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Brian Jean got an assist from former NHLer Theo Fleury Wednesday but Jason Kenney flooded the ice with MPs as the United Conservative Party leadership contest entered crunch time.

Kenney issued a press release announcing he had the backing of 23 current Conservative MPs from Alberta just minutes ahead of Jean’s news conference announcing the endorsement from Fleury.

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Fleury was a star for the Calgary Flames but he is also known as an advocate on issues of mental health and child abuse after being sexually abused by a coach while a junior hockey player.

He said his advocacy work is part of why he’s supporting Jean, the Fort McMurray-Conklin MLA and former Wildrose leader.

“Talking to Brian, I can see the type of man he is. He’s somebody who cares deeply about this province,” said Fleury at the Mount Pleasant Sportsplex.

“He knows the importance of not letting people fall through the cracks. He understands why we need to fight for better mental health services. He will fight for victims and those suffering from addictions.”