A former Canadian NHL player says reaching out for help is the most courageous act a victim of bullying can do.
Theo Fleury captivated hundreds of students and faculty members at Petrolia's LCCVI high school Wednesday afternoon.
He opened with three pieces of advice to follow in life: respect, to love and care for others, and that actions have consequences.
"You never know how you're going to impact another person."
He spoke openly about his own personal traumas, encountering bullying at home and sexual abuse by a former junior hockey coach, that led to drug and alcohol addictions.
The former hockey player has been sober now for almost 4,000 consecutive days.
Fleury says victims of bullying do not have to suffer in silence.
"I think I have the most impact with people who have suffered trauma, that's why the room is silent."
"I know what I'm talking about is hitting home. How many times have you heard somebody speak at a high school where the gym is completely silent and you can hear a pin drop? It's because I'm talking about their experience."
Fleury was also speaking to a sell out crowd at Victoria Hall Wednesday evening.
