Badger or Buckeye?
The decision regarding his hockey future wasn’t easy for Brad Navin to make.
“It really came down to Wisconsin and Ohio State,” the Waupaca High School senior said. “I know (Ohio State’s) coach through going to camps, so it was really a tough decision. I was back and forth. It came down to nothing beats being a Badger.”
Navin has verbally committed to play hockey for Wisconsin, but doesn’t expect to suit up for the Badgers until 2012 or 2013. His plan is to play for the Comets this season and then play a season of junior hockey.
“They want you to get developed so you’re ready to go when you come in as a freshman,” he said.
Navin, who helped lead the Comets to a Great Northern Conference championship last season while leading the state in scoring, said Wisconsin, Ohio State and Bemidji State (Minn.) had scholarship offers on the table.
“It was close,” he said. “With Ohio State, one of the Wisconsin’s assistants from last year just took over the program and he’s a great coach. I’m sure he’s going to turn it around.”
Navin recently committed to UW coach Mike Eaves, whose roster this season includes former Comet Craig Johnson.
“I think my size, my shot and my ability to score really helped,” he said. “And, being from Wisconsin. They like to get Wisconsin kids in there. Coach Eaves called me. Once that phone call came, it was awesome.”
Now that the recruiting process is over, Navin can concentrate on his final season of high school hockey.
“It’s been a crazy fall and it started when the football season started,” he said. “All three (schools) were all in the running. I had to sit down and write down the pros and cons of each.
“It came down to nothing beats playing for your home state,” he added. “I’ve grown up a Badger, so it’s pretty hard to not want to be a Badger.”