Lewiston goalie Keegan McLaughlin denies a shot by Scarborough’s Samuel Rumelhart during the second overtime of the Class A championship game in Lewiston in March 2020. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

Edward Little defenseman Will Cassidy, Lewiston goalie Keegan McLaughlin and St. Dom’s forward Lucas Pushard have been chosen as semifinalists for the Travis Roy Award.

The three area players are among six semifinalists for the award, which is given to the top senior boys hockey player in Class A. The other semifinalists are Falmouth’s Owen Drummey, Portland/Deering’s Max Cheever and Scarborough’s Peter O’Brien.

This year’s award will the first presented since the death of its namesake, Travis Roy, in October.

Edward Little’s Will Cassidy attempts to score a goal against St. Dom’s goalie Nate Jones during a game last month at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

Edward Little coach Norm Gagne, the president of the Maine Class A Coaches Association, said that even though this season didn’t have the usual statewide competition, the association wanted to “keep (Travis Roy’s name alive” by presenting the award.

The dates and details of when and how the finalists and winner will be announced is still being decided.

Cassidy has been a leader for the Red Eddies for the past two seasons.

“The players all look up to him because of his character and his ability to bring everyone together,” Gagne said. “He has the cohesive spirit needed in a leader to bring people together. He sets the example for others to follow and he has the courage to speak up when needed to his teammates.”

McLaughlin is the netminder for the undefeated, defending state champion Blue Devils. He was an All-State goalie as a junior, recording nine shutouts and a 1.14 goals-against average as Lewiston earned a state championship and achieved a perfect season. This year, McLaughlin recorded four shutouts in a pandemic-shortened senior season.

“As a coach, you want your players to compete every shift. Keegan is a true competitor and leader and sets an example for his teammates every time he takes the ice,” Lewiston coach Jamie Belleau said. “He sets an example on and off the ice. He is a true competitor, upstanding citizen in his school and community and a perfect teammate. He has leadership qualities that set him apart from others his age.”

Saint Dominic Academy’s Lucas Pushard, right, challenges Bangor’s Drew Dorr for the puck during a February 2020 game at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

Pushard is the Saints’ captain. During the summer, when 2020-21 high school sports seasons were uncertain, he created a workout plan for his teammates.

“He does everything asked of him and more,” St. Dom’s coach Dan D’Auteuil said. “He constantly is providing me suggestions on the needs of the team or needs of particular players, either on the ice or even off-the-ice issues.

“We have a very young, inexperienced team this year, and he has been a great support to the coaches in helping encourage and bring along these young players.”

Lewiston’s Ryan Pomerleau won last year’s Travis Roy Award. Lisbon’s Noah Austin earned it the year before.