Besse the Badger

Elite Twin-Cities Recruit Chooses Wisconsin

When scoping out perspective recruits for the future, mining the Minnesota high school ranks is never a bad decision. Landing arguably the top junior forward from the state of hockey certainly doesn't seem all that bad either.

That's what happened over the weekend when Benilde-St. Margaret's forward Grant Besse made his verbal pledge to Mike Eaves and the University of Wisconsin for the fall of 2014.

Besse made his commitment to the Badger staff Saturday, and confirmed the news with Bucky's 5th Quarter Sunday morning.

"I felt a strong connection with the coaching staff as well as Wisconsin's rich tradition and history that includes 6 National Championships," Besse said. "Also, I look forward to playing in the BIG 10 Conference."

The 5'10, 175 pound winger has been a scoring machine since making the varsity roster. Besse recorded back-to-back 50 point seasons as as a freshman and sophomore and is on pace to break the 50 point mark once again.

Through 11 games, Besse leads the Red Knights in scoring with 30 points in 11 games.

This fall in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League, Besse finished third in the league in scoring with 32 points in 21 games.

Besse is the second Benilde-St. Margaret's hockey player to make a commitment to the Badgers in the past two seasons. Current Wisconsin freshman defenseman Patrick Daly was a teammate of Besse's last season at Benilde and undoubtedly had a large hand in recruiting the young forward.

In just two seasons of high school hockey, Besse has been named to the All-North Suburban Conference team twice.

Last season, due in large part to his 53 points, Besse was named honorable mention All-State by the Pioneer Press.

Besse is just as impressive off the ice. In 2010 Besse earned the Red Knight Scholar-Athlete award.

Besse's USHL rights are owned by the Muskegon Lumberjacks and he will spend at least one season there. As a current junior and 2014 recruit, Besse will gain at least one year of experience in the USHL. However he's not sure at this time if he's going to make that jump after this season, or next.

"As of right now I am focused on this season, and winning a state championship." Besse noted Sunday afternoon. "I will discuss next seasons plans with my coaches and family once the high school season concludes."

Updated: 1/8/12 10:00 PM

Join the Badger conversation on Facebook! Go to our Facebook page and "like" us!

For more Wisconsin hockey coverage, follow Chuck on Twitter (@UWChuckSchwartz)

Chuck can also be reached via e-mail at chuckschwartz@live.com