World Juniors Update: Kulonummi Headed to Semis with Finland, Wood Eliminated with Canada

Nashville Predators defensive prospect Kasper Kulonummi is set to appear in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinals after Team Finland bested Slovakia by a 4-3 overtime decision on Tuesday.

Kulonummi will now face Team USA on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. CT, with the game set to broadcast on NHL Network.

In his first appearance with Finland’s U-20 squad, the 19-year-old blueliner has tallied two assists in five games. 

Taken 84th overall at the 2022 NHL Draft, Kulonummi has skated with Finland at the U-18 tournament twice before, most recently notching five assists in six outings en route to a bronze medal and serving as alternate captain alongside fellow Preds prospect Joakim Kemell at the 2022 tournament.

Predators 2023 first-round pick Matthew Wood was eliminated from the tournament with Team Canada on Tuesday after a 3-2 upset to Team Czechia.

In his first appearance at the U-20 tournament, Wood - Team Canada’s second-youngest skater - put up two goals and two assists in five outings.

The winner of Thursday’s semifinal matchup will advance to the championship game, where they will face off against the winner of the Sweden-Czechia game. That game is set for Friday at 12:30 p.m. CT.