Since his arrival on the Minnesota high school hockey scene two seasons ago, Apple Valley sophomore forward Hudson Fasching has drawn interest from the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Last week, the people in Fasching's inner circle noticed he stopped saying "if" when talking about leaving for Michigan and began saying "when."

Fasching is one of seven players to commit to the USNTDP for the 2011-12 season. "It's a great opportunity for me," he said.

In two seasons at Apple Valley, the 6-3, 200-pound Fasching scored 42 goals and added 50 assists in 59 games and played in the 2010 Class 2A state tournament.

Fasching's decision was difficult for personal reasons. His two younger siblings both have rare cell disorders and cannot walk, talk or feed themselves.

"I think my leaving will be the hardest on my dad," Fasching said. "My mom takes care of my siblings, so my dad and I were always stuck together. Now he's losing his wing man."

DAVID LA VAQUE