Chicago pipeline remains open as Badgers land Mission U16 forward Ryan Wagner

The Chicago Mission AAA hockey program has been good to Wisconsin the over the past few seasons, as the Badgers have added five alumni from the program.

Wisconsin went back to the well this week, acquiring a verbal commitment from U16 forward Ryan Wagner, who choose the Badgers over Ohio State and New Hampshire.

"I'm a big family person and (Madison) is very close to home, so it would be easy for my family to come see me," the Park Ridge, Ill., native told Bucky's 5th Quarter Tuesday. "It's just the best fit for me."

Wagner will join the Badgers in the fall of 2015, likely after two seasons in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders who selected him No. 41 in the 2012 USHL Future's Draft.

When Wagner arrives on campus, he'll see some familiar faces in the Badgers' locker room. Former teammates Jake Linhart, Seamus Malone, Peter Tischke and Christian Dvorak are all committed to Wisconsin. Wagner admitted that played a role in his decision.

"Yes I think it had an effect on my decision," Wagner said Tuesday. "I love the kids that I played with and I wanted to play with them again."

Asked to describe his style of play, Wagner said, "I'm a high tempo player that's not afraid to throw my body around and I like getting in the dirty areas."

Wagner went on to add, "I'll do whatever it takes to win."

Wagner does know a thing or two about winning, as he helped lead the Mission U16 team to a USA Hockey national championship this past season. Wagner was the key cog for the Mission, registering two goals and an assist in the title game, including scoring the game winning goal.

Wagner finished with five goals and nine points in six games during the tournament.

"It was one of the greatest moments of my life leading my team to the title," Wagner said. "It was such a great experience."

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Wagner also registered 12 goals and 23 points in 25 games in the High Performance Elite Hockey League last season.

The U.S. Hockey Report scouted the prestigious Bauer Invitational tournament last November, and came away raving about Wagner.

"Was absolutely fantastic here over the weekend. Was named tournament MVP en route to leading the Mission to the championship. Plays on a star-studded team, but there was no question as to who was the team’s #1 forward here. While Wagner lacks size -- he’s probably about 5’9", 160 lbs. -- he more than compensates. He is tenacious, intelligent, and has a knack for scoring goals. He is always creating plays, and constantly creating turnovers. Quite simply, he was a pleasure to watch. Is a USHL/D-I prospect, though he does not have the upside of some of the players that will be following him on this list. All we can say is that, in Chicago last weekend, Wagner was the man."

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