Luongo, Sedins, Vancouver Canucks Honor Newly Created Hall of Fame

Cheers of “Woohoo!” rang out again at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on Thursday as the Canucks honored a trio of former players.

The familiar oratory applause erupted as former goalkeeper Roberto Luongo stood on center ice with former teammates Daniel and Henrik Sedin. All three were recognized for being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame ahead of their games against the Canucks and the Florida Panthers.

Luongo thanked the standing crowd for supporting the trio.

“Personally, I want to thank everyone for pushing me to be a better goalkeeper and a better person every night.

A video narrated by former coach Alain Vigneault played on the big screen, and each of the three players received a traditional blanket from the Indigenous leader. Sandwiched by Sedin, Luongo performed a ceremonial puck drop.

Rogers Arena has long been a special place for Luongo.

It’s the rink where he led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010, and it’s also where he and his Canucks teammates reached the Stanley Cup finals in 2011 before losing to the Boston Bruins in Game 7.

“The playoff run was the best moment of my career,” Netminder told reporters on Thursday. I want to thank you all.

It won’t be the last time the 43-year-old Montreal native will be honored in front of a crowd in Vancouver. The Canucks announced Wednesday that he will join the team’s Ring of Honor next season.

“It’s a huge honor. I’m really excited about it,” said Luongo, who is now director of goaltending in Florida and special adviser to general manager Bill Zito. It’s nice to see the work I’ve been doing getting recognized, and I’m so grateful to be climbing with them.”

Luongo, who was drafted 4th overall by the New York Islanders in 1997, spent eight seasons with the Canucks.

During his time in Vancouver, the team made the playoffs for five consecutive seasons. A special group did it, Netminder said.

“It was unbelievable,” he said. “And when you’re in it, sometimes you don’t realize it. , you know it was a unique group, right?

“There were different types of personalities in the locker room. And I think that’s what made us so good.”

Luongo wrapped up his career with the Panthers, spending five seasons at the Florida crease before announcing his retirement after the 2018-19 season.

He remains the Canucks’ franchise leader in wins (252) and shutouts (38), and among goaltenders who have played at least 100 games, he leads in save percentage (.919) and points per game (2.36).

That success has caused many in Vancouver to ponder whether he should retire his jersey — a decision Luongo said is beyond his control.

He told the audience Thursday night that neither honor came to mind.

“I know there’s a lot of discussion about Ring of Honor and[uniform retirement]but it’s not important to me. It’s important to me to share moments like this with you.” “

Gemma Karstens-Smith, Canadian Press

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