In what may be the final home game of his illustrious NHL career, Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury shared an emotional moment with fans and family that tugged at heartstrings across the hockey world. The 39-year-old veteran took to the ice at Xcel Energy Center with his three children—daughters Estelle and Scarlette, and son James—by his side. All three wore their father’s iconic No. 29 jersey and goalie helmets, creating a moving pregame scene during the national anthem.
Fleury, known as one of the most beloved players in the league both for his elite play and infectious personality, appeared visibly emotional throughout the night. His children’s presence was a symbolic passing of the torch and a tribute to the support system that carried him through 21 NHL seasons.
The game itself was a wild ride—fittingly so—with the Wild edging the San Jose Sharks 8-7 in overtime. Yet it wasn’t the scoreline that mattered most. As the final horn sounded, Fleury skated off the ice to a thunderous ovation from the home crowd. Cameras captured his children in tears, clinging to their father in a moment that encapsulated the weight of the farewell.
Drafted first overall in 2003 by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Fleury’s career includes three Stanley Cup championships and a Vezina Trophy. He also made stops in Vegas and Minnesota, winning hearts in every city he called home.
Though Fleury hasn’t officially announced his retirement, this home game carried all the markings of a final bow. For fans, teammates, and especially his family, it was a night of gratitude, nostalgia, and love for a player who gave the game everything he had—always with a smile.