Mario Lucia scored two goals and had one assist as the U.S. team beat Canada West 6-1 on Wednesday in the World Junior A Challenge in Langley, British Columbia.

I'm proud of our guys with how we responded tonight," said Regg Simon, coach of the U.S. team. "Our guys focused on moving forward, and we went out there tonight and got it done together."

This was the U.S. team's second game in the tournament; it lost 1-0 on a last-minute goal to Sweden in its first game.

Lucia had an assist on the U.S. team's first goal in the opening period, which came on a power play. The Lucia scored a power-play goal to give his team a 2-0 lead. His second goal came with 4:39 left to play.

Lucia, who is playing for Penticton in the British Columbia Hockey League, was named the U.S. team's player of the game.

The U.S. team, which will play Russia at 6 p.m. Thursday, was 2-for-9 on the power play, Canada West 0-for-7.

Two Gophers recruits, forward A.J. Michaelson and defenseman Mike Reilly, also played on the U.S. team but did not have any points. Lucia has committed to Notre Dame.

The early signining period for men's hockey began Wednesday but neither Notre Dame nor the Gophers have announced any signings yet.