NHL Hockey: Fleury explains practice absences.

Sports Network, The, October, 2002

Oct 5, 2002 (The Sports Network via COMTEX)

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Blackhawks forward Theo Fleury said he missed a pair of practices last week because his father underwent surgery to have a tumor removed.

Fleury was unexcused from practice on Wednesday, then had permission to miss practice again on Thursday after speaking with head coach Brian Sutter and meeting with GM Mike Smith. He played in Friday's pre-season game against St. Louis.

The Blackhawks signed the 34-year-old free agent to a reported two-year contract worth $4 million per season this summer.

Fleury has had off-ice problems in the past, leading to speculation that he was in trouble again this week.

He missed 20 games in 2000-01 with the...

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