Posted by Never in the history of the NHL as there been a more notorious player than Theoren Fleury. With a track record that would make some NFLer’s jaws drop, Theo’s impressive sixteen-year NHL career was unfortunately mired with drug and alcohol addictions, resulting in countless off-ice distractions and several suspensions from the league.
Theoren Fleury reveals how his dark past always haunted him while playing the game that he loved. {WikiCommons Photo}
After he played his final NHL game as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2003, Theo’s inner demons got the best of him. While in his home in New Mexico, his body filled with the poisons of cocaine and alcohol, Fleury took a loaded handgun and nearly ended his own life. “I wanted to die. I put the gun in my mouth and then, right at the very end it just hits me: ‘You never quit anything in your life. What are you doing? You’re so much better than this. You’re going to let this be the last moment of your life? This?’”
Fleury was speaking in an interview this past Wednesday, promoting the release of his memoir, Playing With Fire. The former NHLer goes into further detail about the darkest day of his life, writing: “I went hard at it for three months. Just mounds of coke and lemon Stoli and strangers who followed me home from strip clubs. I basically stopped eating and sleeping. I wanted to die, but my body was too resilient. Finally, I bought a gun from a pawnshop and decided to blow my brains out.”
But the only thing more disturbing than the detailed incidents that led to that fateful day is the alarming back story behind all of Fleury’s personal problems: being sexually abused in his teenage years. Playing With Fire recounts how Fleury was sexually molested as 14-year-old boy by his junior hockey coach Graham James. James is notoriously known in the juniour hockey world for serving three years in jail for 350 counts of sexual abuse against Fleury’s friend and former teammate Sheldon Kennedy.
Fleury, who was always known for his on-ice theatrics, claims that he isn’t interested in stirring up controversy, but in helping kids who might have gone through the same horrible experience. “I hope by explaining and coming forward, we can help a whole bunch of people who are afraid to come out with their own stuff, because it can be done.”
After being away for the game for six years, Fleury, at age 41, appeared in four pre-season games with his original team, the Calgary Flames. Although sober for four years and in great shape, the tenacious winger didn’t make the squad, but was content in officially retiring as a Flame.
Fleury returns with shootout goal vs. Islanders
“Thank you so much for all your support,” he told fans. “How many athletes can leave the playing field to a standing ovation? I want you to know I could not sign with another team. I get to retire as a Calgary Flame.”
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