BROOKFIELD — A double-overtime shootout has sent the Elmbrook 12UA boys hockey team to the state tournament in Hudson — a run players say few expected.
“I went into the game thinking there was a very low chance that we won,” said Logan Armstrong of Menomonee Falls. “Definitely underdogs there.”
The team practices at The Ponds of Brookfield and competes in Region 5 under the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association.
“When they went into their seeding meeting, they were lower ranked,” said Greg Copeland, owner of The Ponds. “Everyone else was surprised, but to them they weren’t.”
Earlier this season, head coach Craig Johnson promised his players a charter bus if they made it to state.
Watch: Elmbrook 12UA hockey team heads to state, fueled by underdog win and Olympic inspiration
“‘If you guys win, we’ll get you a bus to the state tournament in Hudson, Wisconsin,’” Johnson laughed. “They looked at me after, and I said, ‘I guess I’m getting them a bus.’”
Now, several families have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost.
As they prepare for the March 6 trip, players have also been watching Olympic hockey for inspiration.
“Oh, we’ve been watching a lot, actually just watching the USA-Sweden today before we had to leave for practice,” Johnson said. “The other day, the boys were in the lobby watching the game before we had to get ready.”
Players say the international competition has been motivating.
“It’s awesome to watch how fast those guys are,” Armstrong said. “Definitely inspiring to see how fast and strong we can get.”
Brogan Peterson said the pace of Olympic and professional hockey stands out.
“It’s just so fast and physical, and I love that about it,” he said. “Makes you think, can we be there one day?”
Johnson also points to sportsmanship as a shared value across levels of hockey.
“At the end of every game or playoffs or Olympics, there’s a handshake and camaraderie,” he said. “Hey, we worked hard. Great job, good game.”
As the team prepares to leave for Hudson on March 6, players say they’re ready to compete.
“No one has big expectations for us,” Johnson said, “but we know if we go in and do our jobs, we can be the person no one thought could succeed and win."
For Armstrong, the opportunity ahead is simple.
“It’s a dream,” he said.
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