It seemed like old times.

Cam Madore and Trevor Fleurent, together again, the way they were while helping Biddeford High win Class A state titles in 2007-08.

Fleurent making the slick play, Madore running wild like a colt set free.

Which in effect is how he feels, having joined Fleurent as a Portland Jr. Pirate.

Madore joined the Baby Bucs this weekend, after being acquired from fellow AJHL members, the Hartford Jr. WolfPack.

“It was getting a little too expensive, living out there,” said Madore. “I’d rather come home and live for free. Home is home, and I’m glad.”

It was Madore’s second trade in a three-week span, after having been earlier dealt by the Boston Bulldogs, where he played for one and a half seasons.

While the PJPs have struggled this year, head coach Brad Church, who is in his first full season with the program, has been trying to retool the AJHL entry on the go.

When the opportunity to bring the speedy Madore back home arose, Church quickly made the call.

“Cam had expressed an interest in playing closer to home than in Hartford,” said Church. “We explored it and thought it might be a good fit for us. We were looking for a little bit more sandpaper, and a little more energy. And most of all, we’re looking for a good kid. We did our due diligence, and he’s been a good addition so far.”

Madore was a factor in the Bulldog offense, scoring four goals and adding four assists.

But he felt that he was starting to spin his wheels under the firm hand of Boston coach Mike Addessa.

“I’ve got tons of respect for Coach Addessa,” Madore said. “But we just weren’t clicking anymore. They wanted me to try a different system than his.”

Addessa, who led RPI to the NCAA title in 1985, adheres to a rigid style of play, while Pirates bench boss Brad Church prefers a more freewheeling approach.

“We do have a system as well,” said Madore, “but there’s more freedom. It’s great trying to give them a little help, and ultimately trying to win the game.”

Madore didn’t register a point during Sunday’s gutsy 3-2 overtime win over North Division leaders, the Walpole Express.

But he provided the desired “sandpaper” by the sheet load, even driving one Express player through the glass above the end boards.

“I was just finishing my check,” said Madore. “Just like Coach (Church) tells me to.”

Pirates move to Biddeford still just a conversation

Conversations between the Portland Pirates and City of Biddeford officials about a possible move to the proposed Biddeford Downs site remain just that: Conversations.

And blue sky chatter, at that.

An AHL-sized venue on the Downs site, should one ever be constructed, wouldn’t see its first face off for three years at the earliest.

And with Pirates Managing Owner Brian Petrovek firmly on board with the renovated Civic Center plans in Portland, three years would be at least two too many.

“That makes that one (the Downs) even more speculative,” Petrovek said. “We know that, Ocean Properties knows that, and the City of Biddeford knows that. We have to factor reality into that equation. But it’s got a pulse.

“Until you get locked down into one path, you’ve got to be smart enough and open minded enough to make sure you don’t cut off a potential option without knowing what you’re ultimate path will be.”

Sabres could be sold

Meanwhile, the Pirates’ NHL parent, the Buffalo Sabres, continue to be the subject of sale speculation.

Wealthy (to the tune of $3 billion personal worth) hockey fan Terry Pegula, a one-time Sabres’ season ticket holder, appears to be willing to pony up $175 million to purchase the team from current owner Tom Golisano.

Petrovek said that any such sale would have no negative ripple effect in Portland.

The affiliation agreement with the Sabres, which was extended last season until 2014, would remain intact.

“It would move as an asset,” said Petrovek. “It doesn’t put us at risk. We’ve got a nice, long-term position with Buffalo. And if anything, we think it’s going to get stronger with some of the plans that we have.”

Those plans include a new venue ”“ be it a renovated Civic Center or otherwise ”“ and a year-round practice and training center in Saco.

Black Bears, Eagles rise in polls

UMaine continues to rebound in the USCHO.com National rankings. The Black Bears, which had been as high as third, then sagged to ninth, are up to No. 8 in the weekly poll, released Monday ”¦ Boston College, whose blue line is anchored by Biddeford’s Brian Dumoulin, rose to third from No. 8. ”¦

— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.