Canadian Press

1/23/2005

HORSE LAKE, Alta. (CP) - Theo Fleury's return to competitive hockey was a productive one.

The former NHL star had a goal and two assists in the Horse Lake Thunder's 6-5 win over the Spirit River Rangers in a North Peace Hockey League game Saturday night. The contest was Fleury's first with the Thunder since being cleared to play for the senior hockey team after a second appeal to Hockey Alberta on Friday.

''It felt great,'' Fleury said. ''It was a long time coming.''

''It's just nice to get out there and compete. It was fun.''

Earlier this month, Hockey Alberta denied the Thunder's first appeal on Fleury's behalf. It said at the time NHL players who were under contract during the 2003-2004 season and who are currently locked out were ineligible to play in the senior league.

Fleury was still under contract with the Chicago Blackhawks last season, but did not play a single game because he was suspended by the NHL for violating the league's substance abuse rules. Fleury, 36, last appeared in the NHL with the Blackhawks 17 months ago.

Fleury and the Thunder had argued he should be allowed to play because he didn't play in the NHL last season.

Fleury made headlines in early January when the Thunder announced it had signed him. But just hours before he was to step on the ice for his first game, Hockey Alberta announced he was ineligible.

Fleury is a native of Russell, Man., and had 1,088 points (455 goals, 633 assists) in 1,084 career NHL games.

But now, Fleury's biggest worry is getting back into game shape.

''Absolutely,'' he said. ''Anytime you're off as long as I was.

''My hands were alright, it was just the 1-on-1 battles that tire you out in the beginning. But as the game wore on I felt I got stronger., it was a lot perfect.''