Theoren Fleury facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Theoren Fleury
Fleury with the Calgary Flames in 2009
Born	(1968-06-29) June 29, 1968 (age 57) Oxbow, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height	5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
Weight	180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Position	Right Wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Calgary Flames Tappara Colorado Avalanche New York Rangers Chicago Blackhawks Belfast Giants
NHL Draft	166th overall, 1987 Calgary Flames
Playing career	1988–2006
Medal record Representing  Canada Men's ice hockey World Junior Championships Gold 1988 Soviet Union Ice hockey World Championships Silver 1991 Finland Ice hockey Canada Cup Gold 1991 Canada Cup Ice hockey World Cup Silver 1996 World Cup of Hockey Ice hockey Olympic Games Gold 2002 Salt Lake City Ice hockey

Theoren Wallace "Theo" Fleury (born June 29, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He is also an author and a motivational speaker. Fleury played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). These included the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks. He also played for Tappara in Finland and the Belfast Giants in the UK.

The Flames drafted Fleury in 1987. He played over 1,000 games in the NHL between 1989 and 2003. Even though he was one of the smallest players of his time, Fleury played with a lot of energy. He often got into arguments on the ice. As a junior player, he was part of a famous brawl in 1987. This fight led to Canada and the Soviet Union being disqualified from the World Junior Championships.

Many people thought Fleury was too small for the NHL. But he proved them wrong by scoring over 1,000 points in his career. He won the Stanley Cup in 1989 with the Flames. Fleury scored over 90 points four times and over 100 points twice. He also represented Canada twice at the Winter Olympics, winning a gold medal in 2002. Fleury faced personal challenges during his career. These challenges led to his departure from the NHL in 2003. He later played one season in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. He also tried to win the Allan Cup twice. Fleury retired from hockey in 2009 after trying to make an NHL comeback with the Flames.

Outside of hockey, Fleury worked to overcome his challenges. He ran a concrete business with his family. He also filmed a pilot for a reality television show about his business. Fleury created his own clothing brand. This led him to play two professional baseball games for the Calgary Vipers. In 1995, he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. His yearly charity golf tournament has raised over $1 million for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

Fleury co-wrote Playing with Fire, a best-selling autobiography released in 2009. In the book, he shared his personal story to help others. He became a strong advocate for victims of abuse. He also developed a career as a public speaker. In 2013, he received the Indspire Award for sports. Theoren also hosts the "Theo Fleury 14 Hockey Camp." This camp helps teach and inspire young hockey players.

Early Life and Hockey Dreams

Fleury was born on June 29, 1968, in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. He was the first of Wally and Donna Fleury's three sons. His father, Wally, loved hockey. He had hoped to play professionally. Fleury's family shared a passion for music. One of his favorite memories was listening to his grandfather play the fiddle. His father was also a talented musician. This love for music brought joy to the family. It was an important part of their Métis heritage.

Fleury is of Métis heritage. His grandmother, Mary, was Cree. He faced racism because of his Métis background during his hockey career. The Fleury family lived in Williams Lake, British Columbia, for four years. Then they settled in Russell, Manitoba, by 1973. Wally worked as a truck driver and at the local arena.

Theo was often one of the smallest kids in his class. He learned to be tough to protect himself. He found an outlet in hockey. He started playing at age five with old skates and a broken stick. From then on, he played hockey whenever he could. His teachers described him as very determined. He would keep trying until he got something right.

Although his mother was a Jehovah's Witness, Fleury was raised Catholic. He attended Mass and was an altar boy. The hockey community supported Fleury and his family. The Peltz family in Russell helped make sure he and his brothers had food and clothes.

In 1982, at age 13, Fleury had a serious injury during a game. He cut his arm deeply, which almost ended his hockey dreams. He missed nearly a year of contact hockey. Five months later, the community raised money for him to attend a hockey school. There, Fleury met Graham James. James was a scout for the Winnipeg Warriors. He told Fleury he had the skill to play in the NHL despite his size.

Junior Hockey Career

Fleury started his junior career in 1983. He played for the St. James Canadians in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. He scored an amazing 64 points in just 22 games. In 1984, he moved to the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He kept improving his scores each year. In his final junior year (1987–88), he scored 68 goals and 92 assists. His 160 points tied him for the league lead. He still holds many Warriors' team records for goals, assists, and points.

Fleury was always one of the smallest players. He learned to play in an unpredictable way to succeed against bigger opponents. He played a feisty, physical game. This often led to penalties and arguments with coaches. He kept this style throughout his career.

Fleury played for Canada twice at the World Junior Hockey Championships. In 1987, he played in Piešťany, Czechoslovakia. This tournament is famous for the "Punch-up in Piestany" brawl. Fleury scored the first goal of the game. The fight started in the second period. Both teams were disqualified from the tournament. This meant Canada lost a chance at a medal.

