BIDDEFORD — Biddeford native Brady Fleurent helped lead the University of New England men’s hockey team to a Commonwealth Coast Conference title and the Nor’easters’ first-ever NCAA Division III tournament win earlier this month.
Just one week after his final game with UNE, Fleurent will be hitting the ice at the professional level as the former BHS star has signed with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL.
“I talked to quite a few teams, but I went over it and I looked at the opportunity and I just thought it was the best scenario for myself,” said Fleurent on signing with the Gladiators.
Fleurent will make his professional debut for the Boston Bruins’ affiliate on Saturday night when the Gladiators host the Kansas City Mavericks.
“It’s nice to have somewhere warm and they’re in the playoff hunt, so I thought it was a great spot for me in the ECHL,” Fleurent said.
Fleurent, who leaves UNE as the program’s all-time leader in total points (181) and assists (121), is thrilled to be playing in the minor league system of his favorite NHL club.
“I’ve always loved the Bruins. I watch them every night, so it’s kind of surreal to be able to see that on the patch of the jersey,” said Fleurent, who was named the 2019 CCC Player of the Year.
Fleurent was able to get some solid advice from his older brother and former UNE teammate Trevor Fleurent, who has played professionally in Norway and was on the roster for the Maine Mariners during training camp this year.
“We’ve been talking and he gave me some advice. (He said) it’s definitely going to be an adjustment to get used to it at first, but he said if I play my game I should be fine,” said Fleurent on what Trevor told him.
Fleurent is expecting to get an opportunity to contribute right away for the Gladiators.
“I’m expecting to play some big minutes. They are struggling with some scoring right now … (Atlanta coach Jeff Pyle) wants me to produce and score some goals. He said the better I do, the more playing time comes,” said Fleurent. “I’m playing this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, and I think he’s giving me the opportunity and I just have to take it and see where it leads me.”
The former Biddeford standout is hoping to prove over the new few weeks that he has what it takes to play in the big leagues.
“The goal is just really to take the opportunity, and play my best here til the end of the season and see where it leads me. Hopefully it leads me to another opportunity,” said Fleurent, who will continue to work towards his bachelor’s degree in sport management remotely over the next month.
“I hope to be playing for, I don’t have a set amount of years, but hopefully I can have a good pro career. Hopefully that can lead to some call-ups and we’ll see if I can make my way up. I’m just excited to get going and get my feet wet in the ECHL.”
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 780-9017. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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