Milwaukee, WI
These five area high school hockey teams look like state title contenders in 2025
KMMO Co-op boys hockey defeats Cedarburg, 7-2, Jan. 17
KMMO Co-op boys hockey defeats Cedarburg, 7-2, at Naga-Waukee Ice Arena in Delafield on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
Greater Milwaukee area programs in the field of Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association statewide boys and girls hockey teams are beginning to emerge as state title contenders as the postseason looms in mid-February.
The road to state begins with the start of regional play Feb. 18, sectionals beginning Feb. 25 and concluding with the WIAA state boys and girls hockey tournaments March 6-8 at Bob Suter’s LEGACY20 Arena in Middleton.
Here are five boys and girls programs gearing up for WIAA state runs, along with three sleeper teams to keep an eye on over the latter half of the season.
Arrowhead Warhawks boys hockey
The Arrowhead boys have not reached the WIAA state tournament since 2017, but the Warhawks look like a program that can contend with just about any team they meet on the ice this season. A 13-3 record entering the week speaks to their dominance, but even their losses have come close to some of the best programs in the state. Losses of 8-6 to Brookfield, 4-3 to Fond du Lac Springs and 7-4 to Muskego co-op all were late-breaking wins for the opponent in the third period. Those losses all came on the road, which Arrowhead has improved on over the course of the season. The Warhawks have won five straight on the road as part of an eight-game winning streak dating to Dec. 26. Arrowhead has scored with some of the best teams in the state led by Jack McKenna’s 55 points, but the defense led in goal by Ethan Burkard has also excelled. Seven opponents have been held to one goal or less, including two shutouts. Arrowhead will need that defense to travel should it make a run in the WIAA postseason.
Brookfield Stars boys hockey
The Brookfield-based co-op consisting of Brookfield Central, Brookfield East, Wauwatosa East, Wauwatosa West, Menomonee Falls and Sussex Hamilton students reached the WIAA state title game last year, losing 3-1 to Notre Dame in the title game. The 2024-25 team has come back on a mission this year, surging to a 14-2 record through action Wednesday night. It was an undefeated regular season up until a home and away series with Lake Forest Academy (Ill.) on Sunday and Monday, but the Stars have largely dominated in-state competition. Most notable of their 14 wins was a 7-2 rematch of last year’s state title game over Notre Dame, in which Brookfield scored seven unanswered goals to earn the victory. Other quality wins include a 4-2 decision over Madison Edgewood on Jan. 4 and victories over the top three teams trailing them in the Classic 8 Conference (9-3 over West Bend, 7-1 over KMMO and 8-6 over Arrowhead). The Stars are bursting with star potential, featuring two of the state leaders in points in Connor Hillig (55) and Cooper Simon (53) supplemented by the contributions of Adam Sexton (34), Parker Dysart (33) and Jack Templeton (28). This team is loaded with talent and experience, an excellent combo to have for any team looking to make a run in late February or early March.
Lakeshore Lightning girls hockey
Winning and losing have come in spurts for the Lightning this season, but there have been far more good stretches than bad for a team entering the week 12-5-1 on the season. A 3-2 Nov. 29 win over current Badger Conference leader Beaver Dam and knocking off Arrowhead in a 3-1 final Jan. 7 are feathers in the cap of the Lightning, but a couple other matchups with top teams in the state have not gone their way. A Jan. 28 meeting with the Fond du Lac Warbirds (14-4) will be a good test for Lakeshore as it attempts to prove it is in the conversation as a title contender. The Lightning can get scoring from a variety of avenues with seven players accumulating double-digit points, but will rarely find themselves in high-scoring affairs. Elizabeth Bowers (91.2 save percentage) has been a stalwart in goal, shutting out five opponents this season.
Muskego co-op Ice Force boys hockey
Muskego co-op’s three-headed attack of Ben Brown (52 points), Andrew Kunz (43) and Rogan Dewane (30) has led the Ice Force to a 12-5 record as the team chases a program-first state appearance. The Ice Force thrive in high scoring games, going 10-1 this season when scoring six goals or more. On the season, Muskego has hovered around the bottom half of the top 10 in goal-scoring for the state. The Warriors are set to face West Bend on Saturday in a matchup of teams chasing Brookfield for the Classic 8 Conference title. Matchups with Brookfield on Feb. 1 and McFarland on Feb. 7 should also provide a barometer for where this team is at as the postseason looms.
University School of Milwaukee boys hockey
Aside from a 10-1 Jan. 18 loss to SPASH, one of the leading statewide contenders for a WIAA state title, USM has looked the part of another potential contender with an 11-4 record. Another of those four losses came 5-2 to SPASH earlier this year, putting a dent in an otherwise stellar performance this season. The Wildcats are one of just three teams to knock off Neenah/Hortonville/Menasha this year, beating the Rockets 4-3 on Jan. 9. USM also beat another conference leader out of the Big 8 in Middleton on Jan. 17, winning 5-4. This is a young and emerging program, with five of its top six scoring leaders being juniors or younger. That list includes sophomore Everett Waltersdorf (27 points), junior Tyler Cook (25), senior Mateo Nunag (21), junior Henry Bechthold (18), junior Liam Fetherston (13) and junior Davie Moalusi (11).
