Inductee: Roberto Luongo
The next inductee is one who has spread his great deeds across the two cities in which he’s spent the biggest chunks of his career. He is a man very underappreciated (IMO) for the incredibly sensitive, but necessary work he’s done in his communities.
Roberto Luongo’s career as a goaltender in the NHL is undeniably outstanding. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1997, but he spent the majority of his career with the Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers, his current team.
He is a two-time NHL Second All-Star and winner of the William M. Jennings Trophy for helping his team to the lowest goals-against average in the league.
He’s also been a finalist for the Veniza Trophy for best goaltender three times, for the Lester B. Pearson Award for the top player voted by his peers, and for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP.
Then we have his international recognition, a list including two Olympic gold medals.
If you follow hockey in any manner, you know this man. You know he’s given 20 wonderful years to his sport and you’re hoping for 20 more.
But, hockey isn’t everything. *Gasp!* I said it. And guess what? Roberto Luongo seems to agree.
Luongo is involved with many different charities and organizations. You’re thinking, ‘so is every athlete.’
But, you’ll quickly see that this man is one-of-a-kind.
So, let’s start by talking about his favorite people to help: kids.
While playing for the Canucks, Luongo sponsored a whole spectator’s box in Rogers Arena, reserved for underprivileged children so they could attend the games.
In 2009, he also sponsored the Roberto Luongo Golf Open to benefit Montreal Children’s Hospital.
This is where it gets a little more real…
In Vancouver, the Canucks have always been supportive of something called Canuck Place. Canuck Place is a children’s Hospice. They provide pediatric palliative care to children and families in the area.
(Learn more and donate here: https://www.canuckplace.org/)
Luongo chose to team up with them for a campaign called ‘Embracing Life One Goal at a Time.’ They were hoping to spread support and awareness for Canuck Place.
(watch video PSA here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvabe-I-c70)
And Luongo seemed humbled by this, knowing that the kids were the heroes here. “What touched me most was their spirit and perseverance,” he said.
I am confident that everyone can understand the strength, commitment and heart that it would take to help provide end-of-life care for children. You are incredible, Roberto.
Then we go all the way down south, to a day not too long ago. February 14, 2018. Stoneman Douglas High School experiences one of the deadliest school shootings in the world.
Not only does Luongo play for the Florida Panthers, but he has also called the city of Parkland, FL home for 12 years. His kids attend school in the area. His son Gianni, who is 7 years old, was locked in a closet for three hours during his school’s lockdown.
But, when Luongo was given the mic at the first Panthers home game after the massacre, he emphasized how brave the students were who lost their lives trying to save others. He also highlighted how inspiring the students have been.
Then, a month later, Luongo reports to ESPN to continue his support. He does not want the conversation to end, people should not be moving on to other news. “I want the high school students to keep fighting. And I want everyone to pay attention,” he says.
He is careful (and smart) not to toy with politics but continues to speak out. He reports that he will stay involved in gun and school safety issues moving forward. “In the offseason, when I have a little more time, we’ll see where it goes,” he told ESPN.
Luongo has currently been nominated for the Masterton Trophy because of his perseverance with this cause.
Roberto Luongo has immersed himself in each of his communities, finding the most good he can do.
His level of athleticism is mirrored by his level of service. He has used his platform to help his community in some of the most meaningful ways.
I’m honored and proud to induct Roberto Luongo into the Good Guy Hall of Fame!
Roberto Luongo’s career as a goaltender in the NHL is undeniably outstanding. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1997, but he spent the majority of his career with the Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers, his current team.
He is a two-time NHL Second All-Star and winner of the William M. Jennings Trophy for helping his team to the lowest goals-against average in the league.
He’s also been a finalist for the Veniza Trophy for best goaltender three times, for the Lester B. Pearson Award for the top player voted by his peers, and for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP.
Then we have his international recognition, a list including two Olympic gold medals.
If you follow hockey in any manner, you know this man. You know he’s given 20 wonderful years to his sport and you’re hoping for 20 more.
But, hockey isn’t everything. *Gasp!* I said it. And guess what? Roberto Luongo seems to agree.
Luongo is involved with many different charities and organizations. You’re thinking, ‘so is every athlete.’
But, you’ll quickly see that this man is one-of-a-kind.
So, let’s start by talking about his favorite people to help: kids.
While playing for the Canucks, Luongo sponsored a whole spectator’s box in Rogers Arena, reserved for underprivileged children so they could attend the games.
In 2009, he also sponsored the Roberto Luongo Golf Open to benefit Montreal Children’s Hospital.
This is where it gets a little more real…
In Vancouver, the Canucks have always been supportive of something called Canuck Place. Canuck Place is a children’s Hospice. They provide pediatric palliative care to children and families in the area.
(Learn more and donate here: https://www.canuckplace.org/)
Luongo chose to team up with them for a campaign called ‘Embracing Life One Goal at a Time.’ They were hoping to spread support and awareness for Canuck Place.
(watch video PSA here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvabe-I-c70)
And Luongo seemed humbled by this, knowing that the kids were the heroes here. “What touched me most was their spirit and perseverance,” he said.
I am confident that everyone can understand the strength, commitment and heart that it would take to help provide end-of-life care for children. You are incredible, Roberto.
Then we go all the way down south, to a day not too long ago. February 14, 2018. Stoneman Douglas High School experiences one of the deadliest school shootings in the world.
Not only does Luongo play for the Florida Panthers, but he has also called the city of Parkland, FL home for 12 years. His kids attend school in the area. His son Gianni, who is 7 years old, was locked in a closet for three hours during his school’s lockdown.
But, when Luongo was given the mic at the first Panthers home game after the massacre, he emphasized how brave the students were who lost their lives trying to save others. He also highlighted how inspiring the students have been.
Then, a month later, Luongo reports to ESPN to continue his support. He does not want the conversation to end, people should not be moving on to other news. “I want the high school students to keep fighting. And I want everyone to pay attention,” he says.
He is careful (and smart) not to toy with politics but continues to speak out. He reports that he will stay involved in gun and school safety issues moving forward. “In the offseason, when I have a little more time, we’ll see where it goes,” he told ESPN.
Luongo has currently been nominated for the Masterton Trophy because of his perseverance with this cause.
Roberto Luongo has immersed himself in each of his communities, finding the most good he can do.
His level of athleticism is mirrored by his level of service. He has used his platform to help his community in some of the most meaningful ways.
I’m honored and proud to induct Roberto Luongo into the Good Guy Hall of Fame!
Comments
Post a Comment