ESCANABA---The Escanaba High School hockey team celebrated one of its most successful hockey seasons in history during the post-season banquet Thursday night at the House of Ludington. Senior captain Levi Wunder won several awards, as a total of eight "team awards" were handed out as dozens of Eskymo supporters looked on.
The Eskymos made it to the MHSAA State Semifinals for the first time in school history, and finished with an 18-11-1 record. Eskymo Coach Matt Hughes was emotional.
"These 21 young men have made Eskymo history," Hughes said. "They transformed themselves into a 'team' from the second period of the Marquette (playoff) game on."
"It was great for us as a coaching staff to watch. And I beleive we will be back at Compuware (Arena) next year. That's our goal."
The Eskymos are losing just one senior from this year's team, but Hughes told the boys not to be complacent over the next few months. "We have open tryouts," he said. "You will have to work to keep your spot. Take nothing for granted."
The Eskymos were not only good on the ice. They also excelled in the classroom. The team was named as an All-State Academic team for its high grade point avarage.
Wunder was named the Warrior Sports Michigan High School Hockey Player of the Year on Wednesday, and that trophy was on display at the banquet.
Wunder was also named to the Division Two All-State Team, and was named the Great Lakes Hockey Conference Player of the Year. He also received several team awards.
Here are the team award winners from Thursday night's banquet:
Offensive Player of the Year................Levi Wunder
Defensive Player of the Year...............Calvin Pinar
Eskymo Academic Award...................Jack Williams
Eskymo "Little I" Award......................Hunter LaMarch
Mikey D "Character" Award.................Chris LeMire
Eskymo Player of Tomorrow...............Paul Carne
Most Valuable Player..........................Levi Wunder
Hobey Baker Character Award............Levi Wunder
The Eskymos made it to the MHSAA State Semifinals for the first time in school history, and finished with an 18-11-1 record. Eskymo Coach Matt Hughes was emotional.
"It was great for us as a coaching staff to watch. And I beleive we will be back at Compuware (Arena) next year. That's our goal."
The Eskymos are losing just one senior from this year's team, but Hughes told the boys not to be complacent over the next few months. "We have open tryouts," he said. "You will have to work to keep your spot. Take nothing for granted."
The Eskymos were not only good on the ice. They also excelled in the classroom. The team was named as an All-State Academic team for its high grade point avarage.
Wunder was named the Warrior Sports Michigan High School Hockey Player of the Year on Wednesday, and that trophy was on display at the banquet.
Wunder was also named to the Division Two All-State Team, and was named the Great Lakes Hockey Conference Player of the Year. He also received several team awards.
Here are the team award winners from Thursday night's banquet:
Offensive Player of the Year................Levi Wunder
Defensive Player of the Year...............Calvin Pinar
Eskymo Academic Award...................Jack Williams
Eskymo "Little I" Award......................Hunter LaMarch
Mikey D "Character" Award.................Chris LeMire
Eskymo Player of Tomorrow...............Paul Carne
Most Valuable Player..........................Levi Wunder
Hobey Baker Character Award............Levi Wunder
