Preds Prospects Ufko, Matier to Face Off at World Juniors Semifinal Game

Semifinal Contest Between Team USA and Team Canada Set for 5:30 p.m. CT on NHL Network

UfkoWJC-web
By Zach Gilchriest
@ZachGilchriest Beat Writer & Content Manager

Two Nashville Predators fourth-round picks will go head to head this evening for a spot in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship Gold Medal Game on Thursday.
Defensemen Jack Matier of Team Canada and Ryan Ufko of Team USA have each dazzled for their respective squads during the international tournament and will hit the ice at tonight's semifinal game in Halifax, N.S.

Ufko, selected in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, played an instrumental role in sending the Americans to the semifinals, recording five primary assists in Team USA's dominant 11-1 win over Germany on Monday.
The total tied the second-most assists in a single game by any Team USA player in World Juniors history.
The UMass blueliner - making his first IIHF appearance this year - is also tied for second in assists (7) among all players at the tournament, six behind 2023 draft favorite Connor Bedard.

Matier, selected in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, tallied an assist in Team Canada's 11-0 win over Austria on Thursday.
The Ottawa 67's (OHL) blueliner is currently +2 in tournament play.
Predators 2022 first-round pick Joakim Kemell - while eliminated with Team Finland on Saturday - also impressed at this year's tournament, recording four points (2g-2a) in five outings.
Fans can watch Ufko and Matier in action this evening at 5:30 p.m. CT on the NHL Network. Additionally, follow NashvillePredators.com and @PredsNHL social media channels for tournament updates.

News Feed

Facing Elimination, the Predators Look to Defy the Odds Once Again: 'Let's Change the Narrative Tomorrow'

Predators Stung in 4-3 Overtime Loss to Canucks, Fall Back 3-1 in Series

Relentless Predators Eager to Knot Series in Game 4: 'We’ve Got to Put the Pedal to the Metal'

GAME DAY: Canucks vs. Preds, Game 4

Know Before You Go Ahead of Game 4 as the Predators Host the Canucks

Evangelista Scores as Predators Drop Game 3 to Canucks, 2-1

After Breaking the NHL Record, Lauzon Thriving in Hard-Hitting Series Against Vancouver: 'It’s the Kind of Hockey I Like to Play'

GAME DAY: Canucks vs. Preds, Game 3

They Said It: Top Quotes from the Preds Ahead of Game 3 in Nashville

Know Before You Go As the Predators Host the Canucks in Game 3

Predators Recall Juuso Parssinen from Milwaukee (AHL)

Predators First-Round Pick Matthew Wood Facing 'A Great Opportunity' After Transfer to Minnesota

Predators Even Series After 4-1 Win Over Canucks in Game 2

GAME DAY: Preds at Canucks, Game 2

They Said It: Top Quotes from the Preds Ahead of Game 2 in Vancouver

Predators Drop Game 1 in 4-2 Loss to Canucks

They Said It: Top Quotes from the Preds Ahead of Game 1 in Vancouver

GAME DAY: Preds at Canucks, Game 1