LEWISTON – Each holiday season, talk in the Paradis home often revolves around hockey and the fond memories of playing at St. Dom’s.

Hearing those annual reflections and countless stories made Richard Paradis want to emulate his father and uncles and share the same kind of hockey experiences.

The Saints senior now has plenty to talk about and can display a pretty fine trophy as well. The St. Dom’s defenseman capped off his high school career Sunday by winning the Travis Roy Award at the Class A Hockey State Banquet.

“Now at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I can talk about my years at St. Dom’s, while they talk about it,” Paradis said. “It feels really good to be able to do that, and I’ll bring this (trophy) along to show it off. It’s something they don’t have.”

Paradis edged out a trio of fine candidates for the award. Other finalists were Falmouth’s Mike Chase, Waterville’s Shawn Lee and Brewer’s Dylan Fitzpatrick.

“It’s special,” Paradis said. “All three of those guys are top-notch players. All three are deserving of it. It just feels great to win it.”

Paradis led the Saints to the regional title before St. Dom’s lost to Waterville in the state championship last weekend. That might have ended his career on a disappointing note, but an honor such as this provided a fitting ending.

“This is a really great way to end the year,” he said. “Both would have been great, but either one works. I’m pretty glad to get this.”

Paradis had 21 goals and 29 assists for the Saints this year. A four-year letterwinner in hockey, golf and baseball, he was second in the West in scoring. That was after moving to play defense.

During his speech Sunday, Paradis recalled his long face after being told he was being switched to defense as a youngster, being told by his coach Leo Cormier that all good hockey players have to learn how to play good defense. This year, it was Paradis that volunteered to make the switch.

“I went up to (coach Steve Ouellette) and told him I was going to play defense,” Paradis said. “I knew that was our team’s weak point. Being the captain, I thought it would help us out the most.”

Chase had 21 goals and 23 assists for Falmouth, while Lee was a staple for the state champs, scoring 14 goals and 17 assists. Fitzpatrick had 27 goals and 24 assists for Brewer.

All of the candidates recognized the example set by the trophy’s namesake, Travis Roy, and were honored to be recognized as a finalist.

“He’s a role model to everyone,” Paradis said. “The history he has. It really feels good to win this in honor of him.”

Paradis becomes the third St. Dom’s player to win the award. Brian Toussaint won in 1996 while Joey Dumais won in 2001. Derek Damon (1999), Brian Andrews (2000) and Jon Rutt (2005) were also finalists.

“I never thought I’d be here at the beginning of the year,” said Paradis. “From my father’s dreams to being up there and making that speech, it was a little nerve-wracking, but it feels great to win it.”

The Tier 3 Player of the Year honor was awarded to Gorham’s David Gushee.

The Bob Boucher Coach of the Year awards were given to South Portland’s Joe Robinson (Tier 3), Thornton’s Shawn Rousseau (West) and Waterville’s Dennis Martin (East).

Three teams also received the sportsmanship awards. Edward Little was recognized in the East while Portland won in the West and Massabesic was honored in Tier 3.