Like a quarterback in football, it’s amazing what a goaltender can do for your team.
Roberto Luongo was just that guy for the Vancouver Canucks when he arrived in 2006. After a career of being a sensational goaltender for a terrible team in Florida, Luongo arrived in Vancouver and gave the Canucks instant Stanley Cup contender status.
Between the ’94 Cup final appearance and Luongo’s arrival, the Canucks had won two playoff series in 12 seasons and won the division just once.
Luongo was integral to the Canucks winning the division six times in his eight seasons, including two Presidents Trophies and one Clarence Campbell Trophy as Western Conference champions, before losing a Game 7 in the Cup final.
Off the ice, Luongo was the first star to embrace social media and use it for all the right and hilarious reasons, allowing fans to see a witty, self-deprecating side.
His image changed because of that; all other athletes and teams can learn. The more fans get to know of the players the better, especially in an era where there is less accessibility than ever before.