Ufko, a sophomore defenseman at UMass Amherst, has posted 15 points (4g-11a) through 22 contests with the Minutemen this season and is second among team blueliners in points, assists and goals.
This type of play from the Predators prospect was not surprising to Nashville's front office.
Predators Defense Development Coach Rob Scuderi saw the talent before Ufko was drafted.
"What I love about him is just the intellect, sense and the feel for the game," Scuderi said. "He's sneaky and he gets to quiet areas. The puck seems to find him defensively and offensively. His hockey IQ in the 200-foot game is very, very elite."
Having multiple different touchpoints of support - both at UMass Amherst and with the Preds - has been a great resource for Ufko as he enjoys continued success this season with the Minutemen.
"They are always reaching out," Ufko said. "Scuderi was just here the other weekend when we played New Hampshire. He's always texting me, sending me videos and just seeing how I am… I think that's really valuable."
The respect and admiration for each other goes hand in hand. Scuderi appreciates not only the consistency that Ufko has, but his personality and work ethic both on and off the ice.
"The moment is never too big for him," Scuderi said. "He's always just going to do his thing and he is the same way off the ice and is a very humble kid."
Predators Assistant General Manager/Director of Scouting Jeff Kealty shared similar feelings regarding Ufko and how much he appreciates him doing the little things the right way.
"He's always doing the right things both on and off the ice," Kealty said. "He never gets overwhelmed in any situation."
That certainly rang true as Ufko gave a stellar performance at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in January. The young blueliner tallied 10 points (1g-9a) and helped the United States earn the bronze medal. His nine assists were the most of any blueliner at the tournament, and his five assists in the quarterfinals against Germany on Jan. 2 were tied for the second-most in a game by an American in World Juniors history.
"It was a great experience for me," Ufko said. "I wanted to just play my game and have fun and not really think about the outside noise too much. It's definitely a cool award for me."
Like many NHL hopefuls, Ufko is just happy to be given the opportunity to play the game he loves while he looks forward to wearing Preds Gold one day soon.
To follow Ufko's season with the UMass Minutemen
click here
for their 2022-23 schedule.