Sleeper programs to watch
Arrowhead girls hockey, KMMO boys hockey, West Bend boys hockey
Milwaukee, WI
Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20
Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).
Today at the AmFam Amp + Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1
Carín León, 7 p.m.
For the first time in the festival’s 58-year history, a Spanish-language artist is headlining the main amphitheater. As a Mexican, it’s super exciting to see rising stars bring our music and vibrant dancing to an entirely new crowd. Hearing live banda is a whole new world and something everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Think of it as a taste of what Mexican Fiesta brings to the lakefront every August (coming very soon, too!). Grab a beer your boots and your tickets to witness a very special moment.
— Leslie Garcia Ramirez
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2
The Academy Is… @ Miller Oasis, 10:30 p.m.
In the midst of the emo and screamo wave of the early to mid 2000s, this Midwest band made a name for themselves. Still, you may have missed The Academy Is… like I did.
Fortunately, I got some help after becoming a diehard fan boy of the Milwaukee indie-rock outfit Whips (RIP! 😢) and discovered that band wasn’t Milwaukee-based drummer Andy Mrotek’s first rodeo. Mrotek was with The Academy Is… almost from day one, did his own thing when the group broke up and returned when they got back together a few years back.
Since reconnecting, the band have been touring and recording, and this past March they released their most recent album — their first in nearly 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of The Academy Is… or just loved the genre, reunite with your mid-2000s self and check them out at the Miller Oasis (and come early to check out fellow emo greats Braid, which you may hear about momentarily).
— Jay Burseth
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3
Braid @ Miller Oasis, 8:30 p.m.
Hailing from the Midwest Emo Holy Land of Champaign, Ill., Braid is the sonic personification of everything it means to grow up in the chilling plains of Middle America. The stinging lyrics and pouting guitars amalgamate to anthems that have had angsty teens in a chokehold since well before their landmark 1998 album, Frame and Canvas.
This posse of sad dads is set to take on the Miller Oasis, making their return to the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2015, when they closed the set with their love note for our great city, “Milwaukee Sky Rocket.” Braid’s irrefutable impact on our city’s emo scene will be sure to draw in kickers and screamers from all over, and you won’t want to miss it.
— Matthew Poulton
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4
Trapper Schoepp @ Uline Warehouse, 5:30 p.m.
It’s always a special treat to see Milwaukee bands playing Summerfest. I get excited to think about all the new fans our local artists reach when they hit the stage — something singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has experienced a time or two over his wonderful career.
One of Milwaukee’s true artists, Schoepp’s career in music literally started as an accident. While recuperating from a BMX-related back injury, he heard Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane” and was inspired to pick up a guitar as a “safer” hobby. He put out his first record at the age of 17 with his brother Tanner; he’s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Nicole Atkins and Wilco; and — almost two decades later — he’s still one of those musicians who seems to thrive onstage.
Schoepp’s songs are a slice of Americana with a bit of a punk-rock edge. He sings about the nostalgia of his youth on Bay Beach Amusement Park, and his journey through addiction and recovery on new album Osborne. Will he come out into the crowd and play guitar while standing on the benches with you? Check out the show this today and find out for yourself.
How to get in free today
Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive
Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.
Summerfest schedule for Saturday, June 20
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
American Family Insurance House
- 4 p.m. — Weston Estate
- 2 p.m. — Flipturn
BMO Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — David Lee Roth
- 7:15 p.m. — Kirstie Kraus
- 5:30 p.m. — Substitute: Tales From The Who
Miller Lite Oasis
- 10:30 p.m. — The Academy Is…
- 8:30 p.m. — Braid
- 6:30 p.m. — The Juliana Theory
- 4:30 p.m. — Colin Bracewell
- 2:45 p.m. — American Progress
- 1:15 p.m. — IDKCONUNDRUM
T-Mobile Stage
- 10:15 p.m. — Nate Smith
- 8:15 p.m. — McCoy Moore
- 6:15 p.m. — Scott Wolverton
- 4:15 p.m. — Rhys Rutherford
- 2:30 p.m. — Will Terry
- 12:45 p.m. — Lauren Gottshall
Generac Power Stage
- 9:30 p.m. — Flipturn
- 7:30 p.m. — Penelope Road
- 5:30 p.m. — Winyah
- 3:30 p.m. — Old Mervs
- 2 p.m. — Tobacco Road
- 12:30 p.m. — The Band Solstice
Uline Warehouse
- 9:30 p.m. — Christopher Cross
- 7:30 p.m. — Don Felder
- 5:30 p.m. — Trapper Schoepp
- 3:30 p.m. — A.J. Croce
- 2 p.m. — Kenneth Brian Band
- 12:30 p.m. — Milly & The Mayhem
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
- 10 p.m. — Connor Price
- 8 p.m. — Weston Estate
- 6 p.m. — Graham
- 4 p.m. — SM6
- 2:30 p.m. — Noah Richardson
- 1 p.m. — Sarah Krohn
Aurora Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — Aspen
- 7 p.m. — Dexter & The Moonrocks
- 5:45 p.m. — Red Leather
- 4:30 p.m. — Altered By Mom
- 3:15 p.m. — Cigarettes @ Sunset
- 2:15 p.m. — Candy Cigarette
- 1:45 p.m. — Woraz
- 1:15 p.m. — Take Back the Sun
- 12:45 p.m. — White Paper Walls
- 12:15 p.m. — Mala Mala
Milwaukee, WI
South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display
SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A South Milwaukee homeowner is pushing back after the city ordered him to take down his year-round skeleton display, calling it a violation of property maintenance codes.