The International Ice Hockey Federation suspended the players involved. But the bans were later reduced. This allowed Fleury to play in the 1988 tournament in Moscow. He was named captain. Canada won the gold medal, and Fleury was named a tournament all-star.

Even after scoring 129 points in 1987, many teams doubted Fleury's NHL chances because of his size. But the Calgary Flames drafted him in the 8th round in 1987. After his junior season in 1988, Fleury signed his first professional contract. He joined the Flames' minor league team, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles. He helped the Eagles win the Turner Cup championship.

Playing in the NHL

Fleury joined the Flames for the 1988–89 season. He was recalled to the Flames on January 1, 1989. He played his first NHL game on January 3. He scored his first two NHL goals on January 7 against the Edmonton Oilers. Fleury finished his rookie season with 34 points in 36 games. He added 11 points in the playoffs. This helped the Flames win their first Stanley Cup championship.

Fleury's 1990–91 jersey in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Fleury handling the puck during an alumni game in 2011.

In the 1990–91 season, Fleury had a breakout year. He scored 51 goals and 104 points. He led the Flames in scoring. He played in the 1991 All-Star Game. Fleury also set a league record by scoring three shorthanded goals in one game. He shared the NHL Plus-Minus Award for leading the league in plus-minus.

The Flames missed the playoffs in 1991–92. Fleury scored 33 goals that season. He made his second All-Star Game appearance. In 1992–93, Fleury scored over 100 points again. He set a franchise record by having a +9 rating in one game. He scored six points in that game.

The 1994–95 NHL season was shortened due to a lockout. During this time, Fleury played for Tappara in Finland. He scored 17 points in ten games. When the NHL season resumed, he returned to Calgary. He reached 500 career points in March 1995.

Before the 1995–96 season, Fleury signed a five-year contract with the Flames. He chose to stay with the team that gave him his NHL chance. He missed part of the preseason due to a stomach problem. In December 1995, he announced he had Crohn's disease. Doctors found the right medication to control it. Despite his illness, Fleury led the team in goals, assists, and points. He played in his third All-Star Game.

When Joe Nieuwendyk did not report to the Flames, Fleury became interim captain. He later gave up the captaincy. He felt it was affecting his play and relationships with teammates. The Flames struggled in 1996–97. Fleury still led the team in scoring. He was the Flames' only representative at the 1997 All-Star Game. In 1997–98, he scored his 315th career goal. This broke Nieuwendyk's franchise record. He was also named to Team Canada for the 1998 Winter Olympics.

On February 19, 1999, Fleury became the Flames' all-time scoring leader. He passed Al MacInnis with his 823rd point. He held this record for 10 years. The Flames traded Fleury to the Colorado Avalanche on February 28, 1999. This was because the team was having financial problems. They could not sign him to a new contract. The trade surprised fans in Calgary.

Playing for Other NHL Teams

Fleury played his first game for the Avalanche the day after the trade. He scored a goal but also sprained his knee. He missed two weeks of games. He played 15 regular-season games for the Avalanche. He scored 10 goals and 14 assists. He added 5 goals and 12 assists in 18 playoff games. The Avalanche were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals.

The Avalanche did not re-sign Fleury. He joined the New York Rangers on a three-year contract. His first year in New York was difficult. He scored only 15 goals in 1999–2000. He struggled with the pressure of leading the Rangers. After the season, he entered a league program for personal challenges.

Fleury improved in 2000–01. He scored 30 goals and played in his seventh All-Star Game. He scored his 400th NHL goal on November 4, 2000. He was leading his team in points when he again entered the league's program. This ended his season.

In 2001–02, Fleury played all 82 games. He had some difficult moments on the ice. On October 27, 2001, Fleury reached a major milestone. He assisted on a goal, scoring the 1,000th point of his NHL career. The Rangers honored him with a silver stick.

After the season, the Rangers traded Fleury's rights to the San Jose Sharks. He then signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Two days before the 2002–03 season, he was suspended by the NHL. This was for violating the terms of a league program. He missed the first two months of the season. Fleury finished the season with the Blackhawks. In April 2003, he was suspended again by the league. This suspension ended his NHL career.

Later Hockey Career

In January 2005, Fleury joined his cousin Todd Holt and other former NHL players. They played for the Horse Lake Thunder in the North Peace Hockey League. This was for the Allan Cup, Canada's national senior amateur championship. Fleury hoped to be a role model for kids. He scored a goal and two assists in his first game.

Fleury faced some controversy at the 2005 Allan Cup tournament. The Thunder team was accused of paying players, even though it was an amateur team. Fleury denied these rumors. After his team was eliminated, Fleury spoke out against racism.

