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For anyone who has followed Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury’s on-ice career, it’s easy to see why he will be a lock to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The 40-year-old has more than 1,000 regular-season appearances under his belt, as well as 169 playoff games, three Stanley Cup championships and a Vezina Trophy to his credit. He should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and nobody begrudges him for any of his success.
That said, Fleury’s incredible kindness off the ice keeps giving fans reason to love him, regardless of what team he’s represented in his 21 NHL seasons. It’s partly why Fleury was named No. 83 in The Hockey News’ 100 People of Power and Influence list.
As noted by his agent, Allan Walsh, and Nation Network writer Jason Gregor, Fleury’s relationship with an Edmonton-area community center during the 2020 bubble playoffs was typically generous.
For five Mondays, Fleury bought food for the community center without wanting publicity for his act of kindness. He did it because of his fortunate status as a professional athlete, and he hasn’t ever forgotten that fact.
Fleury will almost assuredly retire at the end of the season, but long after he’s finished playing, his phenomenal acts and personality will stay with people. We’re certain that Fleury’s generosity will continue to impact the world for as long as he’s alive. His longevity as a player sets him apart from most of his NHL colleagues – only Fleury, Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy and Roberto Luongo have played more than 1,000 NHL games in net, and only Brodeur has more wins (691) than Fleury’s 570.
But Fleury’s endless wellspring of wonderful off-ice behavior has few, if any, comparables. Even his reputation for pranking other players brings out the fun side of hockey.
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And as we’ve noted above, one of Fleury’s most endearing qualities is his lack of regard for publicity. If there’s any ego involved in his life, nobody’s mentioned it. He’s doing things because they’re innately good things to do. That’s one of the biggest reasons why he’s a Hall of Fame human being.
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If Fleury’s approach to the game on and off the ice can influence the next wave of NHLers and hockey players to be generous and treat others with respect and kindness, the sport will be far better off.
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