Richmond, BC (October 28, 2012) — When Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo was introduced to players as the guest of honor in Event 1 Saturday at River Rock Casino Resort, he was met with overwhelming cheers -- but one can't deny hearing a few scattered boos. With the NHL lockout getting longer by the day, the hockey faithful are anxious to see their favorite goalkeeper back on the ice.
For now, though, they will have to be alright sharing the felt with the Canucks star.
As a member of the NHL, Luongo has won gold medals in the 2003 and 2004 World Championships and a silver in the 2005 World Championships. Additionally, Luongo was the goalkeeper for Canada's 2010 Olympic team, beating the United States in the finals.Luongo, a hockey player all his life, is turning into a regular on the WSOP tournament circuit. With a WSOP Main Event cash this summer and a solid performance in Event 1 at River Rock, Luongo has proven he can hold his own on the tournament felt.The WSOP caught up with the standout goaltender prior to the start of Event 2 at River Rock Casino, the second of three events he is confirmed to play at River Rock Casino Resort.WSOP: When you play a WSOP event is your motivation strictly driven by your competitiveness?ROBERTO LUONGO: It's all about competition. That's why I love this game. It's outlasting other players and competing against other players and trying to get the best of them -- trying to get as far as you can. For me the buy-in doesn't matter. Whether it's the (WSOP) Main Event, $10,000 or $365 or a $20 buy-in online, it's all about the competition.WSOP: You've won a handful of gold medals in hockey, the WSOP also awards gold to their highest achievers. What would it mean for you, a man who has been on top of the hockey world, to be on the top of your game in another sport?RL: It would be huge. I think it's much harder in this field because I haven't been playing this my whole life like I have been hockey. There's a lot more players involved and it's a harder competition. It's pretty young in my poker career, I can still say. I've still got some improving to do but I love the game a lot and I just want to keep getting better.WSOP: What did you take away as a poker player from your experience cashing in the WSOP Main Event this summer?RL: It was a first experience for me so I wasn't sure what to expect. It was so much fun and I learned a lot of things about my game and what I can improve on and what I need to do to go further next year. I am a very tight, conservative player and sometimes I don't have to be afraid to be a bit more aggressive.WSOP: This stop in Canada is the first of its kind for the WSOP. What do you think it means for the Canadian poker scene and the WSOP?RL: I hope it opens the door for Canada and attracts more people in the future -- more events and bigger events. The World Series of Poker is so huge in the United States and people from all over the world come to play so I'm sure when it comes to their neck of the woods they're excited.
WSOP: Are there any similarities between playing goalie in the NHL and playing tournament poker?RL: I think so. You've got to be focused at all times, you can't have any mental lapses in playing goalie or poker or you'll be out of chips. Just keep that constant focus and make reads on other players whether it's on the ice or on the poker table. It's very similar to goaltending, I think, mentally wise.WSOP: We have to ask you about the NHL lockout. What are your predictions?RL: I hope that we're going to find some sort of ground here in the next month so we can get the season started. I think all the guys want to play. At the end of the day I think the players just want a fair deal for both the owners and players that we can work around so we can get the game back on the ice for the fans.WSOP: Talk about the partnership you have with PlayNow.com, a Vancouver-based online poker site.RL: It's been awesome. They approached me last summer and I immediately said yes just because of my love for poker. It has been a wonderful partnership. They gave me an opportunity to play in the (WSOP) Main Event last year which was a dream come true for me. I was really honored to have a chance to represent them and do the best I can.
Luongo is currently playing in Day 1 of Event 2 at River Rock Casino Resort. He is also confirmed to participate in the Main Event, beginning November 2. Stay glued to blog.wsop.com for all official updates from Richmond, BC.