Berkovitz Is A Badger

The state of Wisconsin continues to churn out high end defense prospects, and the Badgers continue to reap the rewards. Tuesday night Ashwaubenon defenseman Matt Berkovitz announced his intentions to attend Wisconsin, making Mike Eaves and the UW coaching staff very happy.

Berkovitz announced his decision via twitter Tuesday saying, "Proud to say I'm a Wisconsin Badger. #RedandWhite"

A 6'1, 170 pound blue-liner, Berkovitz is set to join the Badgers for 2014 or 2015 depending on his development. Currently Berkovitz stars for Ashwaubenon high school, and Team Wisconsin U16's.

Last year as a sophomore at Ashwaubenon, Berkovitz recorded 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 24 games. Early on this season for Team Wisconsin, Berkovitz has chipped in a goal and six assists.

Local high school coach Cory McCracken from Notre Dame Academy was highly complimentary of Berkovitz when we spoke with him Tuesday night.

"Matt has been a standout player on the Team Wisconsin U16 team this fall, getting ice time in all the critical situations. Certainly one of the elite U16 players in the country at his position," McCracken said.

"(Berkovitz) is a strong skater, thinks the game well, very good stick defensively with a good ability to recover. Very reliable defensively, manages his puck decisions well. Initiates offense with solid breakout/transition decisions. Quality young man, good character kid."

The Badgers have been loading up on 96 born defenseman lately. Berkovitz is the fourth to commit to Wisconsin over the past year, joining Brookfield's Jake Linhart, Waunakee's Keegan Ford, and Hinsdale, IL native Peter Tischke.

I scouted the 96's in Fond du Lac last spring during the Central District tryouts, and had this to say about Berkovitz:

"Another defenseman with projectable size at 6'1, 170 pounds who can move and has some skills to go along with the frame. If he was from Chicago he probably would have gone in the USHL futures draft. A local kid to keep an eye on for sure to see how he develops."

The Berkovitz File

• Player: Matt Berkovitz
  
• Team: Ashwaubenon HS & Team Wisconsin U16
  
• USHL Rights: None
  
• Hometown: Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin
  
• Position: Defense
  
• Size: 6'1, 170
  
• Handed: Left
• Expected Arrival: 2014 or 2015
  
• Twitter Account: @MattBendovitz
• 2012 Stats: 24 games, 11 goals, 15 assists

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