H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks held a press conference at the Prefectural Government Reporters Club, where Head Coach Jesper Jalonen announced the team slogan.
The press conference was attended by General Manager Shinmasa Kinugasa, Head Coach Jesper Jalonen, Assistant Coach Andre Smulter, and Interpreter Takashi Fujimoto.
2026-2027 Season Team Slogan
Head Coach Jesper Jalonen announced the team slogan, which was decided as "We Earn It, We Enjoy It."
Meaning: We Earn It - "To earn through effort"
We Enjoy It - "Therefore, to enjoy that moment together"
The slogan embodies the idea of everyone working hard (Earn) and everyone celebrating (Enjoy).
Furthermore, it signifies earning the trust of our fans through collective effort.
General Manager Shinmasa Kinugasa's Comment: "I am deeply honored to have been appointed General Manager for the season marking our 101st year, following our 100th-anniversary milestone last season. I feel the weight of this responsibility, but I will do my best to meet everyone's expectations. Having concluded our 100th anniversary, H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks enters its 101st season. While cherishing the history and tradition we have built, we position this as a season of 'evolution, not continuation,' and begin building a new club. This season, we will clarify 'what to protect' and 'what to change,' and work as one team and front office under the slogan 'We Earn It, We Enjoy It.' We will also define victory not merely as a result, but as something achieved through the accumulation of correct processes, independence, consistency, and high standards, and we will build a 'club culture' through our daily efforts. From a 'historic club' to a 'winning club.' We will walk with our fans, partner companies, and the local community in this new challenge of our 101st year, creating a new history that connects to the future." "We want to evolve from a club that protects to a club that wins."
Head Coach Jesper Jalonen's Comment: "I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the important role of Head Coach for H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks this season. Our ultimate goal is, of course, to win the Asia League. However, to achieve that goal, we want to grow the team with a slightly different approach than before, rather than just chasing victories. We aim to create an environment where players look forward to daily practice and feel, 'I want to go to the rink today.' I believe that fostering a 'good culture' within the team, where players can challenge themselves and improve each other, will ultimately lead to victory. While there won't be a major tactical shift, we aim to be a team that can play a more aggressive and speed-oriented ice hockey with sustained energy until the end by further strengthening our physical conditioning. We will do our utmost, as players and staff, to show hockey that excites our fans every game. We ask for your passionate support again this season."
Assistant Coach Andre Smulter's Comment: "I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity. I am also very happy that the Ice Bucks family has welcomed me warmly. What I value is not 'giving all players the same training,' but adopting an approach tailored to each individual. Each player has different physical characteristics, strengths, and challenges. Therefore, by thoroughly understanding each player's condition and providing the optimal training program for them, I want to improve them in even the smallest details. We will focus not only on improving strength and endurance but also on injury prevention and conditioning, supporting the players in building bodies that can perform at their best throughout the season. I believe that daily accumulation leads to the growth of the entire team and to victory. Together with the players and staff, I will devote myself to building a team that can fight to the end, stronger and faster. We ask for your warm support again this season."
Scenes from the photo session
Photo: A.K.art-works (Team Official Photographer)
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: スポーツ
- Organizations: A.K.art-works