The four finalists for the 17th annual Travis Roy Award play different positions, but they seem to share one trait.

Goalie Chris Howat of Bangor, defensemen Taylor Reuillard of Biddeford and Brandon Tiner of Lewiston, and Thornton Academy center C.J. Maksut were the leaders of their teams, on and off the ice.

The recipient of the award, named after the former Yarmouth High and North Yarmouth Academy star who was paralyzed 11 seconds into his first shift of college hockey at Boston University, will be announced Sunday at the Class A coaches banquet in Lewiston.

Reuillard is a two-time All-State defenseman who played on a state championship team as a sophomore.

“We had a young team, and he really took a lot of the younger guys under his wing this year, helping them to make the adjustment,” said Biddeford Coach Rich Reissfelder. “He’s a picture of class and character. Whether we win or lose, he’s always looking for positives and something we’ve learned.”

Howat performed a similar function for Bangor.

“Overall, he’s been the backbone of our team this year because we’re so young,” said Bangor Coach Dennis Collins. “We’ve got seven freshmen that we roll out, and four are standing in front of him as defensemen. He’s been very supportive. He’s very helpful to the coaching staff. He highlights the areas we need to improve.”

Tiner was a calming influence for a Lewiston team that lost in the Eastern Maine final.

“Brandon was the leader of our team, both in the locker room and outside it,” Lewiston Coach Jamie Belleau said. “During the course of the year, we played one of the toughest schedules in the state, and he was consistent in his effort and consistent in his production.”

Maksut, who led Class A in scoring with 32 goals and 27 assists, helped the Trojans claim a second consecutive state championship.

“He has not only been a goal scorer for us, but he has also shown that he is a phenomenal puck distributor and unselfish player,” Thornton Coach Jamie Gagnon said.

“His determination and desire to lead the team and program to another shot at a state championship was evident every time he hit the ice for a practice or game.”

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 791-6424 or at:

pbetit@pressherald.com

Twitter: PaulBetitPPH