By PAUL BETIT Staff Writer

Dan Bartlett of North Yarmouth Academy, Mark Rogers of Mt. Ararat and Kyle Smith of Edward Little were named finalists Saturday night for the Travis Roy Award. The award, based on academic achievement, community involvement and playing ability, is given annually to a senior hockey player at a Class A school.

It will be presented next Sunday afternoon at the annual Class A hockey banquet at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston.

The award is named for Roy, a former Yarmouth resident who is paralyzed from injuries he sustained 11 seconds into his first college hockey game as a Boston University freshman in 1995.

Bartlett, a center, recorded more than 100 points in goals and assists to help the Panthers advance to their second consecutive appearance in the Western Class A championship game.

"He has a natural ability to see the ice, and he has great hands," NYA Coach Kent Hulst said. "You can't teach how he can score."

Rogers, who played forward and defense, scored 26 goals and had 28 assists to lead the Eagles in scoring for the third consecutive season.

"He is one of the best athletes I've ever seen," Mt. Ararat Coach Mike Abreu said.

"You can see it when he's out on the ice. Agility. Speed. Quickness. Just sheer power."

After Saturday night’s Class A championship game, Smith, a forward, had scored a team-high 46 goals to put the Eddies into position to contend for a second consecutive state title.

"He's a strong offensive threat each and every shift," Edward Little Coach Jamie Belleau said, "and he plays well defensively."

Cheverus forward Kevin Marchesi, Lewiston forward Scott Geoffroy, Massabesic forward Phil Pinkham and South Portland defenseman Brandon Wohl were among seven finalists who also had been nominated for the award.

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 725-8795 or at: pbetit@pressherald.com