This is a pretty great — and unexpected — reward for a professional hockey player.
Superstar goaltender Marc-André Fleury now has a pretty rad penguin named after him in Pittsburgh. That’s where he was drafted first overall by the team in 2003 and went on to help win three Stanley Cups.
Fleury is off to Las Vegas to play next for the new NHL franchise Golden Knights.
But not before the National Aviary in Pittsburgh bestowed one more honor on him.
It named a penguin Flower, as an ode to the goaltending great, whose nickname is The Flower.
Flower, named in honor of Fleury, is shedding his old feathers & getting some new ones, just as Fleury will get a new look in his new home! pic.twitter.com/t6vMlwZu7z
— National Aviary (@National_Aviary) June 30, 2017
It was, of course, a popular choice.
Here he is! “Flower” named in honor of Marc Andre Fleury the longtime former @penguins goalie. @CBSPittsburgh 🐧 @NationalAviary pic.twitter.com/g3Q8VaBy4A
— Fletcher Rumbaugh (@Rumbaugh78) June 30, 2017
Because penguins are very hot in Pittsburgh.
National Aviary names penguin after former @Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury https://t.co/URZ9EiELyy pic.twitter.com/u01LQ8nUVA
— PennLive.com (@PennLive) July 1, 2017
Fleury Appreciation Day is tomorrow! Come by to meet Iceburgh from 11-1, win signed Penguins gear, and more! https://t.co/TeTMKA6qxs pic.twitter.com/4ViX6TuD9k
— National Aviary (@National_Aviary) June 29, 2017
Especially Marc-André Fleury.
The National Aviary even held special celebration in appreciation of Marc Andre Fleury and his contributions to Pittsburgh, by welcoming folks to see its the colony of African penguins and the mascot of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Help us wish #Fleury a proper farewell! Take a photo with Iceburgh & more at our Fleury Appreciation Day, 6/30! #PGH https://t.co/NVlPWIu3K9 pic.twitter.com/6Li7WAuywL
— National Aviary (@National_Aviary) June 27, 2017
Fleury wrote a moving tribute to his adopted hometown in The Players’ Tribune.
Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury recently penned a heartfelt tribute to his former NHL team in @PlayersTribune.
More: https://t.co/Dwg0QdQoG5 pic.twitter.com/LXCDxBtwS1
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 27, 2017
Photo National Aviary
