CULVER, Ind. – The Brookfield Stars showcased their resilience and determination in a hard-fought battle against Indiana’s top-ranked Culver Academy Varsity A team, securing a 3-2 overtime victory at Henderson Ice Arena Sunday afternoon. A game-winning goal from junior standout Cooper Simon in extra time sealed the win for Brookfield, who improved to 18-3-0 on the season.

First Period: Brookfield Takes Early Control

Brookfield came out aggressive, controlling possession and outshooting Culver 15-3 in the opening period. Their pressure paid off at 11:30, when alternate captain Connor Hillig found the back of the net on an even-strength goal, set up by Cooper Simon and Archer Hillig. The Stars maintained offensive dominance but were unable to capitalize further. Culver took a too-many-men penalty late in the period, but their penalty kill held strong to keep the deficit at one heading into the first intermission.

Second Period: Defensive Battle Ensues

The second period saw both teams settle into a physical, defensive game. Brookfield's aggressive forecheck was met with Culver’s structured defensive play, limiting high-danger chances. Both teams traded minor penalties—Tyler Kloida (A) for roughing at 6:11 and Brody McKay for holding at 12:27—but neither power play converted. Goaltenders on both ends stood tall, with Brookfield’s Brady Ferrell and Culver’s netminder Hudson Mattingly turning away all chances in the frame, keeping it a 1-0 game heading into the third.

Third Period: Culver Rallies, Hillig Responds

Culver wasted little time evening the score, striking just 1:50 into the final frame with an even-strength tally from Preston Jessen, assisted by Treyton Schumacher & Dylan Gonsalves to make it 1-1. Culver Academy took the lead at 4:59, Michael Wolfenberg from a nifty shot pass by Dylan Gonsalves capitalizes on a power play opportunity following Stars forward Jack Templeton’s cross-checking penalty, shifting momentum in favor of the home team.

Brookfield found itself in penalty trouble again, taking two more minors late in the period. With time winding down and the Stars shorthanded, Connor Hillig delivered a clutch moment, after blocking a shot, out sped the Culver defender, netting a shorthanded goal with a nifty back hand move at 13:48 to pull Brookfield even at 2-2, silencing the home crowd and forcing overtime.

Overtime: Simon Delivers the Game-Winner

With Brookfield starting on the penalty kill, Culver had the upper hand to start OT. Both teams traded early chances in the extra frame, Brookfield remained patient, waiting for their opportunity. That moment arrived with 1:30 left in OT, when Cooper Simon buried the game-winner, finishing off a feed from Hillig and Jack Templeton to lift the Stars to victory.

Key Performances:

- Brookfield Stars:

• - Connor Hillig (A): 2 goals, 1 assist
• - Cooper Simon: Game-winning goal, 1 assist
• - Brady Ferrell: 26 saves, strong performance in net

- Culver Academy:

• - Scored twice in the third period to force OT
• - Converted 1 of 6 power-play opportunities
• - Dylan Gonsalves: 2 Assists
• - Hudson Mattingly: 32 saves, strong performance in net

Brookfield improves to 18-3-0 on the season and continues to build momentum as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season. Culver Academy falls to 21-14-1 but remains the top-ranked team in Indiana.

Brookfield will return to action with more key matchups next weekend, local rivalry game with Marquette HS, and then Sectional matchup against USM. while Culver looks to regroup for their upcoming contests.