SACO — When Trevor Fleurent wrapped up his stellar Biddeford High hockey career ”“ taking three state championship rings and a Travis Roy Award along with him ”“ he didn’t have to travel far to keep playing.

Just over the bridge, in fact.

Fleurent, who has his eyes set on playing college hockey, is taking a large stride in that direction by skating for the Portland Junior Pirates, who call the MHG Ice Centre home.

The Jr. Pirates, who play in the highly competitive Tier III Atlantic Junior Hockey League, get the 2010-11 season underway Saturday (7 p.m.), when they’ll host the Philadelphia Little Flyers.

As with everyone who makes the jump from high school hockey to junior, Fleurent has met with his share of slushy skating.

But not enough to slow him down.

“It’s been good,” said Fleurent. “It’s been really fun so far. The speed’s definitely faster. Some of the moves in high school that I could get away with, now I can’t. I’d probably get wrecked.”

If not by the opposition, then by his teammates, all of whom are hoping to parlay their stay with the Jr. Pirates into a chance to play in college.

And if not by their teammates, then certainly by the PJP coaching staff ”“ which include former Portland Pirates Brad Church and Kent Hulst, and former UMainer Jeff Libby.

Between them, the trio has a quarter century of professional playing experience, and zero tolerance for anything less than total commitment.

With Fleurent, Church and his staff have absolutely no worries, or complaints.

“He’s got a lot of natural talent,” said Church. “He fits in fine with the group. He works extremely hard in practice. It’s a matter of instilling good practice habits in him. He’s going to be playing much more competitive hockey, playing against bigger, faster, stronger guys. There will be a small period of adjustment.

“But he’s got the work ethic and the ability to be a good player for us. We’re looking for him to contribute.”

Fleurent isn’t the only PJP newcomer familiar to local hockey followers.

Saco’s Mike Herlihy, a lanky stalwart on the Thornton Academy blue line last year, is seeking to make his mark with the Jr. Pirates.

“You have to keep tough, mentally,” said Herlihy. “That’s the biggest part of it. You have to say ‘I’m here with everybody else. I’ve worked as hard as them.”

The Jr. Pirates play in the 12-team AJHL, whose teams are scattered along the Eastern Seaboard.

The club struggled to a 10-31-1 mark last year and missed the playoffs.

But Church, who was brought aboard late last season, feels that the corner has definitely been turned.

 “I think we’ve got a team that’s has a chance to win everytime we hit the ice,” he said. “We’ve added a lot of depth up front. We’ve got a lot more skill, and we should be able to put a lot more pucks in the net. We’re a lot deeper, and we’ve got a lot better kids around.”

Admission to PJP games is free. For a complete game schedule, log on to the club’s website at www.jrpirates.pucksystems2.com.

— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.