At first, Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo struggled to speak.

As his team took to the ice for their Thursday night game against the Washington Capitals — their first game since last week's deadly Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting in Parkland, Florida — he also held back tears.

article continues below

"I live in Parkland," Luongo began, speaking to the home crowd at the BB&T Center in nearby Sunrise, just minutes from where 17 people lost their lives. "I've lived in Parkland for the past 12 years. My wife was born and raised in that area. My kids go to school in Parkland. When I'm done playing hockey, I want to spend the rest of my life in Parkland. I love that city.

"Last week was Valentine's Day, and I was in Vancouver. Obviously, we all know what happened," he continued, "and it was hard for me to be on the West Coast and not be able to get back home and protect my family.

"No child should ever have to go through that. It's terrible.

"It's time for us as a community to take action," he added. "Enough is enough."

Watch the full video below.

"You guys are an inspiration to all of us. At the end of the day, you guys are what's giving us hope for the future."



- Roberto Luongo to the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. pic.twitter.com/P63aP0fslC — NHL (@NHL) February 23, 2018