This is an English translation of the Yokohama Grits Official Match Day Program vol.03, handed out to fans that came to KOSE Ice Arena on Oct. 11 and 12.
Yuji Iwamoto Head Coach Interview
Q : Looking back at the September match against the Red Eagles
Iwamoto HC :
Our goal for September was to achieve a 4-2 record, so we went to Sapporo with the mindset of at least achieving those numbers.
Unfortunately, we ended up with two straight losses and our goal was not met.
Our players responded well to the Eagles’ quick, highly skilled checkers, and maintained their concentration until the end and executed the Gritz’s short passing and short support offensive play in both games.
Although we lost the first match 1-4, we outnumbered the Eagles in shots, and as a top Japanese team, we were able to play on equal terms with our opponents.
This result gives us confidence for future matches this season.
However, we are aware that we let our Grits fans down and were unable to show a victory to the people who came all the way to Sapporo.
Q : Your vision for this season?
Iwamoto HC :
While the Eagles have the Japanese national team players on every roster, we hope to make up for the loss in September with our unified teamwork and strength.
We will create many opportunities with our Grits hockey style, combining good defense with fast offense, creating exciting ice hockey plays, led by our goalkeeper Tomita who is currently in his best state.
We hope you enjoy the speed and dynamism by our young players and the unique and skillfull moves of our seasoned members.
Also, keep an eye out for shots by Tyler, who scored a hat trick in the game against HL Anyang in Korea.
We hope to work with you all to make Shin-Yokohama Skate Center an unforgettable event this weekend.
Please cheer us on with your “Go Grits Go!” chants!
Yuki Unjo FW
Q : Comments for the September match against the Red Eagles
Yuki Unjo FW :
Due to injury, I was unable to participate in the Sapporo tour at the end of September, so I stayed in Yokohama and cheered on the team via live broadcast.
Although we ended up with back-to-back losses, we fought tenaciously until the end in both games, and I believe the overall tour was productive for the team.
The third-year students at Anyang, Korea, who I mentioned earlier, came from behind to win the second game after going into overtime, showing their growth since last season.
Since returning to Yokohama, the team has been working hard on their track and field training, improving their teamwork and continuing their high-intensity routine.
Q. Comments for the KFC Day?
Yuki Unjo FW :
Looking ahead to this week’s KFC Day, We’ll be hosting the Hokkaido Red Eagles in Shin-Yokohama.
It’s a tough schedule with ongoing matches, but we’ll work together as a team to win at our home turf and get a win against Sapporo.
Saturday the 11th will also be a “KFC Day.”
The staff from Kentucky Fried Chicken Co., Ltd., our affiliate since July, will be there to support us.
I’m more motivated than usual, so I hope I can earn your attention to my aggressive-playing style.
I look forward to your enthusiastic support.
Tyler Rockwell DF
Q : Comments for the September match against the Red Eagles
Tyler Rockwell DF :
The Red Eagles are a very strong team.
I believe we played well enough to deserve points, but we just missed that one step.
While we are frustrated with the losing streak, having the opportunity to make sure we are capable to compete against top teams in this league was a great plus.
I look forward to our return home match.
Q : Looking back to the match against Anyang, Korea (commented on Oct.6)
Tyler Rockwell DF :
This trip to Korea was a great opportunity to further strengthen our team.
Our sense of unity deepened throughout the five-day trip, and we could see clear and steady growth in our skills and our team’s confidence with each game.
I am truly happy to be a part of this team.
Q : A message to all Grits fans!
Tyler Rockwell DF :
Dear Grits fans!
This weekend, we will be hosting the Red Eagles at our home ice.
Your cheers and encouragements will help us more than ever, and your support this season has been truly valuable to us.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude.
I look forward to seeing everyone there this weekend.
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