It took Chase Drake, a senior defenseman, honor student and three-sport standout at Mosinee High School, less than 24 hours to decide he wanted to play for Wisconsin.

 He visited the campus Wednesday and verbally committed to UW coach Mike Eaves Thursday.

 The tentative plan calls for Drake to play two seasons with Green Bay of the U.S. Hockey League before joining the Badgers in 2010-11.

 Drake, listed at 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, has the kind of academic resume that led to interest from Princeton and Yale. Notre Dame and Colorado College also made big pushes.

 Strong skating skills, athleticism and instincts are why Drake -- who had 12 goals, 19 assists and 31 points for the Papermakers -- is rated 123rd on the NHL Central Scouting list of the top North American skaters eligible for the NHL Entry Draft next month.

 For more on the commitment, check Friday's Wisconsin State Journal.