Sean Oster and his wife have maintained the display — featuring skeletons named Hector and Henrietta along with other decorations— for nearly two years, dressing them up for holidays, sports events, and other occasions.
Mike Beiermeister
The display has drawn attention from neighbors and passersby, with some saying it has become part of the neighborhood’s character.
Watch: South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display
South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display
“It’s like an expression of the owner’s passion… and I think it’s cool they can use their lawn that way,” neighbor Jeremy Payment said.
Mike Beiermeister
Last month, Oster received a letter from the city of South Milwaukee describing the skeletons as Halloween decorations being displayed outside the appropriate time of year and ordering him to remove them by July 7.
Under the city’s property maintenance code, yards must be kept free of anything considered an “unreasonable blighting influence,” which the city says can include displays left up out of season. The notice also flagged an inoperable vehicle on the property. Each violation could result in fines of up to $500 per day if not corrected by the deadline.
Oster says he understands part of the city’s concern.
“They have a few points… I’ve got a couple collector cars… I understand those shouldn’t be out,” Oster said.
Mike Beiermeister
He plans to move the cars into the garage and clean up the yard, but says the skeletons are staying.
“I don’t think it’s hurting anybody. It’s literally a victimless crime,” Oster said.
Oster also had a message for whoever filed the complaint.
“Live with it… more people like it than hate it. And if we’re enforcing this, then we should go around and take down Christmas lights that are up year-round,” Oster said.
The city administrator did not respond to a request for comment.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Milwaukee, WI
Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bucks’ impending trading of Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team has been the buzziest NBA story since the New York Knicks won the title. But what if it never happens?
The stars are aligning for the Bucks to pitch a narrative to Giannis that for the second straight transaction cycle they’ve dangled him to the rest of the Association and gotten a tepid response.
A few teams, like the Miami Heat, have been clearly interested. Many others, like the Boston Celtics, seem much more cautious and coy about their pursuit of the Greek Freak. Juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are less than a Giannis away from winning the championship, and neither team even seems willing to bid.
Even Miami’s dogged pursuit may not include exhausting every possible means to add Giannis. After all, he’s into his 30s now, with a lot of basketball miles between NBA and international competition, and his representatives want a seat at the table, plus the injury history is getting extensive…
The important distinction, as @Anthony_Chiang and I, and @EthanJSkolnick have noted, is while only Bam is off limits, the Heat cannot in good conscience offer every single good young player and every single available first and every pick swap. Most, sure. But offer everything…
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) June 18, 2026
And then there’s the Bucks, an organization so committed to winning with Giannis they waived and stretched Damian Lillard last summer because they thought adding Myles Turner would lead to the next great Milwaukee frontcourt following Brook Lopez’s decline. There’s a pitch to be made right now from Jon Horst and the Bucks’ leadership that there’s no other NBA team out there who wants to win with Giannis as badly as they do.
Outside from the human element of feeling wanted, there are more tangible elements in play. Giannis can’t sign his next massive extension until October 1 with Milwaukee, or six months following a trade if he is dealt. If his next team is hesitant to give up players or picks to trade for Giannis, is there really any guarantee that a max extension is on the table in 2027?
The collective bargaining agreement’s extension rules offer somewhat of a double-edged sword in this case. It hurts the Bucks’ ability to keep Giannis that he can’t formally extend until the draft and free agency are over, but also the prospect of being able to sign before suiting up in 2026-27 is more appealing to Giannis than having to wait until January or February. Especially given the series of injuries that have plagued him.
All of this sentiment and security still isn’t enough in itself for Milwaukee. The Bucks would require a plan to improve quickly to get Antetokounmpo bought in again to avoid ending up back here, but in an even more desperate spot, come February. Upgrading from Doc Rivers to Taylor Jenkins is a great start, but executing trades and smart free agent signings will be crucial.
Is it serendipitous timing that the Bucks biggest position of need is wing players and the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly want to get into the range of the 2026 NBA Draft where Milwaukee is slated to pick, with rival teams eyeing young wings Trey Murphy and Herb Jones? Notably, those same Pelicans infamously overpaid to “get their guy” last Draft.
This is more than likely some combination of pipe dream and fairy tale, given most of the reporting around Giannis continues to conclude he’ll be departing Milwaukee in the coming weeks. But even that is strangely optimistic for the Bucks, as they’ve reportedly quietly walked back ownership’s stated timeline of having a decision made by the draft.
All of that said, it still feels more likely that Giannis is traded than not. But this saga has had its share of twists and turns so far and throughout all the noise Giannis has re-signed with the Bucks. Who’s to say that couldn’t happen one more time?
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