Photo Courtesy: NAHL

By Anthony Corea

KINGS COMMIT

Spruce Kings announce commitment of Japan’s Kazumo Sasaki’s for upcoming season

Jul 11, 2023 | 11:35 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Spruce Kings are excited to announce the addition of 17-year-old Japanese forward Kazumo Sasaki (’05) for the 2023-24 BC Hockey League season.

A product of Nishitokyo, Japan, Sasaki comes to Prince George after spending last season with the Chippewa Steel of the North American Hockey League. In 54 games with the Steel, Sasaki scored 12 goals and 14 assists (26 points).

The five-foot-ten forward is no stranger to Canada, spending time with the Ontario Hockey Academy prior to his time in the NAHL.

“It was a tough decision leaving my friends and all but I think I made the right decision for my hockey career and I can’t wait to be a Spruce King,” said Sasaki.

During the 2021-22 season as a member of the OHA U18 AAA team, Sasaki played in 24 games and tallied 32 goals and 17 assists (49 points).

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“Kaz is a very talented, hard-working, dynamic player,” said Spruce Kings head coach Alex Evin. “He has a lot of enthusiasm for the sport of hockey and we are very excited to add him to our team and help him with his development.”

Sasaki has committed to play for an NCAA D1 program. When his junior career wraps up he will suit up for the Lake Superior State Lakers. LSSU is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

“It means a lot for me to keep developing in this league before heading to Lake Superior,” said Sasaki. “This league has a lot of great players out there. It’s huge for me to be able to learn from those guys.”

“Kazumo is a very skilled player with lots of speed and can electrify a game in an instant,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “Our fans will really enjoy this young player as he joins our program to continue his development prior to heading to the NCAA.”