The Belfast Giants, Elite League Grand Slam winners in 2022-23, have announced the signing of Japanese forward Kohei Sato for the upcoming season.
The 26-year-old Sato arrives in Belfast from Finland, where he skated in the second division for KoKP and KeuPa HT last term.
Sato boasts a wealth of experience from his previous clubs, which include Harrington College, CIHA Voyageurs, North Iowa Bulls, Scranton Knights, Northeast General, Bentley University, JoKP, and the University of New Hampshire.
In 2017-18, the Nishitokyo-born forward became the Japanese player to feature in a Division One NCAA content, kick-starting the collegiate career that saw him record 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) in 135 appearances for New Hampshire.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the Giants, Sato said: “I’m eager to get going in Belfast – my first experience of playing hockey in the UK full-time. It goes without saying but the Giants have such a fantastic history, full of success and incredible moments, and I hope that I can help create many more for the fans. This is an exciting new challenge for me, and I can’t wait to join up with the rest of the team and coaching staff ahead of what will no doubt be a competitive season to come.”
Having represented Japan at both the U20 and senior levels in international competitions, Sato has earned over 20 caps for his country, participating in World Championship and Winter Olympic Qualifying events.
Steve Thornton, Belfast’s head of hockey operations, added: “We’re incredibly pleased that Kohei has agreed to join the Giants’ roster for the 2023/24 season. He is an exceptional skater, whose elite speed will no doubt change the momentum of a game in our league. We believe that Kohei will play an important role for us, and that he’ll be a popular player among the Giants’ faithful.”
Analysis: Belfast Giants shrewd to recruit rapid forward Kohei Sato
Kohei Sato’s signing presents the Belfast Giants with a valuable asset for their middle-six lineup.
His exceptional footspeed will prove vital in all game situations, providing an added element of agility and quickness to the team’s offensive and defensive strategies.
Last season, Sato displayed his offensive prowess in the Finnish second division, tallying an impressive 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) in just 44 games.
Kohei Sato, now of the Belfast Giants (Image: University of New Hampshire)
Furthermore, his growth trajectory is evident from his time in the NCAA, where he earned the esteemed ‘Most Improved Player’ award during the 2019-20 season at the University of New Hampshire.
This development suggests that Sato has the potential to continue progressing and making a substantial impact for the Giants next season.
