This is an English translation of the Yokohama Grits Official Match Day Program vol.09, handed out to fans that went to the Tokyo Tatsumi Arena, on Feb 14th and 15th, 2026.
Yuji Iwamoto Head Coach Interview
Q :
Last week’s match against the HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks ended with a win and a loss.
What were your impressions as a team and what areas do you want to improve ahead of the upcoming match?
Iwamoto HC :
In last weekend’s two-game series against HC Tochigi and the Nikko Ice Bucks, we demonstrated our team’s strengths by taking a come-from-behind victory in the first game, leveraging our quick forecheck and physicality.
Meanwhile in the second game, we fell behind in forecheck coordination, particularly in the support and anticipation of our second player (F2), resulting in a shutout loss.
In our match against our own Red Eagles Hokkaido, we aim to seize the initiative by focusing on the intensity of our checks to the end and the quick reactions of our F2 players in coordination with the movements of our F1 players.
Q :
The Red Eagles Hokkaido are a team that has a strong league presence, so what are some key areas of the match that you are particularly focused on?
Iwamoto HC :
We will face such a formidable opponent as the Red Eagles Hokkaido with the teamwork of all five players working together and the speed of our development.
We will thoroughly check the efforts of our players and provide prompt support, and we will show our Grits-style for 60 minutes.
This will be the first time the event will be held at Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena.
To celebrate this historic Asia League Ice Hockey match with a victory, let’s create the best atmosphere together with the “Go Grits Go!” chant that will resonate throughout the venue.
Yuto Osawa #14 Interview
Q :
As a forward, what play style do you want to prioritize in order to win?
Osawa FW :
As a forward, I was shut out in Sunday’s match against the HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks, which was extremely disappointing.
To use that lament to improve my performance next time, I want to focus on going for the goal this time around and focus on plays that directly lead to success, such as my reaction to shots and rebounds.
Also, we’ve been conceding goals in recent games, so I want to connect tenacious defense to offense and increase our chances of success.
Q :
The 14th is the Frontier match.
Do you have any special feelings about it compared to your usual games?
Osawa FW :
The 14th is Frontier Day, a match sponsored by Inverse Net Co., Ltd., where I work, so I’m approaching the match with special feelings.
I’m grateful for the support and warmth I receive from everyone at my company, so I really want to repay them with a good result.
I hope this match will provide an opportunity for more people to learn about Inverse Net Co., Ltd. Frontier.
Keigo Minoshima #65 Interview
Q :
Are there any communications you make yourself aware of with the players around you while playing?
Minoshima DF :
When it comes to defensive peers, I try to understand as much as possible about the playing style and small habits of the player I’m paired with.
Our pairs change several times throughout the season, and ice hockey is a sport where split-second decisions and teamwork can determine victory or defeat.
That’s why we value conversations during practice and on the bench, building trust and improving our relationships so that we can work in perfect harmony every day.
Q :
How does it feel when you’re defending at home with the fans’ voices behind you?
Minoshima DF :
Even when the team is in a cold battle, such as when we’re trying to make a kill play, your encouragement of “Go, Grits, go” is always a great source of strength and I can feel they have our backs.
Their voices echoing around the rink are what allow us to fight tenaciously until the end.
Together with our three reliable goalkeepers, I will do my best to identify solid defenses, minimize conceded goals, and lead the team to victory.
Ryuki Hatayama #43 Interview
Q :
What defensive points should we pay attention to right now?
Hatayama DF :
On defense, I focus on putting my body on the line to block shots and tenaciously stopping the opponent’s attacks until the very end.
My physique may be a bit daunting, but I make up for it by using my speed and stamina to constantly apply aggressive pressure on the opponent.
By consistently making each play and not compromising, I aim to play defense that will help the team stay in control.
Q :
Please give a message to all the fans who will be coming to the games.
Hatayama DF :
Thank you so much for your cheers and encouragements.
Your support is a great source of strength for us on the rink.
I hope that we can all come to the games and enjoy this wonderful sport of ice hockey together, and that the players and fans can come together to create the best possible atmosphere.
We will continue to give it our all, so please continue to support us with your enthusiastic support.
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