Theoren ‘Theo’ Fleury
Hockey Athlete - Inducted 2018
Theoren ‘Theo’ Fleury was a feisty and skilled hockey player who played in the NHL from 1988/89 to 2003. He played with the Calgary Flames for eleven seasons and was an important part of their Stanley Cup run and win in 1989. He led the team in scoring six-times in regular season play and five times in the playoffs. During his NHL career, he played with four different teams and scored 1,088 points, placing him in the Top-10 in the league scoring three times. Theo won gold medals at the 1988 World Junior Championships, 1991 Canada Cup, and 2002 Olympic Games.
Theo first joined the Calgary Flames midway through the 1988/89 regular season. At 5’6” and 170 pounds, he was one of the most competitive players on the ice. He injected enthusiasm into the lineup and produced results with 34 points in just 36 games and scored 11 points in 22 Stanley Cup playoff games that season. The following season, his career took off as he showcased his talent by putting a total of 51 pucks in the back of the net. He was a constant threat on the ice and quickly became a fan favourite.
Theo’s scoring feats with the Flames are still showcased in the club’s record books. He is second overall in points and goals for the team and shared the Flames record for most Hat Tricks with a total of 13. He ranks third in Flames playoff points and goals and holds the record for most goals in a playoff game with four and most points in a playoff game with five.
Theo played for three other teams during his NHL career; the Colorado Avalanche, the New York Rangers, and the Chicago Blackhawks. He was a warrior on the ice by motivating his teammates and pestering his opponents with tenacious play. He was not afraid to get physical and fight when needed, proven by the career total of 1,840 penalty minutes. His regular season points total included 455 goals and 633 assists. His average of 'more than a point a game' ranked him among the best players in the league’s 100-year history for those who had played more than 1,000 regular-season games. He was also a consistent playoff performer with 79 points in 77 post-season games.
Theo officially retired from hockey in 2009. He co-authored two books about his NHL career and personal highs and lows; Playing with Fire was published in 2009 and Conversations with a Rattlesnake in 2014. In these, he shared his battles while on and off the ice of addiction and childhood abuse, persevering to become an advocate and spokesperson for children and adults alike.
Theo remained active with the Flames Alumni and was involved in numerous charity and goodwill endeavours. His annual charity golf tournament raised more than one-million dollars for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. He also helped teach, inspire, and educate young hockey players through the “Theo Fleury 14 Hockey Camp.”
Theoren Fleury was awarded the Canadian Humanitarian Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medallion. He was also made an Honorary Chief of the Siksika Nation in 2009 and was a recipient of the Aboriginal Indspire Award in 2013. He received two honorary doctorates, one in Science from the University of Guelph-Humber and the other in Law from Brandon University.
After Induction
Theo Fleury was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame July 21, 2019
Theo continues to focus on helping people deal with the issues of addiction, mental health, and trauma.
