Roberto Luongo’s day with the Stanley Cup

Former Vancouver Canucks netminder Roberto Luongo started his day with the Stanley Cup in what could be the most Canadian way ever.

The Florida Panthers special advisor endulged in a big bowl of poutine — gnocchi poutine to be exact.

“This could be another first!” Philip Pritchard, the keeper of the cup, whote on Thursday, confirming, “yes, it was delicious.”

But it’s not the first time he’s eaten out of the cup — he enjoyed spaghetti out of it earlier this summer.

The 2022 Hockey Hall of Famer brought Lord Stanley to his home province of Quebec, specifically St. Léonard, on Wednesday. Fans gathered to see the cup up close, and take photographs with the fan-favourite goaltender at an arena named after him.

“What better place to start your #StanleyCup day than an arena named after yourself,” Pritchard said on X, accompanied by photos of Luongo raising the Stanley Cup high over his head and next to a case with his old jerseys.

St. Léonard is “where it all began” for Lu, who spent eight seasons as a Vancouver Canuck before being traded back to the Florida Panthers in 2014.

“I think it’s really full circle, because we’ve bbeen coming here since we were babies. To see where he lived and now to see him celebrate with all of the family and friends, it’s really nice to see,” Gabriella Luongo said of her father.

“It’s awesome, I couldn’t believe it. But I can’t wait to just enjoy this moment with everyone, and I’m really excited,” added Roberto’s son, Gianni.

Luongo announced his retirement after 19 seasons in the NHL in 2019. The Montreal native was drafted fourth overall by the New York Islanders in 1994.

Lu was inducted into the Vancouver Canucks’ Ring of Honour in 2023.

“It makes us feel incredibly proud,” said Luongo’s wife, Gina Luongo, Wednesday. “This is a moment that we’ve waited for for a really long time.”

-With files from Pamela Pagano