Former NHLer Theo Fleury returns to 'Battle of the Blades' as a guest judge

Former NHL hockey star Theoren Fleury poses for a photograph after an interview about his new book in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. Fleury is returning to “Battle of the Blades” as a guest judge.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO - Former NHLer Theo Fleury is returning to "Battle of the Blades" as a guest judge.

The one-time contestant says he's looking forward to sitting on the other side of the judge's table.

Last season, Fleury emerged as an early front-runner with Olympic champ Jamie Sale but was eventually forced out by glaring technical errors.

The CBC reality series pairs former hockey stars with figure skaters for weekly on-ice dance routines. The winning team gets $100,000 for the charity of their choice.

CBC says Sunday's live performance show will see eight pairs skating to the theme of passion. It will be followed by the season's first elimination episode on Monday.

Fleury joins head judge Sandra Bezic and resident judge Jeremy Roenick.

"I am looking forward to seeing returning cast mates from last season's show as well as meeting the new crop of contestants," Fleury said Thursday in a release.

"It will be nice to be on the other side and judging instead of worrying about my toe picks."