Fans scored a photo with NHL Hall of Famer, Roberto Luongo as the Montrealer was back in his hometown in the Saint Leonard borough on Wednesday with the Stanley Cup — at the arena named after him. “It makes us feel incredibly proud,” said Luongo’s wife, Gina Luongo. “This is a moment that we’ve waited for for a really long time.
” “It feels pretty surreal,” said Gina. “It’s pretty beautiful to see all of these, this memorabilia here of my husband.” The Florida Panthers goaltender retired in 2019.
And after 24 years in the NHL, Luongo finally got to lift the Stanley Cup last June – through his off-ice role, working hard in the Panthers front office. It was also a first for the team, their first Stanley Cup win — defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7. While he had some time with the Cup already, eating pasta out of it days after the big win, all were happy to share Luongo’s day with it here.
And some just had to be first in line. “My first hockey player that I’m gonna take a picture with,” said Alex Mitzinis, young hockey fan. “I’m very excited for that.
” “My second (son) is also a goaler,” explained Antonino Iacono. “So when he found out that Luongo was bringing the cup back to Saint Leonard, back to where he grew up, he was ecstatic.” “I always wanted to win the Stanley Cup,” added Alex’s son, Giuliano Iacono.
For Gina, being back at the arena with their two children, and seeing her husband play a friendly game with his brothers and childhood friends before this meet and greet –- brought back sweet memories. “My daughter was here, we were just talking about it, crying outside as they were unveiling the arena,” she reminisced. “It was really beautiful.
” “I think it’s like really full circle,” added Gabriella Luongo, Roberto Luongo’s daughter. “We’ve been coming here since we were babies.” “I can’t wait to just enjoy this moment,” said his son, Gianni Luongo.
“I’m really excited.” Luongo’s stellar career, stretched across 19 seasons: making saves with the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks – and 11 seasons with the Panthers. Inspiring hockey fans of all ages.
“I really want to like be a hockey player when I’m older,” said hockey fan, Gabriel Mitzinis. “He’s a Florida Panthers legend,” added Daniel Turturici. “Even though I’m a Bruins fan.
” “I’m very happy that they won the first ever Stanley Cup,” said Michele Focarazzo. “It was pretty special how we started here,” said Gina, smiling. “Unveiling of the arena and now celebrating this moment.
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