Eight players with Minnesota roots will play for the U.S. team in the World Junior A Challenge which will be held from Nov. 7-13 in Langley, British Columbia. The U.S. is the three-time defending champion.

Among those on the U.S. team are Mario Lucia, the son of Gophers coach Don Lucia, and Gophers recruits Mike Reilly and A.J. Michaelson.

Lucia, a forward who has committed to Notre Dame, and Reilly, a defenseman, are teammate on the Penticton [B.C.] Vees. Lucia played for Wayzata High School last season, Reilly, of Chanhassen, played for Shattuck-St. Mary's last season.

Michaelson, a forward who played for Apple Valley last season, is playing for Waterloo of the USHL.

Other Minnesotans on the U.S. roster, all on USHL teams:

D Andy Welinski, Duluth, Green Bay

F Tony Cameranesi, Maple Grove, Waterloo

D Ethan Prow, Sauk Rapids, Des Moines

F Brett Patterson, Eden Prairie, Sioux City

F Austyn Young, South St. Paul, Sioux Falls

A link to the complete roster is here.

The U.S. will play Sweden and Canada West in its first two games at the challenge. The three teams in the other bracket are the Czech Republic, Russia and Canada East.