Chris Heisenberg confirms what I had already posted on USCHO late Friday night that Team Illinois Major defenseman Frankie Simonelli has committed to the University of Wisconsin for 2010. He will be on a 90% scholarship. (In hockey this is basically considered a full scholarship)Simonelli and Team Illinois lost in the USA Hockey National Championship at the hands of Shattuck St. Marys Prep and Wisconsin recruits Derek Stepan and Jordy Murray.
It has not been confirmed yet where Simonelli will be playing next season. He tried out with the NTDP but has not been extended an offer yet. He was also drafted by Cedar Rapids in the recent USHL draft in the 14th round #114 overall. He was 1 of only 7 other's with '92 birthdates to be drafted. He was also drafted by Plymouth in the 15th round of the OHL draft but it doesn't seem that he would go that route.
Chris from the Western College Hockey blog had this to say about him: "I saw him at the Elite League NIT, and he didn’t really stand out against older players, but everyone seems to agree that the talent is there." Chris had him rated as the 8th best available defenseman for 2010. Brandon Archibald from the Honeybaked program, who Wisconsin is also recruiting is ranked as the third best available defenseman.
Here is a link to Simonelli's point streak page which has his stats from league play last season.
I am still trying to confirm whether or not Michael Mersch has committed to Wisconsin yet. He is a late '92 birthday and would be a 2011 recruit.
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