Theo Fleury attempted an NHL comeback with the Calgary Flames in 2009 and played in the preseason. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)
Retired seven-time NHL All-Star Theo Fleury has partnered with mental health support app iRel8 to create “Theo’s Room,” a forum where he will chat with users about his experience surviving abuse.
Fleury was a 15-year NHL superstar, mostly with the Calgary Flames. He scored 455 career goals and won both a Stanley Cup (with the Flames in 1989) and an Olympic gold medal (with Team Canada in 2002). Twice, however, he was suspended by the NHL and was placed in the league’s substance abuse and behavioral health program.
In his 2009 memoir, “Playing with Fire,” Fleury wrote that he had been sexually assaulted as a teenager by a junior hockey coach, Graham James. (James later pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting Fleury and others.) In his post-hockey career, Fleury has shifted his attention to motivational speaking and advocating for mental health awareness. He has been sober more than 13 years.
Fleury wants his personal story to help those who may be battling similar problems. That’s why he is collaborating with iRel8, a peer-to-peer forum where users can discuss personal issues anonymously.
“The best work I’ve done in my life is with people who have had the same experience as me,” Fleury told a Microsoft writer. “I’ve made the greatest strides—and I think a lot of people would say they’ve made the greatest strides—being involved in a community or a group that shares this struggle with mental health.”
News of the partnership was announced on Microsoft’s website. iRel8 was developed using the tech giant’s Visual Studio Code, is hosted by the Microsoft Azure cloud, and can be translated into 54 languages. iRel8’s founding team plans to incorporate artificial intelligence to root out inappropriate comments.
“I’m a huge believer of building healthy, safe communities and, until now, I haven’t seen any technology that could bring so many people together,” Fleury said. “I also love how they can use AI to help detect and block social media bullies, keeping it a safe community.”
