The latest group of recruits to sign with the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team is diverse.

When the class is unveiled -- the week-long NCAA early signing period ends Wednesday -- the Badgers will have five forwards and two defensemen in the fold for 2010-11.

The forwards: Tyler Barnes (Waterloo, U.S. Hockey League); Jefferson Dahl (Youngstown, USHL); Sean Little (Green Bay, USHL); Mike Mersch (U.S. National Team Developmental Program); Mark Zengerle (Salmon Arm, British Columbia Hockey League).

The defensemen: Chase Drake (Sioux City, USHL) and Frankie Simonelli (U.S. NTDP).

Three are state-born: Dahl is from Eau Claire, Drake from Mosinee and Little from Fond du Lac.

Barnes is from Eagan, Minn.; Mersch from Park Ridge, Ill.; Simonelli from Bensenville, Ill.; and Zengerle from Rochester, N.Y. 

The old: Dahl and Zengerle will be 21 when the '10-11 season begins.

The young: Mersch and Simonelli will turn 18 next October.

Red Line Report, an independent international scouting service, recently offered insights into Mersch and Simonelli.

On Mersch (listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds): "Big winger has a long reach and good puck skills. Is working to improve his skating ability, but has terrific hands, gets to the front of the net and knows how to score goals. Has a big-time shot. Uses body to hold position and shield the puck from defenders. Wins puck battles in the corners.''

On Simonelli (listed at 5-10, 187): "Mobile, aggressive offensive defenseman is smart, can move the puck and has a good shot. Has improved his defensive game, sees time on the power play and has been used occasionally as a forward.''

Both are eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

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