H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks Announces Resignation of General Manager Hideji Tsuchida and Appointment of Nobumasa Kinugasa as New General Manager

H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks is pleased to announce that Hideji Tsuchida will retire from his position as General Manager after the 2025-2026 season, and Nobumasa Kinugasa will be appointed as his successor.
Mr. Tsuchida had been concurrently serving as General Manager since April 2024, in addition to his duties as Team Director, following the resignation of the previous General Manager. This retirement is limited to the General Manager position, and he will continue to be involved in club operations as Team Director.

■ Retiring General Manager
Hideji Tsuchida

Term of Office: April 2024 - March 2025
【Comment】
I will be retiring from the General Manager position, which I have held concurrently with my role as Team Director since April 2024, after the 2025-2026 season. During my tenure, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, fans, and many others for their support and encouragement.
Going forward, as Team Director, I will continue to dedicate myself to the further development of the club. I kindly ask for your continued support and encouragement for Nikko Ice Bucks.

■ Incoming General Manager
Nobumasa Kinugasa

【Comment】
I am Nobumasa Kinugasa, and I have been appointed as the General Manager of H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks. First and foremost, I would like to express my deep respect to former GM Hideji Tsuchida, who has supported and dedicated himself to the team's development. While cherishing the foundation he has built, I will responsibly work towards the club's further growth. While respecting the history and traditions that Ice Bucks has built, I will not be afraid of "change" and will challenge ourselves to higher standards. Moving forward, in addition to strengthening our competitive capabilities, I aim to achieve both "building a world-class winning team" and "sustainable club management," and will work to establish a more objective and strategic team organization and development system. Furthermore, I will strive to enhance the club's value and establish a sustainable model that can grow together with the community, fans, and partner companies. I myself have been involved in development programs for many years. Leveraging that experience, I will focus not only on the top team but also on nurturing the next generation and developing women's ice hockey. Together with all players, staff, fans, and the community, I want to create a team that people "want to support" and a "club to be proud of." Step by step, we will surely move forward. I am committed to meeting the expectations of our fans, partner companies, and the community, and I ask for your continued support.