No matter where we are in our lives, we should never lose hope.

That was the message put forward by former NHL player Theo Fleury, as he stopped at Portage Collegiate Institute, and Eagles Fire Youth Centre . He started the day with a presentation to a gymnasium full of students at PCI, where he shared his story of sexual assault at the hands of a WHL coach, mental illness, addictions, thoughts of suicide and the road to recovery. He pulled no punches during his presentation, vividly describing some of the most difficult parts of his life. While some speakers may shy away from some of the graphic details, Fleury feels it's important that students are hearing the unadulterated truth.

"It wasn't too long ago I sat in the same spot, not knowing anything about anything, when I was out there on my own trying to figure it out. I think it's important never to sugarcoat anything. I have four kids of my own, and I don't sugarcoat anything with them. I always tell them the truth, and I think when you do that, it opens up way more conversation."

Fleury's been an advocate for those who've faced childhood trauma since the release of his first book; Playing with Fire, which marked the first time he went public with his story of abuse. Fleury says he's heard from thousands of others who've faced similar instances since the release of the book, and that's been one of his motivations to speak to schools and the public.

"It's not always easy to keep a room full of high school kids quiet for an hour, but we seem to be able to do it, because I'm talking about real stuff. A lot of them are drinking, experimenting with drugs, have hormones and are experiencing sexual experiences for the first time, so it's important that we be honest and tell them the truth."

Citing the number of people who've come forward to him after the release of his book, Fleury describes the sexual assault of youth as an epidemic. He feels a culture that shies away from uncomfortable topics is a contributing factor, and something that needs to change to ensure victims are able to speak out.

"We need to really create safe communities for people to be able to talk about this stuff, and not be scorned or shamed or judged. It's not the most uncommon thing, but anytime you have the word 'sex' or 'sexual' everyone runs away and buries their heads in the sand, because they don't want to talk about that."

While he outlined some of the hardest experiences he's faced, he ended the presentation with some words of encouragement. Fleury says he hopes students are aware that no matter what tragedies or traumas they're faced with, there's always a shot at a better life.

"No matter where we sort of are in life, we all have the opportunity to turn our lives around. We all have an opportunity to be successful. We all have an opportunity to go after our dreams, and follow our dreams. (Students) are the future leaders of our communities, future doctors, lawyers, politicians, you name it. I always want to instill that message that you can be anything you want to be."