The Bloomington Bison have announced their first signing on the blue line with the addition of defenseman Riku Ishida. The 25-year-old defenseman spent last season in Italy, where he put up five goals and 29 assists for 34 points in 38 games with Meran/Merano. Ishida put up a goal and two assists in eight games during the Asia Championships, where he would walk away with a Silver Medal. Ishida was also part of the leadership group for the Japan Men’s Ice Hockey Team. He had three assists in seven games with Japan. This season will be the first time that Ishida has played in North America. He’s the fourth player signed to a contract with Bloomington for the 2025-26 season.
Prior to going pro, the Japanese defenseman played three years at Toyo University. In 31 games at Toyo University, Ishida put up a goal and 29 assists for 30 points. Riku Ishida spent his first professional season in the Asia Elite League with the Tohoku Free Blades. In 32 games, he would put up four goals and 19 assists for 23 points. Last season wasn’t the only time Ishida picked up a medal. He won silver in 2022 and gold in 2023 at the Division 1 (B) World Championships.
Ishida will have some company in Bloomington with a fellow countryman, Kohei Sato, who has already re-signed with the Bison for next season. The 2025-26 season will be the fifth year that Ishida and Sato have played on the same team.
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