Courtesy Photo The Alpena High School’s 1992-1993 State Champion Hockey Team is seen in this undated image. The team was selected as Team of the Year to be inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame in June.

ALPENA — The Alpena Sports Hall of Fame announces Alpena High School’s 1992-1993 State Champion Hockey Team as its Team of the Year.

The Wildcats went 17-9-2 that season on the way to winning the program’s third state championship. The team will be honored at the Sports Hall of Fame’s 40th Annual Enshrinement and Dinner at the APlex on June 7.

The program’s 1981 and 1987 State Championship Teams were previously honored by the Hall of Fame as the Team of the Year in 2004 (1987 title) and 2011 (1981 title), respectively.

Alpena’s 1993 championship — its third under Hall of Fame coach Tony Byers — came after a miracle playoff run by a hardworking team not many saw coming. Yet, the Wildcats pulled off the incredible feat, becoming just one of five teams in program history to date to make a state championship game appearance.

After an up-and-down regular season, the Wildcats caught fire in the postseason to make their run. They defeated familiar foes Escanaba (6-5), Marquette (7-1), and Midland (5-2) in regionals and then defeated East Kentwood in the quarterfinals, 3-1. In the semifinals, the Wildcats beat Grand Blanc 4-1 to set up a championship game showdown with Detroit Redford Catholic Central. In a hotly contested game, Alpena prevailed 2-1 to win its third state championship. Alpena overcame a 1-0 deficit in the championship game with two third-period goals, including the game-winner by Mike Richey, who buried a rebound for the goal.

Alpena’s run was highlighted by stellar netminding from Jeremy Sims, who allowed just three goals over Alpena’s final three playoff games on the way to an all-state honorable mention. Brian Stibitz was also honored with the Mr. Hockey award for a standout season.

Members of Alpena’s 1993 State Championship Team include: Andy Becker, Craig Carpenter, Cory Curtis, John Grzeskowiak, Bob Hamp, Jason Kierst, Chad McConnell, Eric Repke, Chris Repke, Mike Richey, J.P. Ritter, Pat Rupp, Bill Sanderson, Greg Silver, Jeremy Sims, Brian Stibitz, Jon Sylvester, Tony Thompson, Jeff Warholik, Travis Weide, Jeff Wilson, Mike Wojt, manager Tim Sylvester, assistant coaches Tom Sommerfeld and Jim Eller, and head coach Tony Byers.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame’s Annual Enshrinement and Dinner are $25 per person and go on sale April 15 at Jimmie Garants and via Venmo (@AlpenaSportsHOF). Ticket questions can be directed to Nancy Garant at 989-464-0319.