When the Vancouver Canucks celebrate their latest Ring of Honour inductee, there’s a good chance it’ll sound like the crowd is showering him with a chorus of boos.

However, that certainly won’t be the case. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find an individual in attendance whose "Luuuuuu" is an actual "Boooooo."

Former goaltender Roberto Luongo may have had his fair share of ups and downs in Vancouver, but there’s no doubt he’s still widely considered one of the most popular Canucks of all time.

And this Thursday night, the franchise he spent eight seasons with will celebrate his legacy, unveiling his permanent in-arena plaque above Rogers Arena’s ice.

Here for Roberto Luongo joining Canucks' Ring of Honour

Hockey Hall of Fame goalie Roberto Luongo will be added to the Vancouver Canucks' Ring of Honour ahead of tonight's game against the Florida Panthers. Fans in the Canucks Region can watch the game on Sportsnet Pacific while fans across Canada can stream the broadcast on Sportsnet+ Premieum beginning at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

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With the Canucks hosting the Florida Panthers, a pre-game ceremony will pay tribute to Luongo as he becomes the eighth player inducted into the team’s Ring of Honour, joining the esteemed company of Orland Kurtenbach, Kirk McLean, Thomas Gradin, Harold Snepsts, Pat Quinn, Mattias Ohlund and Alex Burrows.

Roberto Luongo Night is a year in the making, as the Canucks originally announced he would be added to their Ring of Honour on Nov. 22, 2022, following his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Considering the general consensus is that Luongo stands to this day as the franchise’s best goaltender — a sentiment supported by his numerous records and accolades — it’s safe to say reactions to the announcement were … diverse. Many fans voiced, and continue to express, a strong belief his No. 1 jersey deserves to be retired in Vancouver, just as it has been in Florida.

Regardless of where your opinion lies in the debate, Luongo’s Ring of Honour celebration is finally upon us. So, let’s now take a look back at the (mostly) good, the (occasionally) bad and the (rare) ugly moments during his tenure in Vancouver.

Canucks Acquire Luongo in Multiplayer Trade: June 6, 2006

Selected in the first round, fourth overall by the Islanders at the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, Luongo spent one season with New York before he was traded to the Panthers. After five seasons in Florida, a 27-year-old Luongo was traded to Vancouver on June 6, 2006, with Lukas Krajicek and a sixth-round pick in exchange for Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan Allen and Alex Auld.

The trade came as a surprise to Luongo, who had wanted to stay in Florida on a long-term deal, and believed an extension was still in the works after he rejected several of the Panthers’ offers. “I was surprised this whole deal went down,” he said at the time.

Dave Nonis, Canucks general manager at the time, said, “I think it was a bit of a shock for him. But he seemed very excited about coming here, and we're going to do our best to get him signed and have him in Vancouver for a long time.”

Signs Four-Year, $27-million Contract: June 29, 2006

True to his word, Nonis quickly delivered on the promise, finalizing Luongo’s first contract with the Canucks. Carrying an AAV of $6.75 million, the deal made Luongo the highest-paid player on the team at the time, and over the course of those four years, he posted an impressive 155-86-26 record and helped lead the team to two division titles.

Records Shutout After a Night in ICU: Jan. 16, 2007

After getting hit in the throat by a Daniel Sedin wrister during practice, Luongo spent a night in the intensive care unit of a Montreal hospital. The netminder played the next day against the Canadiens, after claiming he was running off practically no sleep and hadn’t been able to eat. He made 30 saves in a 4-0 shutout win.

He said later, "I felt a little nauseous in the first period, but I kind of settled in afterward.”

Breaks McLean’s Single-Season Wins Record: March 9, 2007

In a 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, Luongo earned his 39^th win, breaking McLean’s 38-win mark set in 1991-92. He went on to finish with a career-high 47 wins that season, his first with the Canucks.

First Career Playoff Game: April 11, 2007

Seven seasons into his NHL career, Luongo made his post-season debut on April 11, 2007, at the age of 28 — and it was a memorable one. A 5-4 quadruple overtime win for the Canucks over the Dallas Stars, Luongo ended up facing 76 shots that night, which was the most recorded in a playoff game at the time.

Later, when asked if the NHL should change its overtime format in the playoffs, Luongo responded: “A game like last night will go down in history. I don't see why we would change something like that."

Nominated for Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award: May 2007

Luongo finished second in voting for all three awards, behind Sidney Crosby for the Hart and Pearson, and behind Martin Brodeur for the Vezina.

Luongo’s Infamous Playoff … Bathroom Break: May 3, 2007

In an elimination Game 5 of the 2007 Western Conference semifinals, the Canucks were facing the Anaheim Ducks. Alex Burrows scored midway through the third period to tie up the game and force overtime. When the extra period began, Vancouver’s starting goaltender was nowhere to be found on the ice — because he was still in the locker-room bathroom … dealing with a bout of the runs …

“I was there doing my business and I hear the play starting in the arena,” Luongo told Sports Illustrated in 2016. “So I panicked there. I don’t remember if I wiped. I just put my gear back on, tried to get out there as soon as I could.”

