Tyler Lapic said the opportunity to play for the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team, and become its first recruit for the 2010-11 season, made it easy to deal with a tight deadline.

Lapic, one of the top prep juniors in Minnesota, said Tuesday he committed to the Badgers and eschewed other opportunities because he was given a two-week deadline to accept a full scholarship.

"They said it might disappear," Lapic said of the offer from UW coach Mike Eaves and recruiting coordinator Mark Osiecki.

Lapic, a speedy, high-scoring winger for New Prague High School, said he didn't have a problem with the deadline because of the destination.

"Great atmosphere and the schooling is awesome," he said.

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

Lapic, listed at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, totaled 37 goals and 34 assists and 71 points last season. He played on a line with winger Seth Ambroz, regarded by some as the top freshman in the state, and Lapic said he intends to return to New Prague next year before playing a year of juniors.

Lapic said he visited Minnesota State-Mankato, but committed to UW before taking visits to Minnesota and North Dakota. He said he had a full scholarship offer from Mankato, but the others were in a wait-and-see mode.

Lapic visited Madison during the NCAA Midwest Regional last month and watched the Badgers knock off Denver in the semifinals.

"It's the place for me," he said.