Legends of Hockey

The Hockey Legacy of Roberto Luongo

Roberto Luongo's journey to hockey stardom began on the frozen ponds of Saint-Léonard, Quebec, where his older brother Leo first strapped pads onto him at age six. His raw talent was undeniable, but it was his relentless work ethic—practicing glove saves until his hand bled—that set him apart. Drafted fourth overall by the New York Islanders in 1997, Luongo’s early career was a baptism by fire, facing a barrage of shots on a struggling team. Yet, even then, teammates marveled at his pre-game rituals, like meticulously arranging his water bottles in a perfect line, a superstition that became his trademark.

Luongo’s career soared in Vancouver, where he backstopped the Canucks to within one game of the 2011 Stanley Cup, delivering a 54-save masterpiece in Game 5 against the Sharks that year. His rivalry with Patrick Roy was legendary, but it was his 2010 Olympic gold-medal win for Canada—stopping 34 shots in a pressure-cooker final against the USA—that cemented his status as a national hero. Off the ice, his self-deprecating Twitter persona ('Strombone1') and locker-room pranks (hiding teammates’ gear in the Zamboni) made him a fan favorite.

After retiring in 2019, Luongo’s influence endured: his #1 jersey was retired by the Panthers, and he became a vocal advocate for mental health in sports. Teammates still recount his 'Luongo Leap'—a celebratory jump into their arms after big wins—as a symbol of his infectious passion. Today, he mentors young goalies, teaching them not just to stop pucks, but to embrace the joy of the game.

Roberto Luongo