Japan eyes Paralympic Qualification at jessheim 2025
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Jessheim, Norway – October 27, 2025 – The Japanese Para Ice hockey team is poised to compete for a coveted spot in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games at the upcoming Jessheim 2025 tournament, a crucial qualifying event. The team arrives with a reputation for speed and skillful puck movement, aiming to overcome stronger opponents and secure one of two available Paralympic berths.
This tournament represents a pivotal moment for Japanese Para Ice Hockey,offering a direct pathway to the paralympic stage and the prospect to showcase their programmeS growth on an international level. Success in Jessheim will not only fulfill the ambitions of the players but also inspire further development of the sport within Japan and provide a platform for increased visibility and support. The stakes are high, with the tournament determining which nations will compete for Paralympic gold in Italy.
Team Breakdown
Head Coach Kojin kakakita has assembled a roster featuring a blend of experience and emerging talent. Leading the offensive charge will be forwards Itsuki Ito, Masahiro Matsushita, Amu Morisaki, Kazuyoshi Niets, Mamoru Yoshikawa, Masaharu Kumagai, Yoshiyuki Fujikawa, Yoshihiro Shioya, and Shosei Ukai. The defensive corps consists of Yudai ishikawa, Satoru sudo, Eiji Misawa, Mikio Kaneko, and Norihiko Nasu. Protecting the net will be goaltenders Manabu Okabe and Wataru Horie.
Strategic Focus
Japan’s game plan centers around leveraging its core strengths: extraordinary speed, precise puck handling, and unwavering dedication. The team excels in transitioning from defense to offense, utilizing rapid, accurate passing and player mobility to generate scoring opportunities. This approach allows them to effectively challenge teams with greater physical stature.
to achieve Paralympic qualification, Japan must maximize its performance on special teams, maintain disciplined defensive coverage, and sustain its high level of intensity throughout the tournament. Capitalizing on power-play opportunities and minimizing defensive breakdowns will be critical to success.
Tournament Schedule
Japan will face a challenging schedule in Jessheim:
* Wednesday, November 5th at 15:30 vs. Korea
* Thursday, November 6th at 19:00 vs.Slovakia
* Friday, November 7th at 15:30 vs. Kazakhstan
* Sunday,November 9th at 19:00 vs. Sweden
* Monday, November 10th at 11:30 vs. Norway
