LEWISTON — Ted Fabian described himself as "a blue-collar guy from a blue-collar high school." Sunday, the Messalonskee High School senior was rewarded for all his hard work, as he was named the winner of the Travis Roy Award, given annually to Class A's top senior hockey player. "There's nothing else like it," Fabian said. "I like to pride myself on being a blue-collar guy. My family's a hard-working family, from my grandfather all the way down to me, and my school, a public school, in a blue-collar town."

Fabian was one of three finalists for the award, along with Cheverus forward Sam Johnson and Kennebunk forward Kyle Baker.

"All three of us had phenomenal seasons, put up big points and really helped (our) teams out," Johnson said. "Just to be included in that group is an honor in itself."

Fabian participated in Hockey Night In Boston, the annual summer showcase tournament, and said he wasn't sure he would get the chance to step on the ice during the tournament. When Fabian did, he had to make the most of his opportunity.

Travis Roy, the former Yarmouth resident who was paralyzed from injuries sustained 11 seconds into his first shift for Boston University in 1996, served as an example to Fabian.

"His courage and confidence and his leadership, through everything he's been through," Fabian said. "How he attacks everything that comes upon him in life."

Messalonskee Coach Mike Latendresse introduced Fabian to the crowd of about 400 players, parents, family members and coaches at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in Lewiston, and likened Fabian to Paul Kariya, a forward for the Nashville Predators and a former teammate of Latendresse's at the University of Maine.

The comparison flattered Fabian, who scored 27 goals and 34 assists for the Eagles.

"I never would have thought anybody would have compared me to Paul Kariya," Fabian said.

Latendresse had only one word to describe Fabian's honor.

"Amazing," he said. "It's amazing for Messalonskee to have a player and a person like this to win the award. He represents the school on and off the ice and he's been just somebody that other players look up to, the community looks up to. It's amazing to have had the chance to be a part of his life for four years and have had the opportunity to coach him."

In their speeches, the three finalists spoke of Roy's impact. Roy now lives in Boston and is a motivational speaker and works with his charitable foundation, which raises money and provides grants for research and adaptive medical equipment for people with spinal cord injuries.

From listening to Roy speak three years ago, Kennebunk's Baker learned the value of setting goals. The award, he said, "was named after a man who has the most heart and determination I've ever witnessed."

When he was 10 years old, Johnson's father gave him a copy of Roy's autobiography, "Eleven Seconds," which impressed the importance of academics, hard work, perseverance and time management upon the Cheverus standout.

"I thank him for the gift he has blessed me with," Johnson said in his speech.

Fabian's most vivid memory came years ago, when Roy autographed his copy of "Eleven Seconds" with a pen clenched between his teeth.

For the blue-collar player from Messalonskee, the memory is enduring.

"Like Travis Roy," Fabian said, "I will conquer with courage and confidence."