MADISON, Wis. – Forward Cruz Lucius has signed a Big Ten Tender and will join the Wisconsin men's hockey program for the fall semester, head coach Tony Granato officially announced on Tuesday.

"We are excited to add Cruz to our lineup," Granato said. "He's an extremely skilled and smart playmaker who can score. He will be a fun player to work with because he has a huge desire to get better and be pushed."

Lucius joins the Badgers from the U.S. Under-18 Team in the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he scored nine goals and 18 points in an injury-shortened, 23-game campaign during the 2021-22 season. Playing alongside fellow incoming freshman Charlie Stramel, he helped Team USA win silver at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship with two goals and eight points in six games.

The Grant, Minnesota, native, recorded 14 goals and 42 points in 42 contests with the U.S. Under-17 Team during the 2020-21 campaign.

Lucius rates as the No. 41 North American skater in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings for the 2022 NHL Draft. The draft runs this Thursday and Friday in Montreal.

Cruz is the brother of Chaz Lucius, a 2021 NHL first round pick who played last year at Minnesota before signing with the Winnipeg Jets.