Bodog Beat

Roberto Luongo's 12-year contract confirms his beliefs that the Vancouver Canucks are a Stanley Cup contender. (AP Images)

For the countless Vancouver Canucks fans who have been clinging to their Roberto Luongo jerseys, Wednesday's news that the team captain and star goaltender has signed a 12-year, $64 million contract extension is grrrrrreat!

"This is a great day for me and my family," said Luongo, who was set to become a free agent following the 2009-10 season. "I love playing in a passionate hockey city like Vancouver and along with my teammates I am committed to doing everything I can to help make this a championship team."

According to the new contract, which includes a no-trade clause, Luongo will be paid $10 million in 2010-11, but then because of the salary cap he'll average $5.33-million per year. That's down from $6.75 million, which is what he averaged during his current four-year deal that would have expired at the end of the upcoming season.

Currently in the Bodog Sportsbook the Vancouver Canucks are 20/1 odds to win the 2009-10 Stanley Cup.

"Roberto Luongo is the leader of our hockey team; he is in the prime of his playing career and has a tremendous desire to make the Canucks a championship team," said general manager Mike Gillis, who personally visited Luongo in Montreal during contract talks. "His leadership, competitiveness and character are what this team will represent for many years to come."

The Vancouver Canucks 2009-10 regular season starts with what should be a heated matchup against division rivals the Calgary Flames on Thursday, Oct. 1st at the aging Saddledome in Cowtown.

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