Japan speeds past Chinese Taipei in men’s ice hockey thanks to Suzuki hat-trick

Japan’s Riku Ishida is on the attack against Chinese Taipei (Photo: Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Japan’s Riku Ishida is on the attack against Chinese Taipei (Photo: Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Harbin, China, February 4, 2025: Japan romped to a 15-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in the men’s ice hockey preliminary round Group A at Harbin Ice Hockey Arena on Tuesday – and vowed to keep going with all guns blazing.

 

Japan won the first period 4-0 and extended this advantage to 12-0 after the second period before adding three more unanswered goals in the third period to run out emphatic winners.

 

Kento Suzuki led Japan with three goals, supported by Sota Isogai, Koki Yoneyama and Shigeki Hitosato, who all scored twice. Six other players netted one goal apiece.

 

As well as his two goals, Hitosato recorded four assists for a team-high six points.

 

Japan’s captain, Riku Ishida, said that every game demanded maximum effort and focus from his players.

 

“At the beginning we didn’t score easily,” he told the Asian Games News Service.

 

“Every game requires us to give our all, and I believe that, no matter what kind of competition it is, our mindset should remain the same. This game is also very important, and we still need to make sure we win.”

 

With Japan missing out on the 12-team men’s ice hockey tournament at the next Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina 2026, Ishida said the team had started working towards new competition goals.

 

He expects Kazakhstan and Korea to provide the biggest test in the Asian Winter Games. “They are undoubtedly strong rivals, but we will give it our best effort,” Ishida added.

 

The six-team men’s preliminary round Group A also comprises Thailand, Kazakhstan, China and Korea.