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Tuesday, March 2, 1999
Denver darlin'
Avs fans embrace Fleury as new hero
So they fashioned a couple of their own, cutting out paper No. 4s and affixing them overtop of the 8s on the backs and sleeves of Adam Deadmarsh sweaters, from 18 to 14.
"Well, they made the trade on a Sunday," explained Perrine, walking through the concourse after the first period last night. "I'll buy a Fleury 14 as soon as they're available. But we couldn't let him play his first game as an Avalanche tonight without some support.
"I think this trade is awesome. I know the people in Calgary are upset but we're very happy he's here."
Fleury has gone from villain to hero overnight.
"I used to hate him," piped up Thomas.
"Not me," cut in Perrine. "I always loved him."
Seems all the hockey fans in this football-mad city were waiting to see Colorado's new star, the ingredient they hope will push them over the top in the Stanley Cup hunt.
The lights dimmed at McNichols Arena, the strobes started to flash and the big Avalanche A was lowered, and Fleury, maybe too wired, exploded onto the ice. His appearance drew cheers from the crowd and the chants of "Thee-O! Thee-O!", first singular and then in unison, beginning midway through the rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
Avalanche coach Bob Hartley used Fleury on a line alongside longtime buddy Joe Sakic and Valeri Kamensky, leaving a second line of Peter Forsberg, Claude Lemieux and Deadmarsh.
Colorado's TV color commentator Peter McNab advised not to underestimate the hockey zealots here.
"I think the fans here in Denver understand just how big this trade for Fleury is, having had hockey back in town for three years. That may not have been the case when they made the trade for Patrick Roy."
"He's certainly a great addition," said Sheila, a bit shy about revealing her last name. "But this was a pretty good team before he got here. The main thing is, we kept him away from Dallas. We'd certainly rather have him here than playing for them."
Scott Farrell, at the game thanks to his boss, who has season tickets, said he was mighty pumped by the addition of Fleury.
"I've always been a huge fan of his," he said. "He's such a motivator, so emotional, so intense. That's what he'll bring to our team. With him in the lineup I think this year's team is as good, if not better, than the one that won three years ago.
"He certainly could be the guy that helps them carry the Cup again.
"I feel bad for the people in Calgary. To lose a player like that. I know you guys need him.
"But if it makes the fans there feel any better, we need him, too.