After a strong first half to his freshman season for Michigan, defenseman Jacob Trouba is turning some heads halfway across the globe.

Michigan defenseman Jacob Trouba takes a shot against Michigan State earlier this season.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

Trouba has two goals in as many games, as he suits up for Team USA in the World Junior tournament, being held this week in Ufa, Russia.

Trouba scored Team USA's only goal in a 2-1 loss to Russia Friday, when he launched a one-timer from the point past Russia goaltender Andrei Makarov. The goal game a day after he scored one of eight USA goals in an 8-0 route of Germany.

Team USA has two more pool play games, Sunday against Canada and Monday against Slovakia, before the knockout phase of the tournament begins.

The World Junior tournament runs through Saturday, Jan. 5, meaning Trouba will miss the GLI this weekend at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Trouba, a first-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets, is currently second on the Wolverines with five goals, and fourth with 12 points.

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com.