Lewiston’s Ryan Bossie and Bangor’s Zach Cowperthwaite race around the back of the goal during a hockey game at the Colisee in Lewiston earlier this season. (Andree Kehn/Sun Journal)

Lewiston’s Ryan Bossie, left celebrates with teammates after defeating Biddeford 2-1 during Saturday night’s state championship hockey game at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)

An award dominated by flashy forwards and game-saving goalies might be won this year by someone playing a less-heralded position — defense.

The four finalists for the Travis Roy Award were announced Monday, and three of the players are defensemen, including Lewiston’s Ryan Bossie. The others are Cheverus defenseman Mike Hatch, Portland/Deering defenseman Cam King and Falmouth forward Theo Hembre.

The award is given to the top Class A senior boys’ hockey player in the state. The winner will be announced at the Class A Hockey Coaches Association banquet at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in Lewiston on Sunday, March 25.

Bossie, whose Blue Devils just wrapped up a third straight Class A state title on Saturday, spoke of even just being named a semifinalist in the week leading up to the championship game.

“It just feels privileged knowing that when you play defense you still get recognized as much as the forwards do,” Bossie said. “I mean, it’s not all about the points. Just getting mentioned as a defenseman is quite an honor.”

The blue-liner also helped out on the offensive end for Lewiston this year, scoring three goals and assisting on 14 others during the regular season. He had another goal and two more assists in the playoffs, including tallying a point in each of the Blue Devils’ three playoff games.

He helped lead a Lewiston defense that allowed 27 goals in 18 regular-season games, and then four total across the three postseason contests.

King tallied 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) for the Bulldogs, with one of the assists coming in the playoffs. Hembre had 27 goals and 19 assists (46 points) for the Yachtsmen. Hatch was a big part of a Stags defense that gave up just 35 goals during the regular season, including four shutouts.

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