Sports

Theoren Fleury Retires as a Calgary Flame

by woodpeck | September 29, 2009 at 07:52 am

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Former Calgary Flames captain Theoren Fleury no longer will pursue a tryout with any of the NHL's other 29 teams or any other professional hockey club.

The 41-year-old winger announced his retirement Monday, three days after the Flames released Fleury despite recording four points in four pre-season games.

"I could not sign with another team. I retire a Calgary Flame," Fleury told reporters during a news conference at the Saddledome.

Fleury, who broke into the NHL in 1988-89 with the Flames, is second on the team's all-time scoring list with 830 points in 791 games. Current captain Jarome Iginla is first with 851 points.

The packed Saddledome during the preseason games roared with chants of "THEO, THEO!, THEO!!" A memorable return to the ice for Theo Fleury but in the end, 4 points during the preseason was not enough to keep him on the Calgary Flames roster. His lack of speed being his demise. At least this time he got to end his career more or less his way. Reinstated into the NHL, finally playing the professional game again and treating the fans one more time to his heroics and special brand of hockey.

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Jon Azpiri

at 10:49 on September 29th, 2009

When I heard this, my first thought was, "Wasn't he already retired?" I'm guessing a lot of people had a similar reaction. Still, it's good that Fleury feels like he's finally leaving the game on his own terms.

caj1

at 15:27 on September 29th, 2009

His previous battles with substance abuse were compelling stories to read. I remember seeing him as a small-sized NY Ranger. I wish him a safe and peaceful retirement.