Peninsula Panthers enjoy evening with Theo Fleury at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney

"On Wednesday I received a great call from Brad Edgett, the Executive Director of the Mary Winspear Centre," said Pete Zubersky.  "Brad invited our players and folks from our Organization to enjoy a performance by Theo Fleury and the Death Valley Rebels at the Mary Winspear Centre, and then to spend some time with him after the show.  With everything that Theo has gone through from being on top of the world to his well-documented stuggles off the ice, it was an opportunity for our kids that only comes around once.  And what an evening it was!  I cannot thank Brad and the Theatre Manager Philip Sutton enough.  What great community players and what a great community move by Brad."

Edgett had seen an article in the Wednesday edition of the Peninsula News Review about the Peninsula Panthers and their upcoming series against the Victoria Cougars and thought that it would be a perfect fit to invite the Panthers out for the evening.  He could not have been more on the money.

Fleury explained what he was trying to accomplish through his performance on the evening at Mary Winspear.  "The songs are all about my life, my experience, my struggle. But they're also about coming through that struggle. At the end of every song, there's hope. That's what the lyrics and music reflect: Hope and healing. If people listen to this and there's a line or a word or a phrase that helps them get out of the situation they're in or how they're feeling, that's really why we're doing this. The message is that no matter how far we may fall, we can make it back."

Although the entire team was not available, many of the players and volunteers attended and were entertained throughout the evening.  The most special part of the evening was when the Club was able to speak with Fleury in an quiet and private setting.  The players asked questions, heard personal stories shared by Fleury and obtained autographs and photos. 

Panthers rugged defenceman Mitch Moloney summed it up the best as the players walked to their vehicles after spending the time with one of the most dynamic players in the history of the National Hockey League.  "I really feel sorry for the guys who didn't make it here.  I mean, we are so lucky to have this opportunity to speak with Theo - someone who has won a Stanley Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal."

The Peninsula Panthers wish to thank Theo Fleury for sharing his time and his experiences with our hockey club.  Our thanks also to the Management and Staff of the Mary Winspear Centre, it will be a lasting memory for all.