Theoren Fleury

Lore & Background

Fleury is of Métis heritage and his grandmother Mary was Cree. He was subject to racism for being of Metis descent throughout his playing career. He was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, the first of Wally and Donna Fleury's three sons. His father Wally was a hockey player whose dreams of a professional career ended when he broke his leg playing baseball in 1963. His mother Donna battled drug addiction. Fleury was raised as a Catholic and served as an altar boy from age 6 to 12.

Reader's Guide

Fleury played a physical style despite being one of the smallest players of his generation. He scored over 1,000 points in his NHL career, won the Stanley Cup in 1989 with the Flames, and twice represented Canada at the Winter Olympics, winning a gold medal in 2002. He battled drug and alcohol addictions that forced him out of the NHL in 2003. He co-wrote the autobiography Playing with Fire, revealing he was sexually abused by former coach Graham James.

Did You Know?

• Fleury was at the centre of the infamous Punch-up in Piestany brawl at the 1987 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
• He was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1995 and his annual charity golf tournament has raised over $1 million for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
• Fleury played two professional baseball games for the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League.
• He hosts the 'Theo Fleury 14 Hockey Camp' for young hockey players ages 6 to 16.