The #2-ranked Brookfield Stars put on a commanding performance in the WisPrep Game of the Week, storming back from an early deficit to defeat the #12 University School of Milwaukee Wildcats 7-3 on Senior Night at the Ponds of Brookfield. A strong power-play effort and a balanced offensive attack propelled the Stars to victory.

First Period: USM Starts Fast, Brookfield Responds

The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on special teams play. Tyler Cook opened the scoring on a power-play goal at 3:05, assisted by Henry Bechthold. Minutes later, USM doubled their advantage when Mateo Nunag found the back of the net at 7:03, again assisted by Bechthold.

Brookfield found its footing midway through the period, taking advantage of a power play of their own. Senior captain Adam Sexton put the Stars on the board at 10:05, finishing a setup from Jack Templeton and Cooper Simon to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into the intermission.

Second Period: Stars Take Control

Brookfield wasted little time evening the score as Brody McKay netted an even-strength goal just two minutes into the second period. USM briefly regained the lead on a power-play goal from Gunter Kocourek at 6:30, assisted by Cook and Everett Waltersdorf, making it 3-2 Wildcats.

That lead was short-lived, however, as Brookfield’s power play began to take over. Cooper Simon converted on the man advantage at 8:31, with assists from Sexton and assistant captain Connor Hillig, tying the game at 3-3. Just 28 seconds later, Caden Mielke buried an even-strength goal, giving the Stars their first lead of the night at 4-3.

Brookfield continued to build momentum, striking twice more on a 5-minute power play before the period ended. Sexton tallied his second goal of the game at 10:39, assisted by Simon and Hillig, before Archer Hillig added another at 14:12, with McKay and Mielke picking up assists. By the end of the period, the Stars had turned a one-goal deficit into a commanding 6-3 lead.

Third Period: Brookfield Seals the Win

Brookfield added an insurance goal early in the third period when Simon notched his second tally of the night on the power play at 4:37, assisted by Hillig and senior captain Parker Dysart. The Stars' defense and penalty kill held strong for the remainder of the game, preventing USM from mounting a comeback.

The Wildcats were stymied in the final frame, despite outshooting Brookfield 12-9. The Stars' special teams proved to be the difference-maker, going 5-for-8 on the power play (62.5%), while USM finished 2-for-4 (50%).

Key Performances

• Adam Sexton (Brookfield Stars, C) – 2 Goals, 1 Assist
• Cooper Simon (Brookfield Stars) – 2 Goals, 2 Assists
• Connor Hillig (Brookfield Stars, A) – 3 Assists
• Brady Ferrell (Brookfield Stars) 31 of 34 Saves .912 SV %
• Tyler Cook (USM, C) – 1 Goal, 1 Assist
• Henry Bechthold (USM) – 2 Assists

With the win, Brookfield continues its strong season (now 20-3-0), solidifying its place among the top teams in the state. The Wildcats (now 14-7-0) showed resilience but were unable to keep pace with the Stars' potent power play.

Brookfield will look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for their final home game of the regular season hosting #3 FDL Springs Friday February 14th, while USM will regroup and look to bounce back in their next contest, their 2nd last regular season game, traveling to Madison Edgewood on Thursday February 13th.