The notion of Eric Springer one day playing for the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team probably was cemented 22 months ago.

Springer and his father, Errol, were in lower-level seats at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee to see their homestate Badgers knock off Boston College 2-1 for the NCAA title in April 2006.

"We were right behind the goal where (the game ended),'' Eric Springer said Monday night. "I turned to my dad and said, 'I think I'll do that.' "

The opportunity came more tangible Sunday when Springer, a 19-year-old defenseman from Wrightstown, committed to UW for next season.

Springer currently plays for Sioux Falls (S.D.) in the U.S. Hockey League, where the
5-foot-9, 180-pounder was an All-Star selection and is sixth among all defensemen in scoring this season with seven goals, 17 assists and 24 points.

Springer said Michigan Tech, Northeastern, Michigan State and several Ivy League schools — specifically St. Lawrence and Yale — were also interested in landing him.

But growing up in the Green Bay area, Springer had early contact with current UW assistant coach Mark Osiecki.

Prior to coming to Madison, Osiecki coached the Green Bay franchise in the USHL and Springer once played for the Junior Gamblers.

After visiting the Madison campus last week, Springer decided "nothing else came close'' and he would commit in part because he was told he'd have a chance to contribute right away.

The Badgers are projected to lose seniors Davis Drewiske and Kyle Klubertanz after this season.

UW coach Mike Eaves hasn't announced who will be brought in for the 2008-09 season, but Springer said two other freshmen — presumably Ryan Little of Green Bay (USHL) and Jake Gardiner of Minnetonka (Minn.) High School — will join him.

Assuming that none of the current underclassmen turn pro, the Badgers will have eight defensemen for next season.