He is still too much of a controversial public figure for this honour. He has done a lot of bad things and left a lot of hurt people behind. And he continues to say that he doesn't give a ... about what people say or think about him. He also said that he wouldn't have changed a thing in his past. Really, not a thing?
Theo should clean up his act and get really involved in some meaningful work for the community benefit. The appreciation and recognition will come eventually. I don't doubt for a second, most people at the Flames organization want to retire Fleury's number; but he needs to demonstrate that he is truly changed.
You have to look at Theo's actions in the context of his history of abuse and his family life. Both of his parents had substance abuse problems. He lived in extreme poverty. He was later taken advantage of by a sexual predator.
I'm not saying that excuses everything he's ever done, but the fact he made it as far as he did is really quite amazing.
I also think your underating his contributions to his community. He's been actively involved in all levels of minor to professional hockey. He raises huge amounts of money for the Chron's and Colitis Foundation.
Retire his number. One of the greatest Flames, and hockey players, of all time.
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Retire his number. He played at a time when the NHL was allowing players to hold, hook and slash, he was a small player playing in big players league, and he was great.
I think most fans would agree to that. When was the last time the dome sounded like it did that night when he scored the shoot out goal in a mean nothing game?
You have to look at Theo's actions in the context of his history of abuse and his family life. Both of his parents had substance abuse problems. He lived in extreme poverty. He was later taken advantage of by a sexual predator.
I'm not saying that excuses everything he's ever done, but the fact he made it as far as he did is really quite amazing.
I also think your underating his contributions to his community. He's been actively involved in all levels of minor to professional hockey. He raises huge amounts of money for the Chron's and Colitis Foundation.
Retire his number. One of the greatest Flames, and hockey players, of all time.
Yeah and just the fact that he spoke out about the abuse at all. And he does countless work helping sexual abuse victims and raising awareness. What the #### has Mike Vernon or CaptainYooh done for the community?
I'm in the group that doesn't want to see his number retired. Fleury was a good player but not a good person. There is a reason why this team was so bad when he was here and he was a big part of the negativity that surrounded the club. Losing and controversy followed him around. He wasn't a class act and had harsh words for the club several times after his departure, even after giving him a tryout. Retiring a number should only be for the guys that were great on and off the ice and I don't think Fleury deserves that honor.
I'm in the group that doesn't want to see his number retired. Fleury was a good player but not a good person. There is a reason why this team was so bad when he was here and he was a big part of the negativity that surrounded the club. Losing and controversy followed him around. He wasn't a class act and had harsh words for the club several times after his departure, even after giving him a tryout. Retiring a number should only be for the guys that were great on and off the ice and I don't think Fleury deserves that honor.
Yeah, it's Fleury's fault the team stank. Not because the team was unable to hold onto a group of hall of famers (Gilmour, MacInnis, Nieuwendyk, etc) and replaced them with German Titov, Zarley Zalapski, Steve Chiasson, etc..
Fleury has never been a person with manners or tact, but that team was a mess and deserved harsh words. Fleury also wept when he found out he was traded. He also chose to make Calgary his home after retirement. The city and team meant eveything to him.
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He is still too much of a controversial public figure for this honour. He has done a lot of bad things and left a lot of hurt people behind. And he continues to say that he doesn't give a ... about what people say or think about him. He also said that he wouldn't have changed a thing in his past. Really, not a thing?
Good for him on the bolded point. He wouldn't be the person he is today, wouldn't have the strength of character or the ability to see and help others with their demons without all the mistakes from his past. I applaud him in this.
Rock on Theo.
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...What the #### has Mike Vernon or CaptainYooh done for the community?
What a great comeback, wow. Mental depth is remarkably noticeable. Vernon's jersey retirement was a logical and easy decision, because he was a great player for the team and he wasn't a drunk drug addict that burned many bridges with each team he played for. Fleury was, hence, the controversy.
What a great comeback, wow. Mental depth is remarkably noticeable. Vernon's jersey retirement was a logical and easy decision, because he was a great player for the team and he wasn't a drunk drug addict that burned many bridges with each team he played for. Fleury was, hence, the controversy.
You do realize that pedophilia tends to mess people up, don't you?
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I remember those days when Vernon was the goalie.
Typical game would see 50 vs 16 shots in Flames favor and a score of 5-3.
Are you sure Vernon never did any drugs, hmm...........
You do realize that pedophilia tends to mess people up, don't you?
This is snowballing and becoming ridiculous, honestly. Of course, I do. My wife is a teacher working with really troubled children that have been abused by their parents. I hear some stories that make the hairs on anyone's back stand up. I watched the documentary about Fleury and I saw him speak and break into tears at a charitable fundraiser. I believe he has a good heart. I totally sympathize and feel for his personal struggles and I wish him the best.
Read my first post here. It only speaks to why I think it is a difficult decision for the ownership and what he can do to make it easier for them. Who in a right mind can argue that it is?
What a great comeback, wow. Mental depth is remarkably noticeable. Vernon's jersey retirement was a logical and easy decision, because he was a great player for the team and he wasn't a drunk drug addict that burned many bridges with each team he played for. Fleury was, hence, the controversy.
Or perhaps that is a reason to retire his number. Did he make mistakes, yip. Did he face "challenges", yip. In the stuff I have seen of #14 now, he is contrite abour his actions while playing. He is a talent, there is no doubt. I stayed in Calgary and played though some very dark times......
Playing on those teams would have made me turn to drugs and alcohol, nevermind having to deal with 3-4 years of buggery........
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Captain James P. DeCOSTE, CD, 18 Sep 1993
Pick one. I don't care which. Though I prefer the simplicity of the one on the left.
Those saying Iggy/Kipper before Fleury... I get "it" but this should have been a non-issue, as the number should have already been in the rafters years ago.
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Fleury was the Calgary Flames for a long time. With all due respect to Jarome, Theo might still be the best player to ever wear the Calgary Flames sweater.
I don't personally care about retired numbers but he definitely deserves it.
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Great night!
