His professional hockey career may be over, but it appears Theoren Fleury has one more story to tell.
Sun Media reported on Friday that Fleury will reveal in his tell-all book next week that he was sexually abused by his former junior coach Graham James. Excerpts from Fleury's book regarding his relationship with James were also made available Friday on the website of MacLean's magazine.
"(James) destroyed my belief system," read the excerpt in MacLean's. "The most influential adult in my life at the time was telling me that what I thought was wrong was right. I no longer had faith in myself or my own judgment. And when you come down to it, that's all a person has. Once it's gone, how do you get it back?"
James, the former head coach of the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors, Swift Current Broncos and Calgary Hitmen was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison after former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy made similar allegations in 1996.
Graham was head coach of the Warriors in 1984-85 when 16-year-old Fleury and 15-year-old Kennedy were on the team.
"Graham was on me once or twice a week for the next two years," read the excerpt in MacLean's. "An absolute nightmare, every day of my life."
Kennedy, who told Sun Media that he knew Fleury was also a victim of James, had supportive words for Fleury on Friday but also said he knew what a battle he faced ahead.
"I know how difficult it's going to be for him," Kennedy told TSN. "Disclosing the past is never easy, especially in a public manner. I hope Theoren takes care of himself through all this because it is going to be hard, whether he likes it or admits it or not. It will be hard."
Over his 15-year NHL career, Fleury battled alcohol abuse and was suspended by the league in 2003 for contravening the league's substance abuse and behaviour policy. He was reinstated this fall, enabling him to attempt a comeback with the Calgary Flames at the age of 41. He was released by the team last month.
Kennedy has since turned his efforts toward several programs aimed at helping children who are victims of sexual abuse and the report indicates Fleury would like to follow the same path.
"Right from day one that I remember Theoren as a kid, he's had a tough shake and I think it takes a lot of courage to come forward," Kennedy said. "I think Theoren's proven that he's resilient. I think the biggest thing with Theoren. The key now to be able to be as strong as Theo needs to be is the ability to keep reaching out when all of this stuff is done, to keep on the rails to move forward.
"I'm glad that he's admitting what's gone on in his life and now I think it's about that daily quest of dealing with it and understanding that he doesn't have to live in the craziness and the shame and the guilt that abuse puts on one," Kennedy said.
Fleury's book, 'Playing With Fire', will be available at bookstores next Wednesday.