UMass defenseman Ryan Ufko, shown earlier this season against Providence, scored a power play goal for the second game in a row earlier this season against Boston University. The Minutemen fell 7-2.
UMass defenseman Ryan Ufko, shown earlier this season against Providence, scored a power play goal for the second game in a row earlier this season against Boston University. The Minutemen fell 7-2. Credit: CHRIS TUCCI/UMASS ATHLETICS

Two UMass hockey players will be heading up to Nova Scotia to compete in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship later this month. 

Kenny Connors and Ryan Ufko were selected to the 2023 U.S. National Junior Team, which was announced Friday. Twenty-five players were selected to the squad. 

The World Junior Championship will take place from Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Moncton, New Brunswick, and Halifax. 

Connors, a freshman, has seven goals and 10 assists in 16 games this season with the Minutemen while Ufko had three goals and 10 assists in 16 games this season. 

With Connors and Ufko making the team, it means a UMass player has earned a roster spot in four of the last five IIHF World Junior Championships. Scott Morrow, Zac Jones, Filip Lindberg and Cale Makar are some of the latest Minutemen to play in the tournament. 

Amherst native Ryan Leonard was in the initial pool but did not make the final roster. Leonard is currently with the USA U18 National Development Team.