position since Bill Durnan, captain of the Canadiens in the 1947-1948 season.
Luongo, who didn’t have a letter on his jersey, held that position with the Vancouver Canucks in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
“When the Canucks made him captain, he realized he had more media responsibilities,” said former teammate Alex Burrows. He wasn’t always comfortable. Every day he had to dissect the games and the performance of the team with the journalists.
“He didn’t like it. He felt he was criticizing his teammates. »
stay focused
In 2010, Luongo decided to relinquish his title. He was replaced by Henrik Sedin.
“I want to fully concentrate on my job as a goalkeeper,” Luongo said at a press conference. I wouldn’t say it was a distraction. I want fewer things on my plate. The fewer distractions a goaltender has, the better. »
He wanted to put all his energy into his goal: winning a Stanley Cup.
“If I sit back, I can focus on what’s important,” he added. At the end of the day, for this team, winning a league is more important than being captain. »
An excellent sense of humor
Roberto Luongo had a great sense of humor off the ice, according to former teammates. A side of his personality that the public has seen less of throughout his career. Thanks to his Twitter account, fans can appreciate his sense of humor. Here are some tasty posts he’s written over the past few years:
“The second worst contract in Canucks history. »
– A message to his former teammate Kevin Bieksa, referring to his long-term deal with this club.
(October 13, 2022)
“The Canadiens’ new head coach and some supporters. »
– Accompanied by a photo of Martin St-Louis and teammates from Team Canada.
(9 February 2022)
“Tom [Brady] won her seventh ring [du Super Bowl] at 43 years old and can hardly put my stockings on. »
(February 7, 2021)
” [Bill] Belichick wants to trade the first-round pick [au repêchage de la NFL]. That way he doesn’t have to talk to anyone tonight. »
(April 23, 2020)
” [David] Ayres has more wins than me in Toronto. »
Screenshot from NBC
– After the snow groomer driver wins as the emergency goaltender with the Carolina Hurricanes.
(February 22, 2020)
“In the space of two months, I am blown away by the fact that I have gone from being a pro athlete in top form to someone who wears elasticated shorts. »
– A few weeks after the official announcement of his resignation.
(July 6, 2019)