Backup Danny Sabourin covered for Luongo in the meantime, stopping the five potential game winners he faced over the three-and-a-half minutes Luongo was missing from action. And while Luongo did eventually return to the game, the Canucks went on to be eliminated in double overtime.

Breaks Ken Lockett’s Record for Longest Shutout Streak: Nov. 29, 2007

With a 27-save shutout against the Blackhawks, a 26-save shutout against the Ducks and another 26-save shutout against the Blue Jackets all in succession, Luongo surpassed Lockett’s record for the longest shutout streak in franchise history (184:20 in 1975). Luongo’s streak was eventually snapped on Dec. 2 against the Minnesota Wild.

He then surpassed his own record the following season with another three consecutive shutouts, reaching 242:36 until the streak was ended on Nov. 12, 2008 against the Avalanche in a 2-1 shootout loss.

Announced as Team Captain: Sept. 30, 2008

When Markus Naslund signed with the New York Rangers in the 2008 off-season, the team decided to stray from the norm, naming Luongo as their 12^th captain in franchise history.

Considering the NHL prevents goaltenders from wearing the “C” on their jersey or performing any on-ice duties, it was quite an unconventional choice. Luongo was just the seventh goaltender in league history to become captain.

Mike Gillis, the general manager at the time, said, “Roberto is the leader of this team right now. We feel really strongly about that. To not do something like this means you have a leader that is unrecognized.”

Breaks Dan Cloutier’s Single-Season Shutout Record: April 9, 2009

Finishing the 2008-09 season with back-to-back shutouts in their final two games against the Kings and the Avalanche, Luongo reached nine shutouts that year. He passed Cloutier’s previous record of seven (2001-02) after the 1-0 win over Los Angeles.

Winner of the Scotiabank Fan Favourite Award: June 2009

The NHL had a favourite player award that was based on fan voting – it was only given out once and then never again. So, Luongo remains as the sole winner of this honour.

Signs 12-year, $64-million Contract: Sept. 2, 2009

With one year remaining on his original deal with the Canucks, Gillis locked down his star goaltender with an extension ahead of the 2009-10 season. With a cap hit of a little over $5.3 million per year, the deal would expire at the 2021-22 season when Luongo was 43 years old.

"We saw two 40-year-old goalies playing in the league this past year," said Gillis.

"As long as my body keeps telling me I can play, I'll be in the pipes,” said Luongo.

At the time, it was expected there would be no consequences for the Canucks if Luongo did retire earlier than the full length of the contract … (hindsight’s a funny thing!)

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Surpasses McLean as Franchise Shutout Leader: Oct. 25, 2009

With his first shutout that season, a 2-0 win over the Oilers, Luongo recorded his 21^st as a Canuck (and 48^th of his career), moving him past McLean as the all-time leader. He eventually reached 77, with 38 of them recorded with Vancouver.

Wins Olympic Gold Medal with Team Canada: Feb. 28, 2010

In a Canucks-adjacent achievement, considering it occured in Vancouver at Rogers Arena, Luongo made 34 saves in Canada’s 3-2 overtime win for the 2010 gold medal.

Luongo started every game but one, recording his first Olympic shutout over Norway and then winning four consecutive single-elimination games over Germany, Russia, Slovakia and the United States.

Steps Down as Team Captain: Sept. 13, 2010

After fans and media spent the summer debating whether Luongo should continue as captain of the Canucks, he made the decision to give up the role ahead of the 2010-11 season. He cited the choice as his own — not something Gillis and then-head coach Alain Vigneault had forced him to do.

“I want to put my whole focus on goaltending,” Luongo said. “I wouldn’t say it was a distraction. … It was my decision the whole time. I never felt pressure to either give it up or keep it."

The Canucks subsequently named Henrik Sedin as his successor. Years later, the goaltender even made light of the situation when he was left off a graphic of former captains.

Records Franchise’s Longest Point Streak: Feb. 12, 2011

Over the span of just over two months, starting on Dec. 8, 2010, Luongo went 16-0-5 to record a 21-game undefeated streak in regulation. It ultimately ended on Feb. 14, 2011, after a 3-2 loss to the Blues.

Wins William M. Jennings Trophy: April 2011

Luongo and rookie backup Cory Schneider were awarded for allowing the fewest goals in the league that season, posting a combined goals-against average of 2.20.

Finalist for Vezina Trophy ... again: April 2011

This marked his second nomination with the Canucks and the third of his career —however, Luongo ultimately fell short once again as the award went to Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins.

Stanley Cup Run: April – June 2011

Well, we probably all know what happened here …

In the Canucks’ opening series against the Blackhawks, Luongo was pulled twice — in Games 4 and 5 after allowing six and four goals, respectively. Schneider started Game 6 but then it was back to Luongo for Game 7. His 31-save performance in the elimination game led the Canucks to a 2-1 overtime win. From there on, Luongo started every game in the following two series against the Predators and Sharks.

