Mario Lucia and Mike Reilly just keep on winning, as the two, along with Team USA captured gold at the 2013 World Junior Hockey Championship in Ufa, Russia.
On Saturday, Team USA skated to a 3-1 victory over Sweden in the championship game. Reilly and Lucia didn't pick up any points in the final, but that didn't matter because at the end of the day, they had gold medals drapped around their necks.
What the two had to say via their Twitter accounts:
@MLucia2293: "Wouldn't of traded this experience for anything in the world. Will never forget this team. World champions!!#WJChamps #puregold #USAHockey"
@mreilly93:"Gold medal champions. Can't even describe the feeling right now. Thanks for all the support. #USA#bringinggoldbackhome"
Reilly finished the tournament with one goal and three points and a tidy +4. One of the highlights for Reilly was his assist on USA's opening goal against Canada in their 5-1 Semi-Final win.
Lucia played a checking role for most of the tournament, pucking up one assist in seven games and was a +1.
USA Hockey Recap
The two are the first to play for Team USA and at the World Junior Hockey Championship under Vees Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson, but might not be the last.
Last season the two teamed up for a bronze medal at the World Junior 'A' Challenge in Langley, BC and then played big roles in Penticton's RBC Cup Championship in May.
A note on Reilly, with the gold medal, he's now won a US National U-18 Championship, a Canadian National Jr. 'A' Championship and a World Junior Hockey Championship, in the last three seasons; what does he do for an encore?
The two will return to their respective NCAA teams, Reilly with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Lucia back to Notre Dame FIghting Irish. Both play on teams ranked in the Top Five in Division l Mens Hockey.
Do the two reunite at the NCAA Frozen Four? Hopefully we will see you on the TV again in April boys.
