The last week has been very good to the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team in terms of recruiting.

The latest development saw 17-year-old Justin Schultz, regarded by some as the best available defenseman in the British Columbia Hockey League, commit to UW starting in 2009-10.

Schultz made his decision Wednesday, five days after center Derek Lee, regarded as the top forward in the BCHL, said he would play for the Badgers, also in 2009-10.

Schultz, from Westbank, British Columbia, visited UW last week. "Everything I need is there," he said.

"I loved everything about it," Schultz said, particularly assistant coach Mark Osiecki's ability to develop defensemen.

NCAA rules prohibit UW coach Mike Eaves from commenting on recruits until after they sign a letter of intent.

Schultz, an excellent skater with tremendous offensive skills, chose UW over New Hampshire. Schultz canceled a visit to UNH after spending 48 hours in Madison.

Schultz and Lee were scheduled to make the same recruiting trip to New Hampshire earlier this season, but had to cancel due to weather issues, according to Schultz.

Schultz has eight goals and 26 assists in 50 games for Westside, numbers that earned him a berth in the BCHL all-star game as a rookie.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, Schultz is ranked 141st by Red Line Report on a list of its top international prospects for the 2008 NHL draft.

In addition to Schultz, UW has four other defensemen who have committed: Ryan Little, a 19-year-old with Green Bay of the U.S. Hockey League; Jake Gardiner, a 17-year-old with Minnetonka (Minn.) High School; Patrick Wiercioch, a 17-year-old with Omaha of the USHL; and Nick Pryor, a 17-year-old with the U.S. National Team Developmental Program in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The earliest Little, Gardiner and Wiercioch could come to UW is next season. Pryor is earmarked for 2009-2010.