The second day of the 2012 World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, saw the United States score a 4-3 victory over Switzerland and Canada West cruise past the Czech Republic.

The triumph catapults the unbeaten United States (2-0) into Friday's semifinal contest. Canada West will play Russia in Wednesday's Group A finale, with a bye into the semifinal round at stake.

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Edwards was front and center during Tuesday's doubleheader at Mariners Centre in Yarmouth. Here are his three stars from Tuesday's action:

First star -- Rhyse Dieno, Canada West: The 5-foot-9.25, 173-pound right wing had a goal and three assists in his team's 7-0 victory over the Czechs. The shutout win by Canada West was the largest margin of victory in tournament history.

"He played with great energy and gave a solid two-way effort," Edwards told NHL.com. "He was around the puck all game and made things happen all game."

Second star -- Vincent Hinostroza, Team USA: The 5-9, 165-pound center was chosen by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Hinostroza, committed to the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 2013, scored once in his team's 4-3 victory over Switzerland on Tuesday.

"His goal came off a great wrist shot off the rush," Edwards said. "He created several other very good scoring chances, played with great energy and showed very good puck handling and playmaking ability. He handled and protected the puck very well."

Third star -- Wade Murphy, Canada West: The University of North Dakota-bound right wing was a C-rated prospect on Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list from the British Columbia Hockey League. Murphy, who scored twice in the victory over the Czechs, skates for the Penticton Vees.

"Wade was used at the point on the power play … his first goal came off a play where he jumped up from the point and let go a one-timer," Edwards said. "On his second goal, he showed good hands and buried a shot up under the cross bar from in close. He battled hard along the boards and worked hard all game."

In case you missed it, here are Edwards' three stars from the opening day of competition at the World Junior A Challenge.

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale