Theo Fleury Heating Up with the Calgary Flames

At just 5’6", 180 pounds, nobody could have foreseen Theo Fleury having the success he has had as an NHL player.

Now, amidst more doubts, Fleury is proving the nay-sayer’s wrong again by having a strong preseason with the Calgary Flames, slowly turning his comeback attempt into reality.

Over his 16-year career as an NHL player, Fleury, who was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the eighth round (166th overall) in the 1987 NHL entry draft, played 1,084 games, scored 455 goals added 633 assists, good enough for 1,088 points.

That ranks Fleury 56th overall, slightly ahead of the likes of Pat Verbeek and Joe Mullen (each with 1,063 points) and just a stone's throw away from Glen Anderson (1,099 points), Frank Mahovlich (1,103 points), and Darryl Sittler (1,121 points).
Clearly, Fleury was an elite player. Question is, what is he now?

On Apr. 11, 2003, Fleury, who clearly had drug and alcohol problems, was suspended indefinitely by NHL for violating the terms of his substance abuse aftercare program.

Prior to the suspension, Fleury, who was always a feisty player, was acting out on the ice, taunting players, arguing with the refs; he was out of sorts and he had become a distraction to his team and a black-eye for the NHL.

Determined to continue playing hockey, Fleury elected to play in Europe. He spent the 2005-'06 season with the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League, netting 22 goals and 52 assists in just 34 games and had a staggering 270 penalty minutes.

Fleury has not played in the NHL since the 2002-'03 season when he laced up the skates for the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring 12 goals and 33 points.

In February of 2009, Fleury decided that he wanted to play in the NHL again. First, he would have to apply to the NHL for reinstatement, which was granted to him on September 11, 2009.

Next on the agenda, find a team that would give him a chance, the Calgary Flames answered the call, and, I dare say, they are pleased as punch that they did.

So far, Fleury has performed admirably. In three preseason games, Fleury has scored one goal, a beauty on a breakaway, and netted two assists. He also added a goal in the shoot-out, going forehand, backhand, and depositing the puck between the goaltender's legs, another beauty!

More importantly, Fleury has kept his head down and played a determined game; no sideshows, no distractions. He has been the epitome of the word “teammate” and he is getting better every shift, every game—just ask him.

“I just want to get better every day, every game, and I’ve been able to accomplish that. So far. We’ll see what happens,” said Fleury. “Like I’ve said before, I’m just thankful for this opportunity. I know I can play.’’

For his part, Fleury is saying all the right things. He constantly reiterates that he is just happy to be here, as noted in his recent statement, “I am both thankful and very excited to be given this opportunity by Darryl and the Flames organization."

Fleury has not looked out of place, in fact, if you have been reading the Calgary papers and watching the nightly highlights, clearly you know that Fleury has been one of the best forwards on the ice most nights. He is making a difference, leading by example and, from my point of view, Fleury is having the time of his life.

Many of the younger players on the roster are looking up to Fleury. He is an inspiration for every player that is trying to crack the roster and his work ethic on and off the ice sets the bar very high for anyone in the Flames’ training camp.

Talk about resurrecting your career! More importantly, it would appear as if Theo Fleury “the man” is back. In the end, no matter if he makes the Flames’ roster or not, Fleury is once again a winner in my books.

Going forward, I wish Fleury nothing but the best. Sorry I ever doubted you, Mr. Fleury. I am thrilled that you have, to this point anyway, proven the nay-sayers wrong. Here’s hoping you make the Flames’ roster and be the player that every NHL fan loved watching throughout your stellar career.

You have been missed and now, to think that you may be back with the Calgary Flames, it’s very exciting for the fans and the NHL. The NHL needs more players like you and more stories like yours. Good Luck!

Until next time,

Peace!