Adam Kirshenblatt: HHOF Making the Case: Theo Fleury

Hell, I'm an Avs fan. I was as disappointed as anyone when he "got the flu" during the playoffs when we had him. But, there was one game when he was playing with Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg and they were just cycling the puck and playing with the other team . . . it was glorious!

Anyway, on the ice Theo had skill and passion. Off the ice, he has battled the worst of what anyone could imagine. I think he is an inspiration (so much so that we named our daughter, Theron, after him). He has spoken out for child sexual assault victims. He had to live through the shame of what was done to him and then had the courage to talk about it in public. If he's not a HOF player, he's definitely a HOF survivor in my book and should get credit for that. His legacy (along with Sheldon Kennedy's) of providing abused children someone to look to for hope and inspiration is more important that the HOF could ever be. Just my $.02.

Hell, I'm an Avs fan. I was as disappointed as anyone when he "got the flu" during the playoffs when we had him. But, there was one game when he was playing with Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg and they were just cycling the puck and playing with the other team . . . it was glorious!

Anyway, on the ice Theo had skill and passion. Off the ice, he has battled the worst of what anyone could imagine. I think he is an inspiration (so much so that we named our daughter, Theron, after him). He has spoken out for child sexual assault victims. He had to live through the shame of what was done to him and then had the courage to talk about it in public. If he's not a HOF player, he's definitely a HOF survivor in my book and should get credit for that. His legacy (along with Sheldon Kennedy's) of providing abused children someone to look to for hope and inspiration is more important that the HOF could ever be. Just my $.02.
- lawboy

You made me smile today. Thank you but Fleury will not get into the HHOF until the Flames retire his jersey. Which they should do. With out him the Flames would have moved to Seattle years ago. One of the most exciting players I have ever watched. I thanks Theo for every moment he gave me and the Calgary Flames.

Hell, I'm an Avs fan. I was as disappointed as anyone when he "got the flu" during the playoffs when we had him. But, there was one game when he was playing with Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg and they were just cycling the puck and playing with the other team . . . it was glorious!

Anyway, on the ice Theo had skill and passion. Off the ice, he has battled the worst of what anyone could imagine. I think he is an inspiration (so much so that we named our daughter, Theron, after him). He has spoken out for child sexual assault victims. He had to live through the shame of what was done to him and then had the courage to talk about it in public. If he's not a HOF player, he's definitely a HOF survivor in my book and should get credit for that. His legacy (along with Sheldon Kennedy's) of providing abused children someone to look to for hope and inspiration is more important that the HOF could ever be. Just my $.02.
- lawboy

You made me smile today. Thank you but Fleury will not get into the HHOF until the Flames retire his jersey. Which they should do. With out him the Flames would have moved to Seattle years ago. One of the most exciting players I have ever watched. I thanks Theo for every moment he gave me and the Calgary Flames.
- flamminghead

The HHOF doesn't give a squirt if a players Jersey is retired and hung or not.if the Flames want to wait until he is inducted that's their deal, but I'm not sure how the Flames choose to honor him impacts the HHOF decisions at all.

... If he's not a HOF player, ...
- lawboy

He's not

... he's definitely a HOF survivor in my book and should get credit for that. His legacy (along with Sheldon Kennedy's) of providing abused children someone to look to for hope and inspiration is more important that the HOF could ever be. Just my $.02.
- lawboy

Absolutely

He's not

Absolutely
- ght120

Who's to say? Based on Hockey acomplishments alone, there are plenty of guys that I don't think should be in the HOF but are, many of which were not as impactful to the game or their Teams than Fleury was .

The HHOF doesn't give a squirt if a players Jersey is retired and hung or not.if the Flames want to wait until he is inducted that's their deal, but I'm not sure how the Flames choose to honor him impacts the HHOF decisions at all.
- Jeropotato

Agreed.. Even today though he's a fan favorite, so his "Forever a Flame" induction will come.

Personally, I only wear one jersey to games -- 1995-1996 home Fleury. The man had all-world skill and absolutely no fear.

Agreed.. Even today though he's a fan favorite, so his "Forever a Flame" induction will come.

Personally, I only wear one jersey to games -- 1995-1996 home Fleury. The man had all-world skill and absolutely no fear.
- fry

Cocaine and heavy doses of alcohol will do that to you.

