Sato signs for Giants

Photo: William Cherry, Press Eye

26-year-old forward Kohei Sato is the latest signing to be confirmed by Belfast Giants for the 2023/24 season.

The Japanese international spent last season in the Finnish second tier, putting up 33 points in 44 games across spells with JoKP and KeuPa HT. He came to the attention of the Giants while plying for the University of New Hampshire in the Friendship Four in Belfast in 2019.

"We’re incredibly pleased that Kohei has agreed to join the Giants’ roster for the 2023/24 season. We first saw Kohei in Belfast during the 2019 Friendship Four with the University of New Hampshire, and have monitored his progress since," explained Head of hockey operations Steve Thornton.

"Kohei is an exceptional skater, who’s elite speed will no doubt change the momentum of a game in our league. He plays the game at a similar pace to current Giant Matt McLeod and former forward Jordan Boucher, who have both had success on the big ice in Belfast. We believe that Kohei will play an important role for us, and that he’ll be a popular player among the Giants’ faithful.” 

Sato has represented Japan – both at U20 and senior level – on more than 20 occasions, including at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Estonia and in the pre-Olympic qualification round three tournament in Jesenice, Slovenia.