For all the hockey fans out there, you know how rare of an honor this is. 

Roberto Luongo is the first goalie to be named captain of an NHL team in 61 seasons.  The last Goaltender who had this honor was Bill Durnan of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1947-1948 hockey season.  Luongo is in a very elite list of Goaltenders to be honored with Team Captain, with only a few other goaltenders having that title.  In addition to Bill Durnan, only 3 other goalies were named Captain:  Chuck Gardiner (Chicago Blackhawks 1933-1934), George Hainsworth (Montreal Canadiens 1932-1933) and John Joss Roach (Toronto St. Patricks 1924-1925).

"There are only two things that, as Captain, Luongo cannot do.  He cannot wear the "C" on his jersey or take faceoffs" says Coach Alain Vigneault.  By League rules, Luongo cannot wear the "C"; due to logistical challenges of having the Goaltender relay rules discussions between referees and coaches and then return to the crease.  The 29-year-old Luongo, however, will be the voice of reason in the dressing room and, perhaps, during critical moments of each game.

Roberto Luongo was originally drafted to the Islanders in 1997, 1st round, 4th overall.  He spent one season there in 1999/2000, then was traded to the Panthers for 5 seasons.  Traded to Vancouver in 2006, he has had two very good seasons.  His awards and accomplishments date back to when he was in QMJHL when he won he Mike Bossy Award in 1997.  He won Best Goalie in 1999 for the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he made the All-Star team as well.  His NHL career has included the 2002 YoungStars Game, NHL Second All Star Game in 2003 & 2007, Mark Messier Leadership Award in March 2007 and the NHL All Star Game in 2004, 2007 & 2008.

With the Vancouver Canucks, Luongo was the Most Exciting Player Award in 2007, won the Cyclone Taylor Award in 2007 & 2008, Molson Cup Award 2007 & 2008 and today was named Team Captain for the 2008/2009 Season!!!

Last season, Luongo finished 35-29-9 with a 2.38 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and six shutouts in 73 appearances. The Canucks’ captaincy had been vacated by Markus Naslund, who signed with the New York Rangers in the offseason.

“We’re happy Roberto’s the leader of this of this organization and the leader of this group of players,’’ Vigneault said. “He’s the right choice.’’