Male:
PETER O’BRIEN, Senior-Hockey
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* Travis Roy Award semifinalist
O’Brien emerged as one of the state’s finest goalies, one who came up huge in big games and helped Scarborough climb to the top of Class A hockey.
O’Brien started playing hockey at a young age and quickly was drawn to the sport.
“I’ve loved to make friends through hockey and enjoy the game,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien emerged as a star during the Red Storm’s run to the Class A state final his junior season. In an epic triple-overtime win over Edward Little in the state semifinals, O’Brien had to make 33 saves. The state final versus Lewiston also went to overtime, two of them in fact, and this time, O’Brien stopped 40 shots, but Scarborough fell just short of the title.
This year, the Red Storm had an abbreviated schedule to begin with, then the season was curtailed by a COVID-outbreak. O’Brien made the most of his limited opportunities with a record of 2-1-1. Following the season, he was named a semifinalist for the Travis Roy Award, given to the state’s finest senior player.
“The past season was more than what I expected because I did not think that we would have a season at all,” O’Brien said. “We made the most of every time we had on the ice and coaches made it fun for us.”
Peter O’Brien, Scarborough’s Winter Male Athlete of the Year, made it fun for his teammates and coaches too, coming up with so many clutch saves in big spots.
Coach Dan McGovern’s comment: “As a member of our varsity team for three years, Peter provided a strong presence in the net while giving us an opportunity for us to win each game. Coming off a strong junior season, Peter showed his commitment and leadership during his senior season by working with our younger goalies on ice skills, such as rebound control and setting pucks up for defensemen on dump ins, and off-ice needs like how to mentally and physically prepare for a game. Peter was involved with the defensemen on our defensive zone coverage and ensured they were aware of their responsibilities, making our defenseman better and more confident. It wasn’t a huge surprise to hear he had been selected as a Travis Roy semifinalist as he would have been a huge part of our team’s success if we had a traditional season and playoff structure.”
Previous winners:
2019-20 Jarett Flaker (track)
2018-19 Addison Boisvert (wrestling)
2017-18 Jarett Flaker (track)
2016-17 Sam Rusak (track)
2015-16 Matt Caron (hockey)
2014-15 Ben Bragg (hockey)
2014-15 Ben Bragg (hockey)
2013-14 Jake Gross (hockey)
2012-13 Jerry Gravel (swimming)
2011-12 Alec James (track)
2010-11 Mike Cyr (wrestling)
2009-10 Robby Gravel (swimming)
2008-09 Brad Nakanishi (track)
2007-08 Chris Hughes (basketball)
2006-07 Brent Mayo (hockey)
2005-06 Doug Endrizzi (swimming)
2004-05 Andrew Rogers (swimming)
2003-04 Mike Walker (basketball)
2002-03 Ryan Colpitts (basketball)
2001-02 Sean Flaherty (swimming)
Female:
ARIELLA SWETT, Junior-Hockey
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* All-State
Swett gives her team a chance to win every game and the Red Storm usually do just that.
Swett started playing hockey at the age of nine and first put on goalie’s pads the following year.
“I was constantly at the rink growing up since my siblings and I have played our whole lives,” said Swett. “I love hockey because I enjoy having fun with my teammates and seeing our hard work pay off.
As a sophomore, Swett played in 20 games and finished with a whopping 12 shutouts. She had a goals-against-average of 0.49 and a save percentage of 96.4. The Red Storm made it to the South Region Final before losing in overtime to Cape Elizabeth/South Portland/Waynflete.
Scarborough hoped to go all the way this winter, but the season was first delayed, then shortened with no postseason. The Red Storm only managed to play five games before a COVID-outbreak ended the year. Swett excelled again in limited action, posting three shutouts in five games, while stopping 94.5 percent of the shots she faced.
“We knew our season would be different this year from the start and although it was cut short, we put in our best effort at every practice and game,” said Swett. “We were extremely grateful for the season we were given and for the opportunity to get on the ice with each other again. We made the best of it by working hard and staying positive.”
With normalcy slowly returning, Swett and her teammates should have an opportunity to finally win an elusive titlee next winter.
And that wouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how dominant Ariella Swett, Scarborough’s Winter Female Athlete of the Year, has been during her high school career.
Coach Taylor Fowler’s comment: “’A.J.’ is a very positive kid. She is always there to lighten the mood and cheer up her teammates when needed. She is always supporting her peers. She’s a motivator by nature, she thrives on the ice and is a leader through her communication. An aspect of her game that deserves recognition is her sportsmanship. After the second period, she always approached the opposing team’s goalie and offered a high five and I think that in itself shows the kind of kid she is. Not only is she a great hockey player and student but she is also an amazing kid. I couldn’t be more proud to be her coach.”
Previous winners:
2019-20 Morgan Porter (swimming)
2018-19 Josie Couture (basketball)
2017-18 Hannah Griffin (swimming)
2016-17 Sophie Glidden (basketball)
2015-16 Sami Shoebottom (hockey)
2014-15 Sami Shoebottom (hockey)
2013-14 Ashley Briggs (basketball)
2012-13 Devan Kane (hockey)
2011-12 Emily Tolman (track)
2010-11 Emilia Scheemaker (track)
2009-10 Laura Flewelling (swimming)
2008-09 Reegan Brackett (basketball)
2007-08 Nicole Harmon (swimming)
2006-07 Kaitlynn Saldanha (track)
2005-06 Erica Jesseman (track)
2004-05 Jenn Flaherty (swimming)
2003-04 Sarah Mills (hockey)
2002-03 Jenn Flaherty (swimming)
2001-02 Mandi Rapisardi (basketball)
Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter:@foresports.
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