Belfast, Northern Ireland -- Former National Hockey League star forward Theo Fleury has signed a contract with the Belfast Giants of the British Elite League.

Fleury, 37, recently had his application for a British work permit approved to clear the path for the signing. A veteran of 15 NHL seasons, Fleury has racked up 455 goals and 633 assists in 1,084 games since being selected by the Calgary Flames in the eighth round of the 1987 draft.

"This is the biggest ever signing for the Belfast Giants and indeed for the Elite League," said Giants coach Ed Courtenay. "Fleury has a gold Olympic medal from the last Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and he has also won the Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989.

"Having scored over 1,000 points in as many NHL games we know Theo will be a huge boost for the sport of ice hockey in the UK. I am really looking forward to coaching Theo and I know with the lineup that I have already signed, we will be a strong opposition for all teams in this years League."

Fleury last played in the NHL during the 2002-03 campaign, skating for the Chicago Blackhawks. In 54 games with them he tallied 12 goals and 21 assists. However, his season was interrupted twice by his recurring substance abuse problems. He was eventually placed in stage 3 of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program run jointly by the NHLPA and the NHL. He remained suspended for the 03-04 campaign.

Last season, Fleury skated for the Horse Lake Thunder of the North Peace Hockey League in Alberta. In addition to Calgary and Chicago, Fleury has also played for Colorado and the NY Rangers during his NHL career.

According to Courtenay, Fleury will be the only Olympic gold medalist in any sport to be playing in Northern Ireland.

Fleury will not join the team until October due to other commitments. The Giants' season begins on September 9 against the Newcastle Vipers.