Florida

Roberto Luongo was more than just an elite goaltender, he was a leader, a workhorse, and one of the most respected personalities in the modern era of hockey. Born on April 4, 1979, in Montreal, Quebec, Luongo’s NHL career spanned 19 seasons, highlighted by incredible longevity, international success, and a deep bond with fans across the league. Drafted 4th overall by the New York Islanders in 1997, Luongo’s true breakout came after a trade to the Florida Panthers, where he established himself as a star with jaw-dropping save totals and a calm presence in net. But it was his time with the Vancouver Canucks that elevated him to legendary status. From 2006 to 2014, Luongo served as the Canucks’ undisputed No. 1 goalie and even team captain for two seasons, a rare honor for a netminder. He helped lead Vancouver to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, pushing the series to seven games in one of the most emotional playoff runs in Canadian hockey history. He also backstopped Team Canada to Olympic gold in both 2010 (Vancouver) and 2014 (Sochi). Whether he was making acrobatic saves or cracking jokes, fans connected with him on and off the ice. In 2022, Luongo was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats. He may not have lifted the Cup, but Roberto Luongo earned something even rarer—respect, admiration, and love from the entire hockey world.