This is an English translation of the Yokohama Grits Official Match Day Program vol.06, handed out to fans that came to KOSE Ice Arena on Jan 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2026.
Yuji Iwamoto Head Coach Interview
Q : What did you gain from the All Japan Championships?
What do you want to give back to the team for the second half of the season?
Iwamoto HC :
At the All Japan Championships, we advanced to the Best Four for the first time, but we fell short of our goal of reaching the finals, which is disappointing.
While the cards were evenly matched, we were painfully aware of the gap between us and the top teams in terms of our skillful game management, including decision-making and penalties at key moments in the final minutes of the game.
We will use this experience to hone our ability to structure and win games in the second half of the season, and grow into a team capable of achieving results in the playoffs.
Q : As we approach our first home game of the new year, please give a message to all our supporters.
Iwamoto HC :
Thank you for your continued enthusiastic support for the Yokohama Grits.
We were disappointed that we weren’t able to repay you with a result at the All Japan Championships, but our players have learned a lot and are steadily growing.
In the first three games of 2026, we will turn this experience into motivation, fight with all our might, and deliver performance that will live up to your expectations.
In the second half of the season, we will deliver our motto of this season “super hype,” with the goal of advancing to the playoffs.
Let’s have an explosive New Year together!
Shun Furukawa GK Interview
Q : Tell us about a memorable moment from the first half of the season.
Furukawa GK :
The games against the Free Blades and Red Eagles were particularly memorable in the first half.
Although I found some issues in my last game as a starter, thanks to the team’s hard work, we were able to win two games in a row and head into the All-Japan Championships on a good note.
Although we narrowly lost the third-place match, we felt confident in our defense and will continue this momentum with the aim of qualifying for the playoffs in the second half of the season.
Q : How do you feel about this game, marking the start of 2026?
Furukawa GK :
I personally feel like I was able to finish 2025 on a high note, and I want to continue that momentum in this series.
At the Mitsuhashi Rice Game Day on January 4th, I will aim for victory, and be grateful for the support I receive from both my employer and the fans.
I appreciate your continued support.
Alex Rauter FW Interview
Q : Are there any areas of growth or new challenges through the All Japan Championships?
Rauter FW :
I feel that I have grown significantly both individually and as a team since the start of the season.
For defense, I have focused on smoothly escaping the zone and improving the accuracy of my puck retention.
Going forward, my challenge will be to stabilize our possession of the offensive zone and turn it into opportunities.
I have particularly recognized the importance of movement, positioning, and timing when I don’t have the puck, and I would like to focus on improving these areas, particularly in our power plays.
Q : How do you want to lead the team in the second half of the season?
Rauter FW :
As we head into the playoffs, I would like to lead the team in both areas of offense and defense.
We felt confident in the All Japan Championships, but the team still has a lot of potential to improve.
As a leader, my mission is to demonstrate not just through words, but through my actions.
I believe actions speak louder than words, and I will do my best until the end to make the playoffs.
Teppei Ueno FW Interview
Q : This is the first game of this year. Are there any themes or goals you are currently working on as a team?
Ueno FW :
Thank you for all your support at the All Japan Championships.
I feel we were able to play as an aggressive, fast-paced hockey throughout the tournament.
I focused on concentrating on each shift in front of me and making good plays consistentely.
During the 3-day games, I will play with the goal of contributing to the team in any way possible.
This has been a year of major changes for me as I transferred from the Tokyo Wilds, but I was able to push it through thanks to the support of the fans.
Despite the busy schedule, I respect my teammates who are pursuing dual careers, and I will do my best in 2026 to win as many games as possible and share the joy with everyone.
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