Marc-Andre Fleury

Marc-Andre Fleury (http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nhl)

A wise athlete once said, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”(Babe Ruth) After letting in four goals at the World Junior Championships playing for Canada in 2003-2004 and earning two silver medals, this young athlete never gave up. After defeat, he tried again in his quest for gold. Yes, I am talking about Marc-Andre Fleury and how he is a hero to me and many others around the world.

Marc-Andre Fleury (http://penguins.nhl.com/team)

Marc-Andre Fleury was born on November 28th, 1984 in Sorel, Quebec, Canada, not knowing what the future had in store for him. Twenty years later he got picked to be the goaltender for the Canada World Junior team in 2003-2004 and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round (first overall) of the 2003 entry draft. He played his first NHL career game on October 10th, 2003 against Los Angeles and stopped 46 out of 48 shots including a penalty shot. The final result was a 2-0 loss.

Marc-Andre Fleury (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey)

Marc-Andre Fleury is my hero because he inspired me by never giving up when I’m playing a game and to not give up on my team members. Marc-Andre Fleury also inspires me because he had a lot of confidence and courage in him as his team and he traveled to play in the World Junior Championship. He was also a good sport when they lost 2-0. He showed confidence as he earned his 11th career shutout on March 25th, 2009.

Marc-Andre Fleury is an inspiration to many people around the world by giving back to the people that support him everyday. He helps with goalie clinics around the world teaching young children that have dreams like he had- to be a professional goaltender. He teaches them the right stance, what to do when someone is coming in on a break away or shooting, what the rules are, what signal to use if you want an icing call, how to make a butterfly and when to use your catcher and blocker. Last but definitely not least he teaches children to have fun and never give up on themselves or team members.

When Marc-Andre Fleury stepped on the ice for the first time he stated he had remembered a few years earlier he had told his grandpa , “I want to grow up and be an NHL goaltender!” His grandpa replied in a surprised voice, “Marc. There is a one in a million chance of that happening.” Marc said in a determined voice, “I’m going to be that one.” About fifteen years later he stepped on the ice once again remembering what he had told his grandpa in his earlier years. This time when he stepped on the ice he wasn’t in his house league or rep hockey jersey he was in his dream jersey: the Pittsburgh Penguins' goaltender jersey with his favourite number #29 on the back and both of his arms.

Marc-Andre Fleury showed people that if you have your mind set on a dream and you work as hard as you can and you give 100% all the time, you can make your dream come true- you just have to believe in yourself no matter what.