EDMONTON — Former NHL star Theo Fleury says he was sexually abused by his junior hockey coach, Graham James.
Fleury’s account of abuse is detailed in an autobiography called “Playing With Fire” that is set to hit shelves next week.
Excerpts of the book by the former Calgary Flames forward appeared in advance on www.macleans.ca.
James, who could not immediately be reached for comment, was jailed in 1997 after admitting to sexually abusing two players on his junior hockey team — ex-NHLer Sheldon Kennedy and another plaintiff who was not identified.
Rumours swirled at that time the other victim was Fleury, but he refused to address the matter.
Fleury — whose NHL career was derailed by drugs and alcohol — made a comeback attempt with the Flames in training camp this fall, but the 41-year-old was cut.