Massachusetts Hockey is excited to announce our 2024 Phil Zona Sportsmanship Award Recipients. 

The 2024 Phil Zona Sportsmanship Award recipients are: Drew Dargan (Marshfield), Matthew Lawson (North Easton), Molly Lovett (Milton), Robert Midura (Natick) & John Ryan (Milton). 

All five of our recipients were chosen from an exceptional group of applicants.  

Each recipient will be receiving a $2,000 stipend to put towards their educational costs.  

The Sportsmanship Award has been able to honor and spotlight many Massachusetts Hockey players who 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. 

Read more below about each recipient and their future plans. 

Drew Dargan, from Marshfield, MA graduated this past spring from Marshfield High School.  Drew will be attending Fairfield University in the fall and plans to study Business. 

Drew played for Marshfield Youth Hockey from 2011-2018 as well as the East Coast Militia from 2020-2023.  Drew also played for the Marshfield High School Rams, who have won the Patriot League Sportsmanship Award twice during his four years. In his spare time, Drew volunteers for the Great Blizz Hockey Team. The Great Blizzards Inclusive Ice Hockey team is designed for kids with special needs to are not able to participate with a traditional youth hockey team. 

In his recommendation for Drew, Coach Dan Connolly wrote: “Drew is smart, focused, honest, dedicated and driven. It because of these qualities that he has been successful in the classroom, as well as in hockey... he is a quiet leader on the ice, always leading by being the hardest worker”

Matthew Lawson, from North Easton, MA graduated from Oliver Ames High School this past spring.  Matthew will be attending Northeastern University in the fall and plans on studying Mechanical Engineering. 

Matthew played for the Tri-County Saints from 2016-2020 as well as the Boston Jr. Huskies from 2021-2023.  Matthew is also currently a USA Hockey Level 2 Referee. Matthew also runs his own youth Hockey clinic where all proceeds are donated to charity, specifically the Dylan Quinn Community Fund. Dylan Quinn was Matthew's former teammate and tragically passed away in a car accident last year at the age of 17. Matthew Raised over $1000 for the Dylan Quinn Community Fund. 

Additionally Matthew has received the 2022 Hobey Baker Character Award, the 2023 Boston Bruins MIAA Sportsmanship Award and the 2024 Hobey Baker Award 

In his recommendation for Matthew, Jim Tierney wrote: “Matthew consistently demonstrated the standards of sportsmanship, integrity, and overall kindness to his teammates and opponents day in and day out. No matter what the end result of the game was, win or loss, he would display these traits, but he also led his team as a captain to build a culture of sportsmanship that will continue long after Matthew has graduated.”

Molly Lovett from Milton, MA graduated from Milton High School this past spring. Molly will be attending Stonehill College in the fall and plans to study psychology. 

Molly played for Milton Youth Hockey from 2011- 2023 as well as the Charles River Blazers from 2016-2020. Molly has also participated in the National Honor Society, Book Club, Mission Leaders, Recycling Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Jazz Choir, A cappella and the Christmas Carolers in addition to completing over 200 hours of community service. 

In her recommendation for Molly, Coach Lindsey Scully wrote: "Molly’s overall consistency in attitude, effort, respect, behavior and generosity served as the benchmark for our entire program. She is more than a student-athlete, she is a wonderful role model for her younger siblings, my children and the entire community”.

Robert Midura, from Natick, MA graduated this spring from Natick High School. Robert will be attending Merrimack College this fall and plans on studying Engineering. Robert also will be trying out for Merrimack's Club Hockey team. 

Robert played for the Natick Comets from 2016-2023 as well as the Central Mass Outlaws from 2019-2023.  In Robert's time with the Natick Comets he has won the Bobby Orr Award as well as the Sportsmanship award three times. Robert was also named the Captain of his Central Mass Outlaws team due to the sportsmanship he displayed at every game. 

In his recommendation for Robert, Coach Kurt Borgman wrote: “As a leader Rob was the kind of person people wanted to follow because of who he was and what he represented: a strong work ethic, a competitor at its finest, and someone who was able to recognize others for a job well done.”

John Ryan, from Milton, MA graduated from Milton High School this past spring. John will be attending Providence College this fall and plans on studying finance and trying out for the club hockey team. 

John played for Hyde Park Youth Hockey from 2010-2018, the Boston Jr. Huskies from 2019-2021 and the Boston Jr. Terriers from 2021-2023. During his time at Hyde Park Youth Hockey, John was given the Quiet Man award, given to the player who shows perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game. Outside of hockey, John spends a lot of time volunteering through his church including organizing clothing or food drive and helping those in need. 

In his recommendation for John, Coach Nick Bligh wrote: “As a new coach I was lucky to have Jack this year. He was our vocal leader. This was huge as he always reinforced the coach’s message. He encouraged teammates and kept a positive mindset on the bench no matter the score”.