The Bloomington Bison have announced their first returner for the 2025-26 season as they’ve re-signed forward Kohei Sato. The Japanese forward would begin the season with the Orlando Solar Bears, putting up a goal and an assist in 10 games. Sato would be traded to the Bloomington Bison on January 20th. He put up two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 22 games with the Bison. He is the second player signed with Bloomington for the 2025-26 season, joining newcomer Mark Kaleinikovas.
Prior to going pro, Kohei Sato spent five seasons at the NCAA level. He spent his first four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, putting up 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 104 games with the Wildcats. Sato would spend his final year of eligibility at Bentley University, where he put up five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 31 games. The 28-year-old forward would then spend the two seasons playing overseas. During the 2022-23 season, he played in 44 games in Finland, putting up 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points. The following season, he headed to the EIHL to join the Belfast Giants. In 47 games with the Giants, he put up 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points for 33 points.
Sato has also represented Japan internationally. He’s won three medals at the Division 1 (B) Championships. He picked up a Bronze Medal in 2019, a Silver medal in 2022, and a Gold medal in 2023.
ITR 46: Offseason Chaos – Inside The Rink
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