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Theoren Fleury's Top 10 Great Moments
September 13, 2009
With Theoren Fleury one step closer to returning to the NHL I thought it was a good time to count down some of the highlights (in no particular order), to an impressive career by the little big man.
10. Oct. 15th, 2005 (Belfast Giants Debut)
Though at this point Fleury had been banished from the NHL in 2003 and his personal life was turbulent to say the least, he signed on to play in the British Elite league with the Belfast Giants.
Fleury scored three goals and added four assists, to go along with two fights and helped his new team to a big win over the Edinburgh Capitals.
9. Jan. 4th, 1987 (Punch-up in Piestany)
After Canada had ensured themselves a medal at the 1987 World Junior Tournament, Fleury got involved in a fight that led to a bench clearing brawl against the Soviets.
Both teams were inevitably ejected from the tournament costing Canada a medal.
8. Apr. 24th, 1991 (Game 6 Over-time Winner Against the Oilers)
Though the Edmonton Oilers would eventually beat their provincial rivals in an epic playoff battle, Theoren Fleury scored his first goal of the series in over-time in game 6 on a Mark Messier give away.
What capped the moment off will be burned in Oilers, Flames and NHL fans memories for years as Fleury raced across the ice, slid on his knees and flipped into the boards in one of the most famous celebrations in NHL history.
7. (1991 Canada Cup)
After being a long-shot to make the club, Fleury was added to the Team Canada roster for the 1991 Canada Cup where he was sat out the first game (a 2-2 tie against team Finland).
Fleury was quickly brought into the line-up for the teams game against the USA and they never looked back, as he picked up five points in seven games, helping Canada to their last Canada Cup win.
6. Aug. 9th, 2008 (Calgary Viper Baseball Debut)
After signing a one game contract to play pro baseball with the Calgary Vipers, in which Fleury donated the proceeds to Calgary Children's Charities, Theo came in as a pinch hitter for Jorge Tang during the bottom of the fifth inning.
In his first at-bat Fleury hit a single right up the middle and drew cheers from the fans.
Maybe the moment that made him miss the spotlight and attempt an NHL come back?
5. (1988 World Junior Championships)
After being ejected the previous year the Canadian squad and Theoren Fleury had something to prove as they took gold in the 1988 World Junior Hockey Championships in Moscow.
Fleury was named a tournament all-star.
4. (1990-'91 50 goal season)
Just three years after many thought Theoren Fleury was too small to play in the NHL, the leagues version of mighty mouse made it clear that he was not only big enough but also one of the leagues most skilled players as he picked up 51 goals and 53 assists in 79 games.
3. (2002 Winter Olympic Games)
After many were unsure of Theoren Fleury's mental state in the 2001-'02 season, Gretzky and company decided to take a chance on No. 14, and it paid off as his energetic style of play helped team Canada to a gold medal.
It was the first time in fifty years that Canada had won gold.
2. (1989 Stanley Cup)
What is to always be known as the "C" of Champions, a then rookie Theoren Fleury added a dynamic that the Calgary Flames did not have and helped them to their first and only Stanley Cup victory.
In the process the Fleury legend was born.
1. Sept. 10th, 2009 (The NHL reinstates Theoren Fleury)
After six years away from the league that made him a star, Gary Bettman reinstated Theoren Fleury so that he could go out finally on his own terms as a pro hockey player.
The Calgary Flames invited him to camp the following day as the team felt he had been meeting all their off-ice training requirements.
Good luck Theo, I'm sure I speak for numerous fans that are anticipating you back in the Flames "C" of red!