Roberto Luongo Interview - 2011 NHL Awards

Last month we caught up with Vancouver Canucks three-time Vezina, two-time Pearson and one-time Hart finalist, and 2011 Jennings winner Roberto Luongo at the 2011 NHL Awards in Las Vegas to discuss pregame preparation, teammate Cory Schneider and the Boston Bruins backstop Tim Thomas. These are his stories.

Q: What goes through your head during the singing of the anthems while you’re rocking back and forth before the game begins?

A: You know, just trying to stay warm I guess. Thinking about my game and making sure that I’m thinking about what I need to do to be successful on the ice. Just trying to stay active and not worry about feeling a little bit cold or what not.

Q: What about those kids that participate in the Canucks warmup and line up next to the players during the anthems?
A: They’re awesome.

Q: Is it distracting to have a toddler out there on the ice with you?
A: No, not at all. I think every time it’s been a goalie I’ve had a pretty good record. Maybe next year I’ll try to have one every game.

Q: I noticed one of the goalies that lined up next to you was wearing a Chicago Blackhawks jersey.
A: Yeah, I think it was against the Blackhawks. So it might have been in the playoffs. That would have been ironic.

Q: Talk about the importance of Cory Schneider to the Canucks?
A: It’s huge. He had a fantastic year. Every time he played he gave us a chance to win. He has a bright future ahead of him. He's going to be a superstar in this league. I was happy to have a partner like that and hopefully that will continue.

Q: Have you had a chance to chat with Tim Thomas this week?
A: We spoke briefly. He's a great goalie. I have a lot of respect for him and the talent that he has.

Many thanks to Roberto for speaking with us. Best of luck next season.

* See also Today In NHL History - Luongo's Playoff Poop.
* See also Today In NHL History - Luongo's Stick Gets Stuck.
* See also Today In NHL History - Luongo Trade (FLA-VAN).
* See also Today In NHL History - Luongo Trade (NYI-FLA).
* See also Roberto Luongo Interview - 2009 NHL Awards.