A friend convinced Fleury to play in the United Kingdom. He joined the Belfast Giants in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) for the 2005–06 season. He scored three goals and four assists in his first game. He scored 22 goals and 52 assists in 34 games. Belfast won the league title. Fleury was named the EIHL's Player of the Year. He was also voted a first team All-Star.

In late 2008, Fleury joined his brother Ted to play for the Steinbach North Stars. This was another attempt to win the Allan Cup. He played 13 league games and scored 27 points. At the 2009 Allan Cup tournament, he led his team in scoring. The North Stars lost in the semi-finals.

NHL Comeback Attempt

Fleury stands beside Jarome Iginla before a game. Fleury was the Flames' all-time scoring leader for ten years.

Fleury was not happy with how his NHL career ended. In 2009, he began trying to return to the NHL. He hired a personal trainer. In September, the NHL lifted his suspension. Fleury then accepted a try-out offer from the Flames. He wanted to prove he could still play at the NHL level.

He returned to the NHL in an exhibition game on September 17, 2009. He played against the New York Islanders. Fans cheered loudly for Fleury. He scored the only goal in a shootout to give the Flames a 5–4 win. Three nights later, he scored a goal and an assist.

Fleury played four exhibition games and scored four points. But the Flames decided not to sign him. General Manager Darryl Sutter praised Fleury's effort. But he felt Fleury was not among the top six wingers in camp. On September 28, 2009, Fleury announced his retirement. He thanked the Flames for the chance. He said he was happy to retire as a Calgary Flame.

International Play

Fleury first played for the Canadian senior team in 1990. He scored 11 points at the 1990 Ice Hockey World Championships. The next year, he helped Canada win the silver medal at the 1991 tournament. His great NHL season in 1990–91 also earned him a spot on the 1991 Canada Cup team. Canada won the tournament.

Five years later, he played in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. This tournament replaced the Canada Cup. Fleury finished fourth in scoring. Canada finished second after losing to the American team in the final.

NHL players were first allowed to play in the Olympic ice hockey tournament in 1998. Fleury was chosen for Canada's "Dream Team." He called his selection a highlight of his life. Canada lost their semi-final game to the Czech Republic. They did not win a medal.

Four years later, Fleury was invited to Canada's selection camp for the 2002 Olympics. General Manager Wayne Gretzky invited him. Fleury wanted to prove himself. He earned a spot on the team. He recorded two assists in six games. The Canadian hockey team won its first Olympic gold medal in 50 years. Fleury considers this championship the best moment of his career.

Life After Hockey

Fleury has been involved in various activities since retiring from hockey. He co-hosts The Theo & Jamie Show: Fire and Ice. This is an online program with a conservative media outlet. Fleury is a conservative in politics.

Fleury has shared his views on various topics. He has spoken about COVID-19 vaccines. He has also promoted the "Great Reset" conspiracy theory. In 2021, Brandon University criticized Fleury for a comment he made on Twitter. The university had given him an honorary degree in 2015.

In 2018, Fleury was a guest speaker for a political fundraising event. He is a member of the United Conservative Party. He has supported different leaders in their campaigns. During the 2023 wildfires across Canada, Fleury shared his opinions on the events.

Business and Music Ventures

In 1994, Fleury became a part-owner of the Calgary Hitmen. This was a new team in the Western Hockey League. He sold his share of the team in 1997.

After returning from the United Kingdom, he ran a concrete sealing business. He started it with his wife and brother. The business closed in 2009. In 2007, he filmed a pilot episode for a reality TV series. It was called Theoren Fleury: Rock Solid. The show was not picked up by any network.

In 2008, Fleury launched a clothing line called "FAKE." This led him to talk to the Calgary Vipers baseball team. He hoped they would use his brand of practice jerseys. This conversation led to Fleury playing a game for the Vipers as a publicity stunt.

He made his professional baseball debut on August 9, 2008, at age 40. He got a single in his first at-bat. He started the second game in left field. Fleury said it was another surprising accomplishment in his life.

In September 2015, Fleury announced he was working on a country music record. He released his first single, "My Life's Been a Country Song." It quickly gained many plays online. His debut album, I Am Who I Am, was released on October 16, 2015. Fleury said his music ambitions had been a six-year process. He worked with music professionals for vocal training. He wrote over 30 songs with friends for the album. In 2017, Fleury wrote a song called "Longshot." It was for the video game Madden NFL 18.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play Statistics

All-Star Games

Awards and Honors

Beyond hockey, Fleury has received other important awards. These include the Canadian Humanitarian Award and the Queen's Jubilee Medallion. The Medallion is given to people who have made a big difference in Canada. Fleury also received the Aboriginal Inspire Award. He was also named an honorary Siksika Nation Chief. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Guelph-Humber. This was for his contributions to mental health in Canada.

Images for kids

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  Fleury with the Calgary Flames in 2009