Roberto Luongo

Guide Note

Widely considered to be one of the best goaltenders in the National Hockey League, Roberto Luongo currently minds net for the Vancouver Canucks.

In addition to a successful NHL career, Luongo has represented Canada in various international competitions, including acting as backup goalie for Martin Brodeur in the 2006 Winter Olympics. He competed in the 1998 and 1999 World Junior Championships, the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and has gone to four IIHF World Championships.

Fast Facts

1. Birth date: April 4, 1979
2. Birth place: Montreal, Quebec
3. Jersey number: 1
4. Nicknames: Lou, Bobby,
5. Two-time starting goalie in the NHL All-Star Game
6. Two-time runner up for the Vezina Trophy

When Luongo was drafted fourth overall by the New York Islanders during the 1997 entry draft, he became the highest drafted goalie in League history, although the record has since been surpassed. After a season with the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate, Luongo made his NHL debut on November 28, 1999 against the Boston Bruins when he stopped 43 out of 44 shots to earn his team the win.

After only one season with the Islanders, Luongo was traded to the Florida Panthers during the 2000 off season. His breakout year would come during the 2003-2004 season when he broke the NHL record for facing the most shots during a single season and making the most saves in one season.

During the 2006 off-season, Luongo was traded to the Vancouver Canucks and shortly thereafter signed a four-year contract worth $27 million.