We're starting off this week with a little bit of breaking news.
Likely just around the time you were walking into work on Monday morning, the Florida Panthers announced that goaltender Roberto Luongo will have his fabled No. 1 jersey retired and sent into the rafters on March 7, 2020, when his hometown Montreal Canadiens visit BB&T Center.
"Roberto is a cornerstone of Panthers history and an icon of the game," Panthers Owner & Governor Vincent J. Viola said in the team's official release. "He has represented himself and the Panthers with tremendous dignity, determination and a standard of excellence throughout his career.
"Roberto exemplifies what it means to be a Florida Panther. His level of commitment to this franchise, his teammates, his family and the South Florida community is second to none. There is no player more deserving to be the first Florida Panther to have his jersey number retired."
After 19 NHL seasons, Luongo, 40, hung up his skates this summer, leaving behind a legacy that included the second-most games played by a goaltender (1,044) and the third-most wins (489) in league history. He is also one of just three goalies to compete in 1,000 NHL contests.
Luongo also stands as Florida's all-time leader in wins (230), shutouts (38) and saves (16,068).
"A true professional, competitor and gentleman, Roberto set the standard for players in this organization," Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Dale Tallon said. "There was never a question in any of our minds that Roberto would be the first Panthers player to have his number retired by the franchise.
"One of the game's most iconic goaltenders, he gave his heart and soul to the Panthers and the South Florida community and carried himself with dignity, modesty and humor. Roberto is most deserving of this honor and we are thrilled for him, and his family.
Click HERE to learn more about Luongo's latest honor.
Click HERE to buy tickets to the game.
