Everyone knows what Roberto Luongo can do between the pipes, but what is he like behind closed doors? What kind of person is Roberto Luongo? As we continue our past teammates theme, Canucks Fanz columnist Farhan Devji recently talked to someone who is capable of answering these questions, Jamie McLennan.

By Canucks Fanz Columnist: Farhan Devji

McLennan backed up Luongo during his final year with the Florida Panthers in the 2005/06 season. He wasn’t exactly one of the busiest backups goalies in the National Hockey League playing in front of the workhouse that Roberto Luongo is, but he was the ideal teammate and developed a very pleasant relationship with Lu. McLennan says that even though they no longer see each other regularly, they still keep in touch.

“Yes we are still very close,” said McLennan.

We are always hearing how Roberto Luongo is such a great leader, and if there was ever a question of handing the captaincy to a goaltender, Luongo would be the perfect candidate. But is Luongo more of a vocal leader ala Mark Messier? Or does he let his performance on the ice speak for itself ala Joe Sakic? McLennan says that Luongo is a hybrid of the two.

“He is a quiet guy,” said McLennan. “He’s vocal when he has to be, but mostly his leadership comes with his actions on the ice.”

Practicing with Luongo more or less every day for an entire season, and watching him play 75 regular season games first hand, if anyone knows why Roberto Luongo is such a dominant goaltender, it’s Jamie McLennan.

“His size, his athletic ability, and his work ethic combined make him a top tier goalie,” said the native of Edmonton, Alberta. 

If you’re not a fan Jamie McLennan or Roberto Luongo, that’s your prerogative, but you must appreciate their personalities and sense of humor which both became truly evident in a TSN feature with James Duthie. In this compelling feature, McLennan shares his experiences of what it’s like to be Roberto Luongo’s backup. (http://www.canucksfanz.com/video-cool-stuff-/jamie-mclennan-roberto-luongo-feature-2.html)

“It was TSN’s idea, but Roberto was great about it,” said McLennan, the one time Lethbridge Hurricane. “He has a great sense of humor. It took a long time to shoot”

McLennan was slated to start of this season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Russian Super League but decided to return to North America following the pre-season. And contrary to reports that suggested McLennan was released because the team’s management was unhappy with his performance, it was solely his decision.

“I had the team buy out my contract,” said McLennan. “I wasn’t enjoying it.”

Perhaps Vancouver Canucks General Manager Dave Nonis should make a pitch to reunite the lethal goaltending tandem that is Jamie McLennan and Roberto Luongo.

Discuss it here.

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