Elmbrook 12UA Hockey Team Heads to State After Underdog Win

Players say few expected their double-overtime shootout victory to send them to the state tournament in Hudson.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Elmbrook 12UA boys hockey team has qualified for the state tournament in Hudson after a surprising double-overtime shootout victory. The team, which practices at The Ponds of Brookfield, was considered an underdog but pulled off the unexpected win. Head coach Craig Johnson had promised the players a charter bus to the state tournament if they made it, and now a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the cost. As the team prepares for the March 6 tournament, they've been watching the Olympics for inspiration, noting the speed and physicality of the international competition.

Why it matters

The Elmbrook 12UA team's underdog victory and qualification for the state tournament is a feel-good story that highlights the passion and determination of youth sports. Their journey also showcases the role of community support, with the coach's promise of a charter bus and the community's fundraising efforts. Additionally, the team's Olympic inspiration speaks to the unifying power of sports at all levels.

The details

The Elmbrook 12UA boys hockey team, which competes in Region 5 under the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association, was considered a lower-ranked team heading into the playoffs. However, they pulled off a surprise double-overtime shootout victory to advance to the state tournament in Hudson. Head coach Craig Johnson had promised the players a charter bus to the state tournament if they made it, and now a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the cost. As the team prepares for the March 6 tournament, they've been watching the Olympics for inspiration, noting the speed and physicality of the international competition.

  • The Elmbrook 12UA team qualified for the state tournament in a double-overtime shootout.
  • The state tournament in Hudson is scheduled for March 6.

The players

Logan Armstrong

A player from Menomonee Falls on the Elmbrook 12UA hockey team.

Brogan Peterson

A player on the Elmbrook 12UA hockey team.

Craig Johnson

The head coach of the Elmbrook 12UA hockey team, who promised the players a charter bus to the state tournament if they qualified.

Greg Copeland

The owner of The Ponds of Brookfield, where the Elmbrook 12UA hockey team practices.

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What they’re saying

“I went into the game thinking there was a very low chance that we won. Definitely underdogs there.”

— Logan Armstrong, Player (tmj4.com)

“If you guys win, we'll get you a bus to the state tournament in Hudson, Wisconsin. They looked at me after, and I said, 'I guess I'm getting them a bus.'”

— Craig Johnson, Head Coach (tmj4.com)

“It's awesome to watch how fast those guys are. Definitely inspiring to see how fast and strong we can get.”

— Logan Armstrong, Player (tmj4.com)

“It's just so fast and physical, and I love that about it. Makes you think, can we be there one day?”

— Brogan Peterson, Player (tmj4.com)

What’s next

The Elmbrook 12UA hockey team will compete in the state tournament in Hudson, Wisconsin on March 6.

The takeaway

The Elmbrook 12UA hockey team's underdog victory and qualification for the state tournament is an inspiring story that showcases the passion, determination, and community support in youth sports. Their Olympic inspiration also highlights the unifying power of sports at all levels.