JT Whitten did a lot for the Waterville Senior High School hockey team this season.

The senior forward scored 13 of the team’s 34 goals and was a force at both ends of the ice.

“He was three-quarters of our offense,” Waterville coach Dennis Martin said. “We didn’t score a lot of goals, but he scored against everybody.”

The Class A Hockey Coaches’ Association announced this week that Whitten was one of eight semifinalists for the Travis Roy Award, which is given annually to the top senior boys Class A player in the state.

Whitten said he was surprised when Martin informed him of the honor.

“I was pretty excited, but I didn’t think I would’ve been (named) at all,” Whitten said. “I had no idea I would be a part of this. It didn’t enter my mind at all this season, either. I just wanted us to make the playoffs.”

Whitten is the fourth Purple Panther to be named a semifinalist in the last five seasons. Nick Deblois (2010), Shawn Lee (2009) and John Massey (2008) are the others.

Joining Whitten from Eastern A are St. Dominic forward Spencer Martin, Bangor goalie Chris Howat and Lewiston defenseman Brandon Tiner.

Scarborough defenseman Ryan Johnston, Thornton Academy forward C.J. Maksut, Biddeford defenseman Taylor Reuillard and Kennebunk forward Ned Richard round out the semifinalists.

The four finalists will be named later, with the winner being announced at a banquet following the completion of the season.

“It’s quite an honor,” Dennis Martin said. “He’s just such an unselfish player. He’s such a well-rounded athlete. He works hard, and there’s nothing bad you can say about JT Whitten.”

The Purple Panthers struggled this season, finishing 4-14-0 and out of the Eastern A playoffs.

Whitten also had eight assists to finish with 21 points.

“At the end we were getting stronger, but it’s too bad it ended so early,” Whitten said. “I was pleased with my season, but I always wished I could’ve done a little bit better.”

Bill Stewart — 621-5640

bstewart@centralmaine.com