Three special recognition awards have been presented to ice hockey players in area youth league Hockey Unlimited.

The league's end-of-season celebration was held at the Travis Roy Ice Rink at Tabor Academy, Hockey Unlimited's home rink.

The first special award winner, Max Ohrenberger of Rochester, received the "Most Improved Player" award.

"Max has shown that hard work and dedication can pay handsome dividends," said Hockey Unlimited Director Tim Dyer. "Max’s skating and related hockey skills have improved almost every session he’s been with us."

The "Hutchinson Family Sportsmanship Award" was presented to Sophie Schiappa of Wareham. This award is named after a longtime Southeastern Massachusetts hockey family, for “outstanding contributions to the program relative to sportsmanship and preserving the true spirit and ‘love of the game’ of hockey."

"I'm very pleased to see Sophie recognized by Hockey Unlimited in this way," said Schiappa's coach Jim Hutchinson, Jr. "The sportsmanship, fellowship and friendly spirit she brings to our organization clearly contributes to the culture we like to see in our young people – both on and off the ice."

Jim Hutchinson, Sr. the patriarch of the Hutchinson family, was on hand to present the award to Sophie, whose father, Skip, and sister, Norah, are also very involved with the program.

The "Comeback Player of the Year" award was presented to Alicia Wohlgemuth of Halifax. Coach Patrick Hutchinson noted, “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Alicia the past few years; and it was impressive to see her bounce back so strongly this season after a nasty knee injury shortened her time on the ice with us last year.”

Dyer thanked Tabor Academy for providing time on the school's ice rink.  "For the 53rd consecutive season, Tabor has demonstrated consistent community outreach by offering our local organization quality ice time at a reasonable rate. The coaches and players of Hockey Unlimited – past and present – are very grateful.”

Hockey Unlimited is committed to teaching the fundamentals of ice hockey to individuals - male and female - of just about all ages. All sessions are held at Tabor’s Travis Roy Rink.