Massachusetts Hockey has chosen the 2019 Sportsmanship Awards recipients. The five recipients were chosen from an impressive group of applicants.

The award has been established by Massachusetts Hockey to recognize and celebrate the principles of good sportsmanship epitomized by the spirit of respect, dignity, courtesy, responsible behavior and fair play, not only in sports, but in all of life’s endeavors.

Karly Aguirre, 19, is from Waltham and graduated this spring from Dexter High School. She is planning on attending Stevenson University this fall.

She is a former player from Waltham Youth Hockey and Assabet Valley Girls Hockey. Also, she has been awarded the Steven Magee Memorial Award, Mini 1-on-1 Winner and All Scholastics Dual County/Merrimack Valley Small honor.

"Karly is a very passionate player, who has a demonstrated commitment to the team, which the other members of the team attempt to emulate.  This also comes into play with her respect for other teams and her gracious attitude no matter the result of the contest," said Coach Erin Hall.

Aaron Blanchard, 18, is from Westfield and graduated this spring from St. Mary High School. He is planning on attending University of Hartford this fall.

He is a former player from Westfield Youth Hockey and the USPHL Springfield Pics. Also, he is a National Honor Society Scholar. He was a varsity soccer, ice hockey, basketball and lacrosse player at St. Mary's.

“Aaron treats the game and those involved in it on and off the ice with the respect and dignity it deserves.  Aaron understands how you act in those moments of winning or losing defines you more than the scoreboard," said Coach Don Goodreau.

Abigail DaCosta, 18, is from Milton and graduated this spring from Archbishop Williams High School. She is planning on attending University of Georgia this fall.

She is a former player from Milton Youth Hockey and the Charles River Blazers. She is a National Honor Scholar and has been awarded the Paul Sullivan and Richard Russell Athletic Leadership Scholarship. Also, Abigail is a volleyball, hockey and lacrosse athlete from Archbishop Williams.

"Abby is fair and beyond measure when working with her teammates, opponents or spectators.  The moments are sometimes subtle like cheering up a down teammate with a positive comment, to attending to the needs of the team/opponents as they arrive at our facility to play us.  She goes out of her way to make our opponents feel welcomed and respected," said Archbishop Williams Athletic Director Gordon McClay.

Christopher Perry, 18, is from Pembroke and graduated this spring from Pembroke High School. He is planning on attending Massachusetts Maritime Academy this fall.

He is a former player from Pembroke Youth Hockey. Also, he is a National Honor Society Scholar. He was a varsity ice hockey and track athlete at Pembroke High School. Christopher was a student council representative and volunteered with the Bruins Academy Learn to Play program, Hobomock Power Skating and the Eagle Scout Service Project.

“I would consider CJ to be the ultimate team player because not only is he a gifted player, but most important because of how he plays the game….He never made excuses, pointed fingers, or blamed others.  He was gracious in losing and led our team to earn the respect of our opponents and officials," said Coach Mark Duffy.

Joseph Shanno, 18, is from Natick and graduated this spring from Natick High School. He is planning on attending Villanova University this fall.

He is a former player from Natick Youth Hockey and the NorthStars Hockey Club. Joseph is a National Honor Society Scholar and varsity soccer, ice hockey and tennis athlete.. He has volunteered for TOPS Soccer for Special Needs Kids, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Natick Service Council and Natick High School Mentorship Program.

“Through constant hard work and dedication, as well as a team first attitude, Joey’s respect and sportsmanship for his teammates, coaches and competitors is truly second to none….his positive attitude, willingness to do anything the coaches asked of him, his hard work and respect and sportsmanship of teammates and coaches, both on our roster and on others was above and beyond what you could ever expect," said Coach Matt Lodi.

Information for the 2019 Sportsmanship Award Application will be available on the Massachusetts Hockey website after January 2020.