EDMONTON, Alberta — Former NHL star Theo Fleury claims he was sexually abused by a junior hockey coach.
Fleury’s account is detailed in an autobiography titled “Playing With Fire,” which will be released next week. Excerpts appeared online.
Fleury, who had 10 goals and 14 assists in 15 games with the Avalanche during the final weeks of the 1998-99 season, accuses Graham James of abuse. James was jailed in 1997 after admitting to sexually abusing two players on his junior hockey team — one being former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy.
Fleury’s NHL career was derailed by drugs and alcohol. He tried to come back at age 41 with the Flames in training camp this fall but was cut.
Franzen out four-plus months
DETROIT — Red Wings forward Johan Franzen will be sidelined for at least four months with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The Red Wings said Franzen was injured in Thursday night’s 3-2 victory over the Blackhawks. Franzen scored the game-winning goal in the second period. He had 34 goals and 25 assists in 71 regular-season games last season.
Jackman placed on IR
ST. LOUIS — Blues defenseman Barret Jackman was placed on injured reserve with a sprained left ankle.
The move came a day after he was hurt in the Blues’ home-opening 4-2 loss to Atlanta. It likely means rookie Alex Pietrangelo will get his first start of the season tonight against the Kings.
The Blues also sent winger D.J. King (thumb) to Peoria (AHL) on a conditioning assignment.
The Associated Press
