If you’ve ever seen Marc-Andre Fleury on the ice, you know the smile. It’s infectious. It’s the kind of grin that makes a 40-year-old man look like a kid playing pond hockey for the first time. But by the time May 2025 rolled around, that smile was masking a lot of literal pain. The Marc-Andre Fleury family had become the primary reason the legendary "Flower" finally decided to hang up the skates after 21 seasons.
He didn't just quit because his knees felt like they’d been in a car crash every morning—though he actually used that exact comparison. He quit because he was tired of being a "FaceTime Dad."
The Woman Behind the Mask: Veronique Larosee Fleury
Most people see the Stanley Cups and the Vezina Trophy. They don't see the woman who moved her entire life across the continent four times in seven years. Veronique Larosee Fleury isn't just a "hockey wife." She and Marc-Andre are legitimate childhood sweethearts. They met when they were just 15.
Think about that.
Before the millions of dollars and the fame in Pittsburgh, they were just two kids in Quebec. Veronique lived on the same street as Marc-Andre’s billet family when he was playing junior hockey for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Ironically, she told him early on she didn't want to date a hockey player.
His response? "I'm not a hockey player; I'm a goalie."
💡 You might also like: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
It worked. They got married in 2012 at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal. It wasn't just a flashy event; it was the culmination of a decade of growing up together. Veronique is a powerhouse in her own right—a former elite soccer player at the University of Maine and co-owner of the children's clothing line Alex et Estelle. She’s been the one managing the "craziness" (Marc’s word) of a household while her husband was busy facing 100 mph slapshots in different time zones.
The Fleury Kids: Estelle, Scarlett, and James
There is a video the Minnesota Wild released right after he retired in 2025. You should find it. It’s heartbreaking and sweet all at once. His three children—Estelle, Scarlett, and James—each recorded a message for him.
- Estelle (born 2013): The oldest. She’s seen the most. She admitted that while hockey made life "crazy and scary," she wouldn't change it. Fun fact: for a while, her favorite player wasn't even her dad; it was Shea Theodore.
- Scarlett (born 2015): She’s the one who used to send him drawings and letters every day. One of her letters went viral because it was so pure. She told her dad she was sad when he left for long trips but loved seeing the "save smile" on his face.
- James (born 2019): The youngest. When he was two, he didn't really get why Dad wasn't there in the mornings. By the time Marc retired, James was just excited to finally play "mini sticks" with his dad without a flight schedule getting in the way.
Honestly, the "FaceTime ritual" is what kept the family sane. No matter where he was, Marc-Andre would call them before every game. If he won, they kept the routine. If he lost? They’d switch it up. Total goalie superstition, even through a screen.
The Retirement Pivot: St. Paul and the Front Office
A lot of fans thought he’d run back to Pittsburgh the second he retired. He didn't.
Despite a very emotional "one-period cameo" for the Penguins in the 2025 preseason—where he wore his classic yellow pads and stopped all eight shots he faced—the Marc-Andre Fleury family is staying put in the Twin Cities for now.
📖 Related: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
Why Minnesota? It’s about stability.
After bouncing from Vegas to Chicago to Minnesota, the kids are finally settled. Marc-Andre took a role in the Wild front office, working with Bill Guerin on player development and scouting. He explicitly said he doesn't want to coach. Coaching takes up too much time. He wants to be there for birthdays, school plays, and walking the neighborhood on Halloween.
He's traded the crease for tennis matches and mountain biking. He even tried Pilates. Can you imagine a future Hall of Famer trying to hold a plank in a room full of suburban parents? It’s a hilarious image, but it's the reality of his "new" life.
Dealing With Loss and Heritage
One thing that often gets overlooked in the "nice guy" narrative is the depth of Marc-Andre's roots. His father, André, passed away in 2019. It hit him hard. If you look at the back of his masks, there’s almost always a tribute to his dad.
There was also that whole controversy in 2023 regarding his Native American Heritage mask. Veronique has Indigenous roots, and Marc wanted to honor her and her family with a custom-designed mask by artist Cole Redhorse Taylor. The NHL tried to ban him from wearing it during warmups.
👉 See also: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
He wore it anyway.
That tells you everything you need to know about the man. He’ll prank his teammates by filling their cars with packing peanuts, but when it comes to his wife’s heritage or his father’s memory, he’s a rock.
What’s Next for the Fleurys?
If you’re looking to follow the next chapter of the Marc-Andre Fleury family, keep an eye on the Twin Cities community. They aren't the type to hide away in a mansion. They’re still active with charities like Olive Crest and the Ronald McDonald House.
The transition from "active legend" to "retired dad" is never easy, but Fleury seems to be doing it with the same grace he used to post a shutout. He’s officially done with the NHL grind. No more 2:00 AM arrivals. No more ice baths. Just school runs and mini-sticks in the basement.
Take action on your own family legacy:
If you're inspired by how Fleury prioritized his kids over a 22nd season, take a page from his book this week. Set a "pre-game" ritual with your own family—whether it's a scheduled 5-minute check-in or a shared hobby—to ensure that no matter how busy work gets, the "home team" always comes first.