Matier Earns Gold, Ufko Bronze as World Junior Championship Concludes

Two Nashville Predators Prospects are leaving Halifax with new hardware after the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship came to an exciting close Thursday.

Defenseman Jack Matier concluded his first World Juniors appearance winning the gold medal with Team Canada after a thrilling 3-2 overtime decision over the Czech Republic.

The Ottawa 67s blueliner, selected in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, finished the tournament +4, with one assist through seven appearances.
Matier previously won gold with Canada's U-18 squad at the 2021 IIHF U-18 Championship in Frisco, Texas.
Defenseman Ryan Ufko, also selected in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2021 draft, helped Team USA to a bronze medal, tallying two points (1g-1a) in the team's 8-7 overtime win over Sweden.

The UMass Minutemen sophomore concluded his first IIHF appearance leading the Americans in assists (9) and all team defensemen in points (10).
Ufko additionally placed second in assists among all World Juniors skaters, just five behind 2023 NHL Draft prospect and tournament MVP Connor Bedard.
His five assists in Team USA's crucial quarterfinal victory over Germany were tied for the second-most by an American in a game in World Juniors history.