The Hockey News: Headlines: Vancouver Canucks new captain Robert Luongo wearing 'C' on mask

Vancouver Canucks new captain Robert Luongo wearing 'C' on mask

2008-10-05 23:40:00

VANCOUVER - Roberto Luongo is sporting a C after all.

The Vancouver captain, forbidden by NHL rules from wearing the letter on his jersey because he is a goaltender, sported a new C on his mask Sunday night as the Canucks hosted Anaheim in the final 2008-09 pre-season game for both clubs.

"It can stand for whatever he wants it to stand for," said Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis, when asked if the C stood for Canucks or captain.

The dark blue C is located on the bottom of Luongo's mask in the area that protects his throat. It is clearly separate from the mask's painted design and resembles the plain letter that a captain usually wears on a jersey.

The Canucks broke tradition Tuesday by naming Luongo as their new captain. He became the first goaltender in 61 seasons to receive the honour after Bill Durnan served as captain of the Montreal Canadiens in 1947-48.

Durnan's penchant for leaving his crease to talk to officials prompted the league to create a rule that is still in effect today. It prohibits a goaltender from acting as a captain or alternate captain on the ice and wearing a C on his jersey.

More than half a century later, the NHL remains concerned that allowing a goaltender to perform traditional captain's duties will give a team unscheduled timeouts. Luongo is not allowed to discuss calls with officials or participate in pre-game face-offs.

GM Gillis sought clarification of the rule from NHL executives before naming Luongo captain. The Canucks were left without a captain after Markus Naslund signed a free agent contract with the New York Rangers in the off-season.

COMMENTS (16)

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Fred Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:52)

Whats your point?

11Cups Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:20)

I have a new sharpie so he can draw one on his jersey. Maybe that's a tough one for him when he says the ABC's, now he can just look at his bucket.

T.Roy Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:20)

Sorry won't happen, but he may be the only one on team worthy of it. How many times does his name appear on the Cup?

dfguihrighg Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:20)

Fred, wasn't Lincoln the President then.

Fred Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:15)

I dont know why he can't wear the C on his shirt. We just have to look in this history of the montreal canadian, one goalie had wear the c on the shirt Bill Durnan. Take a look: http://www.hockeygoalies.org/trivia/pictures/year10week22.jpg

Will Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:12)

Wow. Vancouver would do something like this.

dylan george taylor Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:05)

Is there a picture of this anywhere on the web. why woudnt the nhl let him were a c it is no difference from a player

dave Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:00)

haha this is very clever....but Bettman will change it next season to "No goalie can be a 'captain'" because thats what bettman does; Ruin the game.

Sam Posted
(2009-04-30 07:07:00)

Is their a picture to this anywhere?

John R. Posted
(2009-04-30 07:06:57)

I wonder if Gillis will pay Luongo 10 million a season come the end of his contract. Pretty hard to tell your Captain and the best goaltender in the game he's not worth as much as a 37 year old center who has lost his passion to play the game. Hard to say the Sedins aren't worth that much either in comparison. Digging a pretty big hole Gillis, although I doubt the Sedins will take you to the cleaners. Considering the importance of goaltending, I'm surprised the elite goaltenders in this league aren't paid 8-10 million a year.

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