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 56) 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 speaker who inspires others. Fleury played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks. He also played in Finland and the UK.

The Flames chose Fleury in the 8th round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. 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. This often led to exciting moments on the ice.

Many people thought Fleury was too small to play in the NHL. But he proved them wrong by scoring over 1,000 points in his career. He ranks among the top scorers in NHL history. In 1989, he won the Stanley Cup with the Flames. He also represented Canada twice at the Winter Olympics, winning a gold medal in 2002.

Outside of hockey, Fleury has been involved in different businesses. He also wrote a best-selling book called Playing with Fire. He received the Indspire Award for sports in 2013. Theo also runs a hockey camp for young players.

Growing Up: Theo Fleury's Early Life

Fleury was born on June 29, 1968, in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was the first of three sons for Wally and Donna Fleury. His father, Wally, loved hockey but could not play professionally due to an injury.

Fleury is of Métis heritage, meaning he has Indigenous roots. His grandmother, Mary, was Cree. The family moved around, settling in Russell, Manitoba, by 1973. His father worked as a truck driver and at the local arena. Music was a big part of their family life, connecting them to their Métis culture.

Theo was often the smallest kid in his class. He learned to play hockey at age five using old skates and a broken stick. He loved hockey and played whenever he could. Teachers described him as very determined. If he failed at something, he would keep trying until he got it right.

When he was 13, Fleury had an injury that almost stopped his hockey dreams. The community helped raise money for him to attend a hockey school. There, he met Graham James, a scout who told Theo he had the skills for the NHL despite his size.

Playing Hockey: Junior Career Highlights

Fleury started his junior hockey career in 1983–84. He played for the St. James Canadians and scored an amazing 64 points in just 22 games. The next year, he joined the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He kept getting better each year.

In his final junior season (1987–88), Fleury scored 68 goals and 92 assists, totaling 160 points. He tied for the league lead in scoring and won the Bob Clarke Trophy. He still holds several team records for the Warriors.

Because he was small, Fleury learned to play in a way that surprised bigger opponents. He played with a lot of energy and was very physical. This style helped him succeed throughout his career.

Representing Canada: World Junior Championships

Fleury played for Canada twice at the World Junior Hockey Championships. In 1987, he was part of the famous "Punch-up in Piestany" brawl between Canada and the Soviet Union. Both teams were disqualified from the tournament.

After a suspension was reduced, Fleury returned for the 1988 tournament in Moscow. He was named captain and helped Canada win the gold medal. He was also named a tournament all-star.

Even with his great junior stats, many teams doubted Fleury because of his size. But the Calgary Flames drafted him in 1987. After junior hockey, he signed his first professional contract. He then played for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and helped them win the championship.

NHL Journey: From Flames to Blackhawks

Fleury joined the Calgary Flames in January 1989. He quickly made an impact, scoring 34 points in 36 games. He also helped the Flames win their first-ever Stanley Cup championship that year.

Calgary Flames: A Star Rises

In the 1990–91 season, Fleury had an amazing year. He scored 51 goals and 104 points, leading the Flames in scoring. He also played in the All-Star Game. He set a league record by scoring three shorthanded goals in one game.

Fleury continued to be a top player for the Flames. In 1992–93, he scored over 100 points again. He also set a team record by being +9 in a game where he scored six points.

During the 1994–95 NHL lockout, Fleury played in Finland. When he returned, he passed 500 career points. In 1995, he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a stomach illness. Despite this, he continued to lead the team in scoring.

Fleury became the Flames' captain for a time. He broke several team records, including most career goals and points. In 1999, the Flames traded him to the Colorado Avalanche. This was a big moment for fans in Calgary, as Fleury was very popular.

New Teams: Colorado, New York, Chicago

Fleury joined the Colorado Avalanche and quickly made an impact. He scored 10 goals and 14 assists in 15 regular-season games. He also played well in the playoffs.

After Colorado, Fleury signed with the New York Rangers. His first year in New York was tough, but he improved in his second season, scoring 30 goals. He also played in his seventh All-Star Game. On October 27, 2001, Fleury reached a huge milestone: his 1,000th NHL point.

Fleury played his last NHL season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2002–03. His NHL career ended after that season.

Beyond the NHL: Senior Hockey and Comeback Attempt

After his NHL career, Fleury played senior amateur hockey. In 2005, he joined the Horse Lake Thunder to compete for the Allan Cup, Canada's national senior amateur championship. He played well, but his team faced some challenges.

Later, Fleury moved to the United Kingdom to play for the Belfast Giants in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) for the 2005–06 season. He was a star player there, scoring 22 goals and 52 assists in 34 games. Belfast won the league title, and Fleury was named the EIHL's Player of the Year.

In 2008, Fleury made another attempt to win the Allan Cup with his brother Ted. He continued to play well, but his team lost in the semi-finals.

Trying for an NHL Return

In 2009, Fleury decided to try and return to the NHL. He worked hard to get back in shape. The NHL allowed him to play again, and he accepted a try-out offer from the Calgary Flames.

He played in exhibition games for the Flames and was met with huge cheers from the fans. He scored goals and assists, showing he still had skill. However, the Flames decided not to sign him for the regular season.

On September 28, 2009, Fleury announced his retirement. He thanked the Flames for the chance to try and end his career with the team he started with. He said, "I get to retire a Calgary Flame. I HAD to retire a Calgary Flame."

International Play: Representing Canada

Fleury proudly represented Canada many times in international tournaments.

• 1990 and 1991 World Championships: He played in the Ice Hockey World Championships, helping Canada win a silver medal in 1991.
• 1991 Canada Cup: He was part of the Canadian team that won the 1991 Canada Cup.
• 1996 World Cup of Hockey: He played in this tournament, where Canada finished second.
• 1998 Winter Olympics: NHL players were allowed to play in the Olympics for the first time. Fleury was chosen for Canada's "Dream Team."
• 2002 Winter Olympics: Fleury played for Canada again. This time, the Canadian team won its first Olympic gold medal in 50 years. Fleury considers this championship the best moment of his career.

Business and Music Ventures

In 1994, Fleury became a part-owner of the Calgary Hitmen, a junior hockey team. He later sold his share.

After his hockey career, he started a concrete sealing business with his family. He even filmed a TV show pilot about it, but it was not picked up.

In 2008, Fleury launched his own clothing line. This led him to play two professional baseball games for the Calgary Vipers as a fun event. He said it was another surprising thing he had done in his life.

Country Music Career

In 2015, Fleury announced he was working on a country music album. His first song, "My Life's Been a Country Song," was very popular online. His debut album, I Am Who I Am, was released later that year.

Fleury worked with music professionals to develop his singing and performing skills. He wrote many songs for the album with his friends. In 2017, he even wrote a song called "Longshot" for the video game Madden NFL 18.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

All-Star Games

Awards and Recognition

Besides his hockey awards, Fleury has received other honors. These include the Canadian Humanitarian Award and the Queen's Jubilee Medallion, which recognizes people who have made important contributions to Canada. He also received the Aboriginal Inspire Award. Fleury has been given the title of honorary Siksika Nation Chief and an honorary doctorate from the University of Guelph-Humber for his work in mental health.

Images for kids

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

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  Fleury handling the puck during the alumni game at the 2011 Heritage Classic.

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  Fleury stands beside Jarome Iginla prior to a game. Fleury was the Flames' all-time scoring leader for ten years until he was passed by Iginla in 2009.