THEO, THEO, THEO!!!

Theo Fleury, my hero growing up, my all-time favourite player, announced his official retirement today after an incredible training camp with the Calgary Flames. Theo was very humble and appreciative during his speech today at the Saddledome and I think he made the right decision in retiring. He now retires as a Flame where his heart and his best days were.

Now raises a few questions, Does Fleury belong in the Hall of Fame? And should the Flames retire his #14? The Hall of Fame question is so tough to answer because it is so hard to get in. With this comeback, his 1,000+ career points, his Stanley Cup ring, his Olympic gold medal and being sober for over 4 years now, Theo definitely deserves it. Whether he will get in can only be seen and will be up to the voters. I think it would be absolutely spectacular if the Flames were to retire Theo's 14 this season. He is the second all-time leading scorer, he loves the city, has said he wants to continue to be a part of the organization and can you really see anyone other than Theo wearing the number 14 in a Flames uniform? I didn't think so, with all the fans support Fleury received over the last three weeks or so, its only fitting the Flames retire his number and do it this season.

Theo was my hero when I was young, I went to his hockey camp 2 years in a row and still remember the day he was traded to Colorado. I remember crying, I was so upset. Then going to see him the next season as a Ranger in his return to Calgary and once again being so disappointed when some fans booed him. I remember when Theo broke the all-time Flames scoring record, the picture of him in the Herald jumping around the ice after a multi-point night against the Ducks, it was a great game and a great night for Theo. Theo had his ups and downs and I will admit it was harder to look up to him during those times as I got older and started to understand his problems but in my heart he was and will always be my favourite, my hero. My jersey of his really isn't a jersey anymore, more of a baseball shirt it is so tiny. In my heart I wanted to see him as a Flame again this year but in my head I knew it wasn't going to happen. I'm glad he went out on his own terms, in such an honorable fashion.

Thank you Theo for all the memories and for being a great role model.