BIDDEFORD – He skated in the shadow last year.

Brady Fleurent was a soft-spoken freshman during the 2009-10 hockey season, although he played superbly, helping Biddeford High win the Class A state title.

Additional Photos

Though only a sophomore, Brady Fleurent was the leading scorer in Class A hockey this winter, producing 32 goals and 34 assists in 21 games. John Ewing/Staff Photographer

But it was his brother, Trevor, who took the spotlight, leading the Tigers on the ice and getting rewarded in the post-season, winning the Travis Roy Award while also being named the Maine Sunday Telegram MVP.

This year, Brady wasn’t eligible for the Travis Roy Award, a honor reserved for seniors. But he can still be recognized, following his brother’s footsteps as the Telegram MVP.

Fleurent led the Tigers to an undefeated regular season. And while the Tigers were upset in the Western Class A final, Fleurent’s accomplishments are not diminished.

Fleurent led the state in scoring with 66 points over 21 games, scoring 32 goals and adding 34 assists.

“It was a natural progression,” Biddeford Coach Rich Reissfelder said. “Last year, a lot of the good things Brady did may have been overlooked because of Trevor.

“He took that next step this year to being consistent and being able to carry a line by himself.”

Even in the Tigers’ 4-3 playoff defeat against Thornton Academy, Fleurent shined despite receiving plenty of defensive attention. He assisted on one goal and scored the other two.

But do not call Fleurent a puck hog. His strength was not just his shot, but in setting up his teammates. As his assist total attests, Fleurent made his passes count.

“Brady has the same gift that Trevor has — he makes people better,” Reissfelder said. “Other guys missed a game or two, we didn’t miss a beat. But if Brady missed a game. “

Fleurent missed parts of a couple games because of injury, but fortunately for the Tigers, he never sat out an entire game.

Besides leading the top line, Fleurent also played key roles on the power play and penalty killing units.

“I needed to be more of a factor,” Fleurent said. “Trevor was the top player in the state last year and we were losing him. I had to step it up.”

While Fleurent has two years remaining at Biddeford, he said he has not decided whether he’ll high school or junior hockey next year.

Fleurent is one of three Tigers on the Telegram All-State team. The team dominated by the top schools, with Biddeford, Class A state champion Thornton Academy and Class A runner-up Lewiston all placing three players, making up 75 percent of the team.

St. Dominic, Falmouth and Class B state champion York each have one selection.

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or at:

kthomas@pressherald.com

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