Theoren Fleury of the Calgary Flames in action during a 1998 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Saddledome in Calgary.Ian Tomlinson
He's been a hockey player, an author, a motivational speaker and an advocate against sexual abuse. But get ready for a Theo Fleury you've never seen or heard before.
Ladies and gentleman, let's hear it for country-western recording artist Theoren Fleury.
For the past few months, the former NHL star has been honing his vocal chords at Calgary-based studio Pyramid Productions. He said he's finished four songs and is working another batch before taking his act on the road.
"They're original pieces. I'm writing and singing," said Fleury, who is presently in Saskatoon for the Aboriginal Winter Games. "Every place I've ever lived I've had a karaoke machine. It's part of my Métis heritage to sing and perform."
Fleury has come alive since revealing his tortured past in his autobiography Playing With Fire. He has appeared on countless television and radio shows and spoken out against the fact his abuser, former hockey coach Graham James, received a pardon from the National Parole Board.
For Fleury, music is another way to express his new-found voice.
"There's a saying, 'The truth will set you free.' I know I can do pretty much anything I want to do," he explained. "That's how I'm going to deal with this issue."
One of Fleury's songs already comes with a video. It may be put on YouTube or the song may go to iTunes. There could also be a tour in the near future since Fleury noted dates are already being considered.
"I'm not in a hurry," he insisted. "I'm just having a blast."