But for real this guy was/is a stud. Just as much, if not more, heart than anyone who ever strapped 'em on. I hope he gets in someday.

The HHOF doesn't give a squirt if a players Jersey is retired and hung or not.if the Flames want to wait until he is inducted that's their deal, but I'm not sure how the Flames choose to honor him impacts the HHOF decisions at all.
- Jeropotato

This.

You made me smile today. Thank you but Fleury will not get into the HHOF until the Flames retire his jersey. Which they should do. With out him the Flames would have moved to Seattle years ago. One of the most exciting players I have ever watched. I thanks Theo for every moment he gave me and the Calgary Flames.
- flamminghead

In 2000, the Flames were going to move to Portland, OR. Theo was gone, ticket sales were dwindling, the on ice product sucked, and the Canadian dollar being at 55 cents to the almighty greenback made it almost impossible to compete. It was around then that the Flames were desperately trying something to put asses in seats. Remember those "Young Guns" commercials? The were trying to sell Iginla, Marty St. Louis, and Robin Regher to the masses. What eventually happened was the Flames got rid of the old school management team and hired Ken King as President and CEO. Top that with the influx of cash from the provincial lottery funds, and some emergency cash from the federal government, and the Flames fate was spared. The same thing happened in Edmonton (it was the Oilers that were Seattle bound).

However, I do agree with your sentiments that Fleury's #14 should be hanging from the rafters next to Lanny and Mikey. As should Joe Neuiwendyk's #25 and Al MacInnis' #2. This "Forever a Flame" program is a bloody joke. It should be reserved for the Craig Conroy's and Jim Peplinski's and Hakan Loob's. Guy's that played for us, livened our hearts and souls, and made an impact. Guy's like Theo, Joe, and Al won awards, were leaders on and off the ice, had the best years of their careers here in Calgary. It is a disgrace that this program is used to honor these specific players. I cannot WAIT to see the uproar when they decide this is the treatment Iginla should have.

As for Fleury being in the Hall. Absolutely he should be. He meets minimum common requirements (1000+ points, won a Stanley Cup, served as team captain, and played for at least 1 Original 6 team). Then, there should be a case made for Mikey Vernon as well...

In 2000, the Flames were going to move to Portland, OR. Theo was gone, ticket sales were dwindling, the on ice product sucked, and the Canadian dollar being at 55 cents to the almighty greenback made it almost impossible to compete. It was around then that the Flames were desperately trying something to put asses in seats. Remember those "Young Guns" commercials? The were trying to sell Iginla, Marty St. Louis, and Robin Regher to the masses. What eventually happened was the Flames got rid of the old school management team and hired Ken King as President and CEO. Top that with the influx of cash from the provincial lottery funds, and some emergency cash from the federal government, and the Flames fate was spared. The same thing happened in Edmonton (it was the Oilers that were Seattle bound).

However, I do agree with your sentiments that Fleury's #14 should be hanging from the rafters next to Lanny and Mikey. As should Joe Neuiwendyk's #25 and Al MacInnis' #2. This "Forever a Flame" program is a bloody joke. It should be reserved for the Craig Conroy's and Jim Peplinski's and Hakan Loob's. Guy's that played for us, livened our hearts and souls, and made an impact. Guy's like Theo, Joe, and Al won awards, were leaders on and off the ice, had the best years of their careers here in Calgary. It is a disgrace that this program is used to honor these specific players. I cannot WAIT to see the uproar when they decide this is the treatment Iginla should have.

As for Fleury being in the Hall. Absolutely he should be. He meets minimum common requirements (1000+ points, won a Stanley Cup, served as team captain, and played for at least 1 Original 6 team). Then, there should be a case made for Mikey Vernon as well...
- dwlonline

What`s your problem?

What`s your problem?
- The-O-G

Just another smart ass spewing facts on HB....ridiculous,eh?

In 2000, the Flames were going to move to Portland, OR. Theo was gone, ticket sales were dwindling, the on ice product sucked, and the Canadian dollar being at 55 cents to the almighty greenback made it almost impossible to compete. It was around then that the Flames were desperately trying something to put asses in seats. Remember those "Young Guns" commercials? The were trying to sell Iginla, Marty St. Louis, and Robin Regher to the masses. What eventually happened was the Flames got rid of the old school management team and hired Ken King as President and CEO. Top that with the influx of cash from the provincial lottery funds, and some emergency cash from the federal government, and the Flames fate was spared. The same thing happened in Edmonton (it was the Oilers that were Seattle bound).

