Brady Fleurent (left) and Trevor Fleurent (right) stand prior to a UNE hockey game during the 2016-2017 season. The brothers signed contracts to play for the Atlanta Gladiators semiprofessional hockey team on Sept. 12. (KATHY AMOROSO/dba KBA Photography)

BIDDEFORD – Growing up playing sports against older kids in their Biddeford neighborhood, Trevor and Brady Fleurent often had to lean on each other if they ever hoped to come out on the winning side.

It was during those games where the two developed a deep bond.

“We were the two youngest battling against older guys so we always had to come together,” Trevor Fleurent said. “So we kind of gained that chemistry through that when we played any type of sport.”

The Biddeford natives will continue their connection on the hockey rink this season for the Atlanta Gladiators, a minor league hockey affiliate of the Boston Bruins, after signing contracts on Sept. 12. Brady Fleurent, 25, re-signed with the Gladiators after playing six games for them last year, finishing with a goal and two assists. 

He signed with Atlanta just one week after the conclusion of his senior season at the University of New England last March. With the Nor’easters, he scored 60 goals with 121 assists in 110 career games. He sits as UNE’s career leader in points with 181. Trevor Fleurent, 27, played from 2013-17 at UNE. He finished with 50 goals and 66 assists. 

Trevor Fleurent won the Travis Roy award for the state’s best high school senior for Biddeford in 2010, and he signed in hopes of making a professional comeback after serving as an assistant coach for Biddeford High last year.

After Trevor Fleurent’s senior year in 2017, he played a year for the Fayetteville Fire Ants semi-professional hockey team before taking his talents to Norway a year after to compete for Kongsvinger. When the opportunity of playing with his brother again arrived, Trevor Fleurent couldn’t pass it up and it was one of the main reasons why he chose to sign with the Gladiators.

“It was a huge factor,” he said. “I saw how well Brady did with the core group of guys (on Atlanta), and I kind of had a feeling that most of those guys would probably be returning … So I thought ‘Why not give it another shot?’”

Brady Fleurent said re-signing with Atlanta was a no-brainer. In his short time with the Gladiators last season, he built a strong relationship with head coach and general manager Jeff Pyle. The Gladiators finished 31-30 and missed the playoffs, but Brady Fleurent believes Atlanta has the chance to have a big season in 2019.

“For me, the thought re-signing with Atlanta was a pretty easy decision,” Brady Fleurent said. “ We were so close to reaching our goal last season on making the playoffs and the team is hungry for the upcoming season with a lot of returning guys.”

The Fleurent family has enjoyed plenty of success on the hockey rink. Father, Steve Fleurent, won a Class B state championship with Biddeford in 1977, and older brother, Tyler Fleurent helped the Tigers win two straight Class A titles in 2007 and 2008. Trevor and Brady also led Biddeford to another title in 2010, and their journey together in Atlanta translates into a successful season.

“It means a lot of have my (Trevor) come down with me,” Brady Fleurent said. “He’s getting a great opportunity and I’m excited for him to make the transition with me and to have family as I start this new chapter.”