H.C. Tochigi Nikko Icebucks Announce 2026-27 Season Contract Renewals for Six Defensemen

■ Takahiro Ishikawa
Jersey No.: 5 | Position: DF | DOB: April 26, 1993
Background: Saitama Sakae HS → Waseda Univ. → H.C. Tochigi Nikko Icebucks (2016-)
Comment: I am happy to play for the Icebucks this season as well. I will do my best to ensure a meaningful time for fans and partners.

■ Shuto Soma
Jersey No.: 8 | Position: DF | DOB: May 1, 1996
Background: Komazawa Univ. Tomakomai HS → Meiji Univ. → H.C. Tochigi Nikko Icebucks (2019-)
Comment: I am happy to play in front of everyone in Nikko again. I will give my all this season.

■ Hiroto Sato
Jersey No.: 9 | Position: DF | DOB: November 15, 1993
Background: Mushukan HS → H.C. Tochigi Nikko Icebucks (2014-)
Comment: I have signed with the Icebucks for the 2026-2027 season. I will do my best to achieve a double title in the Asia League and All-Japan.

■ Mitsuo Fukuda
Jersey No.: 12 | Position: DF | DOB: November 25, 1999
Background: Nikko Meiko HS → Toyo Univ. → H.C. Tochigi Nikko Icebucks (2022-)
Comment: I am very happy to fight with this team next season. I will fight with all my might to contribute to the team's victory.

■ Seiya Hayata
Jersey No.: 20 | Position: DF | DOB: December 4, 1995
Background: Harrington Icebergs → CIHA Voyageurs → Soo Indians → Soo Eagles → Breezy Point North Stars → New Jersey Junior Titans → Kenai River Brown Bears → Breezy Point North Stars → Tohoku Free Blades → H.C. Tochigi Nikko Icebucks (2022-)
Comment: I am happy to play for the Icebucks this season! I will work hard for the team.

■ Joonas Uimonen
Jersey No.: 77 | Position: DF | DOB: August 17, 1998
Background: HPK U16 → HPK U17 → HPK U18 → HPK U20 → Peliitat → FPS → Budapest Jégkorong Akadémia HC → Unia Oswiecim → H.C. Tochigi Nikko Icebucks (2025-)
Comment: Grateful for this opportunity and great to be back in Nikko and representing the Icebucks again in the upcoming season.