Marc Andre Fleury defies the NHL rules by wearing the custom-designed mask, honoring his wife, Veronique Fleury.
The NHL’s prohibition on players wearing specialty jerseys and equipment to avoid distraction while on the ice has sparked several controversies in the past.
Recently, the mask worn by March Andre Fleury, honoring his Indigenous wife, Veronique, has created a buzz on the internet.
Nicknamed “Flower,” Marc Andre Fleury plays for the Minnesota Wilds of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Drafted as the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Draft, Fleury has had a remarkable journey in the world of hockey.
The Canadian professional boasts an impressive career with the Penguins, playing for over 13 seasons. While with the team, he clinched the Stanley Cup three times in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
Besides, the player earned his name playing for the Vegas Golden Knights and Chicago Blackhawks. Fleury ranks third among the goaltenders to ever reach the 500 victories mark in the NHL, after Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.
Beyond his achievements in the NHL, the goaltender proudly boasts an outstanding international career. Internationally, he represented Canada twice as a junior, winning back-to-back silver medals at the World Junior Championships (2003 and 2004).
Marc Andre Fleury Wife: Married Life And Kids
Marc Andre Fleury and his wife, Veronique Larosee Fleury, are childhood sweethearts, having met at 15.
After their engagement in 2011, the two exchanged vows on July 21, 2012, marking the beginning of their shared journey.
Soon after their wedding, they embarked on the journey of parenthood, giving birth to their eldest daughter, Estella (b: April 26, 2013).
Besides, they have other two kids- Scarlett Fleury (b: July 22, 2015) and James Fleury (b: March 22, 2019).
Marc’s wife, Veronique, a graduate of Robert Morris University, is a co-founder of a clothing line named Little Sunshine Clothing Co (formerly Alex et Estelle).
Likewise, she actively advocates for children’s rights through her work with a non-profit organization, Olive Crest.
Veronique, a proud mother and supportive wife, regularly shares glimpses of her cherished moments with her kids and husband on social media. Her Instagram handle provides a delightful window into the family’s lifestyle.
What Is The Maks Scandal All About?
Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc Andre Fleury wore a custom-designed mask for the team’s Native American Heritage Night, honoring his wife’s native heritage.
The Wild’s player had Cole Redhorse Taylor, a Mdewankton Dakota artist, to design the mask.
Marc’s wife, Veronique, is of Abenaki and Mikmaq heritage, and respecting her descents, the player planned to wear the mask despite the NHL’s rule.
The league prohibits players from wearing specialty jerseys, stickers, or tape for theme nights. Initially, the NHL banned players from using rainbow-colored tape on Pride nights before reversing that decision after receiving backlash from the hockey community.
With the Wild celebrating Native American heritage night on November 24, 2023, against the Colorado Avalanche, Marc became the latest player to disobey the rules.
The NHL had threatened Marc and the Wilds with an additional significant fine if he wore the mask, but he did it anyway. As per Marc’s agent, Allan Walsh, Marc had planned to pay a league fine and wear the mask despite the ban.
Even the designer, Taylor, was upset with the NHL’s comments, and sharing her opinion, she mentioned, “What they don’t realize is…they”re being racist towards Indigenous people without intentionally doing so.”
However, neither the NHL nor the Wilds have spoken further about the event and the fine.