- dwlonline

Dude, have you never heard of the Canadian Assistance Plan? Jesus.. Google it..

People rag on Bettman all the time and are simply ignorant to the fact that he championed the program that ensured the Flames and Oilers are still alive today.

Totally Hilarious when people talk about Theo. Best player for the Flames, maybe ever, and he gets as little respect now as he did then.

Theo Fleury had a better ppg than Iginla or MacInnis for the Flames, yet they are either “forever a flame” or show in for it.

Shanahan got into the hall with .88 ppg, #14 had over 1PPG.

When we talk about being an upstanding individual I’m sure Chelios will go down as the NHL Gentleman right? Or Pronger? Instead we shame Fleury for his mental health and addiction issues that stem from child abuse, while they should be celebrating him. He’s apologized for his actions, took responsibility, even made a come back. There is an award for players showing dedication to hockey yet they ignore his plight.

I was there for his last pre season game and the shoot out winner he had for the team prior to being cut officially. It was electric. He was electric on the ice.

In terms of Hockey he’s won a world Junior Gold, an Olympic gold, a Stanley Cup and IHL title. He just won.

Totally Hilarious when people talk about Theo. Best player for the Flames, maybe ever, and he gets as little respect now as he did then.

Theo Fleury had a better ppg than Iginla or MacInnis for the Flames, yet they are either “forever a flame” or show in for it.

Shanahan got into the hall with .88 ppg, #14 had over 1PPG.

When we talk about being an upstanding individual I’m sure Chelios will go down as the NHL Gentleman right? Or Pronger? Instead we shame Fleury for his mental health and addiction issues that stem from child abuse, while they should be celebrating him. He’s apologized for his actions, took responsibility, even made a come back. There is an award for players showing dedication to hockey yet they ignore his plight.

I was there for his last pre season game and the shoot out winner he had for the team prior to being cut officially. It was electric. He was electric on the ice.

In terms of Hockey he’s won a world Junior Gold, an Olympic gold, a Stanley Cup and IHL title. He just won.
- saneopinion

The Hall of Fame is a joke....they let all kinds of good not great players but exclude greats for not being media darlings.

Totally Hilarious when people talk about Theo. Best player for the Flames, maybe ever, and he gets as little respect now as he did then.

Theo Fleury had a better ppg than Iginla or MacInnis for the Flames, yet they are either “forever a flame” or show in for it.

Shanahan got into the hall with .88 ppg, #14 had over 1PPG.

When we talk about being an upstanding individual I’m sure Chelios will go down as the NHL Gentleman right? Or Pronger? Instead we shame Fleury for his mental health and addiction issues that stem from child abuse, while they should be celebrating him. He’s apologized for his actions, took responsibility, even made a come back. There is an award for players showing dedication to hockey yet they ignore his plight.

I was there for his last pre season game and the shoot out winner he had for the team prior to being cut officially. It was electric. He was electric on the ice.

In terms of Hockey he’s won a world Junior Gold, an Olympic gold, a Stanley Cup and IHL title. He just won.
- saneopinion

IGGY >>>>> THEO in all areas

F theo

IGGY >>>>> THEO in all areas

F theo
- The-O-G

What a young Flames fan you are.

If you'd been around to see the fire this guy had when we were at our worst you would shut the f**k up. Instead you're a disrespectful little boy.

Go play Minecraft, little boy.

IGGY >>>>> THEO in all areas

F theo
- The-O-G

Maybe in some areas, but not in all....Gangsta!

Theo was a great player, but I don't see him getting in...not before other guys who were just as good. He won a cup and a plus/minus award, but never lead the league in scoring, etc. He's probably another fringe guy.

Theo was a great player, but I don't see him getting in...not before other guys who were just as good. He won a cup and a plus/minus award, but never lead the league in scoring, etc. He's probably another fringe guy.
- FrancieBrady

Probably...how long did they make Glenn Anderson wait? Yet Sundin gets in first ballot? HHOF is retarded.