Theoren Fleury has been from the top of the mountain to the depths of despair. From a Stanley Cup championship in 1989 followed by 1088 points in 1084 NHL games, things went awry. Fleury was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and battled drug and alcohol addictions. The addictions eventually resulted in a suspension that ended his NHL career. He subsequently played in senior hockey leagues while he struggled to overcome his demons.
He is now remarried with a young daughter, and credits his second wife Jennifer with his four years of sobriety. However, he was unhappy with how his NHL career ended and Fleury hired a personal trainer in February 2009 and began an attempt to return to the NHL. His previous suspension was lifted in August and the 41 year old Fleury accepted a try-out offer from the Calgary Flames. He scored four points in four exhibition games.
He has worked very hard against tremendous odds to get where he is now in his hockey career. Calgary fans have given him a warm welcome back to the team. I think he deserves our admiration for his efforts, whether or not he makes the team. I for one hope that he makes the cut and gets one more chance to end his career in a manner befitting the star player he once was.
UPDATE. Fleury did not make the cut and he announced his retirement from professional hockey. Theo, you did your best. But there is lots of life after hockey. Good luck.
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