And then came the final.

With a whole lot of pressure on their backs, looking to earn Vancouver its first Stanley Cup, the Canucks won the first two games against the Bruins with Luongo in net. In Game 3, he allowed eight goals in an 8-1 loss. In Game 4, he was pulled for the third time in the playoffs after giving up four goals on 20 shots. He bounced back in Game 5 to post a 1-0 shutout and put the Canucks on the verge of winning the Cup. But of course, that’s not how it went. He was pulled again in Game 6 after letting in three goals in less than three minutes in the first period. In the deciding Game 7, he allowed three goals on 20 shots, and the eventual 4-1 loss saw the Bruins crowned champions.

As a result of his below-standard performance in the final, Luongo was on the receiving end of a lot of blame and vitriol when the Canucks ultimately fell short.

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Breaks McLean’s Record for Most Career Wins: Jan. 21, 2012

With a 4-3 win over the Sharks, Luongo recorded his 212^th victory as a Canuck, becoming the new franchise leader by once again passing McLean. It took Luongo 364 games to reach the mark, which was 152 less than his predecessor needed.

Trade Rumours Start Gaining Traction: 2012 – 2013

With Schneider taking on a larger role throughout the past season and starting the majority of the Canucks’ first-round playoff games against the Kings, Luongo said he’d be open to waiving his no-trade clause if asked to.

“I don’t want to be one of those guys that will stand in the way of anything, I always want to put the team ahead of me and not be one of those selfish guys,” Luongo said at the team’s end-of-year media availability.

The assumption that Luongo was on his way out only intensified after Schneider signed a three-year, $12-million contract and over the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, took over as starter. This transition became evident in the playoffs when Schneider started three of the five games against the Kings, a period in which Luongo referred to the Canucks as “Cory’s team.”

The Iconic “My Contract Sucks” Comment: April 3, 2013

Despite both the Canucks and Luongo probably feeling more than ready for a fresh start at that point, there was one major obstacle preventing that from happening: his monster of a contract. With nine years still remaining, it came as little surprise other teams balked at the idea of taking it on.

“Unfortunately, (my contract) is a big factor in trading me and it’s probably why I’m still here,” Luongo said then. “My contract sucks. I’d scrap it if I could, right now.”

Back to No. 1 after Schneider Trade: June 30, 2013

So, if they couldn’t move Luongo, the Canucks decided they would move Schneider. The backup-turned-starter was unexpectedly sent to the New Jersey Devils during the off-season in exchange for a ninth-overall pick (used to select Bo Horvat). In his place, Luongo resumed his role as starter while Eddie Lack assumed the role of backup.

Heritage Classic Snub: March 2, 2014

Ahead of the Canucks’ “outdoor” game against the Senators at BC Place, then-head coach John Tortorella decided to bench Luongo. Although the team had lost eight of their previous nine contests heading into the Heritage Classic, Luongo had been playing up to par — accumulating a .918 save percentage and 2.38 goals-against average in 48 games.

Fans were understandably upset not getting to see the star goaltender in action for the special game, chanting “Luuu” in protest of Tortorella’s choice. Speaking about the snub nearly a year later, Luongo said: "There's no hiding it. I did want to play that game.”

Traded Back to Panthers: March 4, 2014

Just two days later, Luongo’s eight seasons in Vancouver officially came to an end, when the Canucks traded him back to the Panthers with prospect Steven Anthony, in exchange for Jacob Markstrom and Shawn Matthias.

Retirement and Cap Recapture Penalty: June 2019

Luongo went on to spend another five seasons playing with the Panthers before announcing his retirement on social media. As a result of his retirement the Canucks ($3,033,206) and Panthers ($1,094,128) both incurred a recapture penalty over the following three seasons.

A few weeks after his announcement, Luongo bought a full-page ad in The Province newspaper to thank the Canucks and their fans. It read:

“I’m glad I got to share some of my best hockey memories — from the Stanley Cup Final run, to the Olympic gold medal — with the fans in Vancouver. I want to take a moment to thank the people of Vancouver. I’ll never forget the impact that city and their fans made not only on my career, but on my life as well. They will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Hockey Hall of Fame Induction: November 2022

Luongo was elected into the 2022 HOF class in his first year of eligibility. Fittingly, he was inducted alongside his long-time Canuck teammates Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

@Strombone1: Ongoing

When Luongo’s social media account first started gaining attention, no one knew whether or not it belonged to the goaltender.

Full of witty and self-deprecating posts related to his trade talks, contract and the goaltending “controversy” between him and Schneider, Luongo officially claimed the account during a 2013 appearance on Hockey Night in Canada.

“You gotta be able to make fun of yourself in life,” said Luongo. “I don’t wanna take things too seriously; I wanna keep it lighthearted."

The good, the bad and the ugly: Looking back at Luongo’s time with the Canucks

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