When Team Canada revealed its initial roster of 16 for the upcoming 2016 World Cup of Hockey there were few surprises.
Some of the notable omissions included Corey Perry, Claude Giroux, Brent Burns, P.K. Subban, Brent Seabrook and Matt Duchene, however those players could all still conceivably make the final 23-man roster. Canada will name three more defencemen and four more forwards to the roster, which must be finalized by June 1.
One player that was left off the roster was Roberto Luongo.
Team Canada named its three goalies – Carey Price, Braden Holtby and Corey Crawford – which means the veteran Florida Panthers netminder won’t be on the final roster (unless there’s an injury and he’s selected as a replacement).
Many felt Canada would name two goalies and leave the third spot open, but management felt comfortable naming all three right off the bat.
Luongo led Canada to a gold medal at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and won a second gold as Price’s backup in 2014. He’s also in the midst of a solid campaign with the Panthers sporting a 27-15-6 record with a 2.24 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and four shutouts.
To no one’s surprise, Luongo had a terrific reaction on his Twitter account.
Strombone on Twitter
Is there a team Canada over 35 I can sign up for anywhere?Kidding aside those r 3 great and well deserving goalies. Canada in great hands
Hockey Canada president Tom Renney said on Sportsnet’s live broadcast unveiling the World Cup rosters that he spoke to Luongo and mentioned that he would be the next goalie on the list if there is an injury replacement. According to Renney, Luongo lent his full support to the group assembled and will be cheering on his countrymen.