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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 2514522" data-attributes="member: 2012">Belfast Giants Sign Olympic Gold Medallist - Theo FleuryDate: 23 August 2005Belfast Giants Coach, Ed Courtenay today rejoiced as the work permit for NHL superstar, Theo Fleury was approved. "This is the biggest ever signing for the Belfast Giants and indeed for the Elite League. Fleury has a Gold Olympic medal from the last Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and he has also won The Stanley Cup with Calgary Flames in 1989. Having scored over 1,000 points in as many NHL games we know Theo will be a huge boost for the sport of Ice Hockey in UK. I am really looking forward to coaching Theo and I know with the lineup that I have already signed, we will be strong opposition for all teams in this years League."Courtenay added, "I understand from our General Manager, John Elliott that Theo will be the only current Olympic Gold medallist in any sport to be playing and training in Northern Ireland. This is something that I hope all sporting fans will warm to by coming to support the Belfast Giants. Fleury is an international ice hockey legend and he will bring a new dimension to the sport of Ice Hockey here in Belfast."The arrival of Theo Fleury at the Belfast Giants has been brought about by his friendship with new investor Jim Yaworski, who has mentored him through a tough patch in his career overcoming alcoholism and Chrohn's disease. Yaworski commented that "Theo is an outstandingly talented hockey player who just loves to play. I have asked him to come to Belfast to play for the Giants and become a hero in a new town. Theo knows what I need of him and he is looking forward to working with Ed and John and playing with the team."Fleury had to await the decision of UK work permits to give the go ahead for his arrival as he did not meet the specific criteria laid down by the work permit office. However, with letters of support for his application from Elite League and also the Ice Hockey Players Association, the final paperwork has been issued and the green light given. Fleury has some other commitments which mean that unfortunately he will only be arriving in Belfast in mid October. Coach Courtenay, who is himself expected to arrive in Belfast later this week, explained. "Fleury won't be with us until October, and I'll be announcing a temporary signing from the East Coast Hockey League to start with the team for our first match on the 9th September against the Newcastle Vipers. Belfast Giants first games always attract huge crowds then Fleury will arrive on time to give the team a boost, just as we settle into home games and road trips. I've no concerns about his gelling with the team. They are all talented professionals and I'm confident we'll make a smooth transition. Fleury brings my roster to 10 and I hope to soon announce the remaining 3 ITC places and possible local players."</blockquote>

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