RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – Wonder what our hockey players are doing during the NHL lockout? Well, one Vancouver Canucks goaltender is hitting the poker circuit.

Roberto Luongo is playing on the World Series of Poker Circuit at River Rock Casino.

Strangely, Luongo says he has another labour dispute to thank for his poker expertise.

“Well I’ve always enjoyed playing cards, but ironically, I really got into poker seriously during the last lockout seven years ago when I had a lot of time on my hands and I really started taking this hobby a bit more seriously,” he explains.

Luongo says he finds a lot of similarities between poker and goaltending, pointing to focus, patience and planning as keys to winning.

As for his playing future in Vancouver and trade rumours that continue to swirl, Luongo says he’s focusing on staying patient and doesn’t want to look too far ahead.

“When the time comes and I do get a phone call from Mike [Gillis] or whoever it may be, we’ll make some decisions. For right now, I really want to stay focused on training hard and being ready to play when the time comes.”

Luongo will be playing at the River Rock Casino until November 7th.