Japan’s ageless wonder will continue his playing career!
Yutaka Fukufuji has signed a one-year contract extension with the HC Nikkō Ice Bucks in the Asia League Ice Hockey, according to the team’s official Instagram account. At the age of 41, Fukufuji will be entering his 24th season of professional ice hockey and 9th consecutively with the Ice Bucks.
Last season, the goaltender had a 90.2 SV% while going 13-11-0, as Nikkō failed to qualify for the Asia League playoffs. Representing Japan at a 13th World Championship, Fukufuji would stop 43/46 shots in his nation’s only win (4-3 over Korea) that ultimately saved them from relegation out of Division 1A.
Fukufuji and his Ice Bucks did manage to find success in the 91st All Japan Ice Hockey Championship. He posted a 95.5 SV% over his 2 wins as he won the tournament for a second time in his career.
Fukufuji is most known as being the only Japanese player to play in the National Hockey League. After recording an 89.3 SV% at the Top Division of the World Championship and winning a second JIHL title with Kokudo, he was drafted 238th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2004. Just three seasons later and the Kushiro native made his historic debut in ice hockey’s top league and finished that season with an 83.7 SV% over four appearances. His continuing impact on Asian hockey should never be forgotten.