This is an English translation of the Yokohama Grits Official Match Day Program vol.10, handed out to fans that went to the KOSE Ice Arena, on Feb 28th and March 1st, 2026.
Yuji Iwamoto Head Coach Interview
Q :
What do you feel is most important for the team to get back on track?
Iwamoto HC :
In the match against the Red Eagles and Hokkaido in Tatsumi, we were painfully aware of their physical strength in one-on-one situations in each zone, continuing to take the lead for long periods.
We also felt the difference in our conditioning, especially after playing consecutive games against the Red Eagles and in tough battles.
That’s why in the remaining six games, we want to focus on our bass and regain the strength to fight until the end.
With our founding principle of “being a source of energy” in mind, we will play hockey in the style of the Yokohama Grits and lead the way to our next victory.
Q :
Please give a message to all the Grits fans who support us.
Iwamoto HC :
There are six games left this season.
We will keep our eyes on our goal until the very last moment, never giving up, and play our own style of hockey.
While the team has steadily improved since last season, it is also true that we have not yet lived up to expectations with our results.
Even so, the cheers of “Go Grits Go!” that resonate throughout both home and away games are a great motivation for the players.
We view the remaining games as important battles that will lead us into next season, and we will play with all our might.
Thank you for your continued support.
Shuhei Kuji #01 Interview
Q :
Please tell us your thoughts on this game and this season.
Kuji FW :
The final home game of the season has come around in the blink of an eye.
It will be lonely, but more than that, I’m proud to be playing on this rink.
We’ll turn the cheers of everyone who has supported us so far into strength and fight until the very end.
As the culmination of this season, we’ll put our hearts into every play and show our gratitude and determination through our expressions.
We appreciate your continued support until the very end.
Q :
Please give a message to all the Grits fans who support us.
Kuji FW :
Thank you so much for your support this season.
Even in the toughest times, your voices have been a great source of strength and have given us the courage to move forward.
There are only a few games left, but as a member of the Yokohama Grits, I will put everything into each game and fight with all my might until the very last moment, so that I can repay you with a victory.
Thank you for your continued support.
Shoma Izumi #05 Interview
Q :
Please tell us how excited you are for the remaining games.
Izumi FW :
I sustained an injury in the second game against the H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks in Nikko, and am currently undergoing rehabilitation to improve my abdominal muscles.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to play in the final home game, but I am working to improve my condition with the goal of returning for the away game in March.
In the remaining games, I will play my best to contribute to the team and lead them to victory while enjoying my own style.
Q :
Please give a message to all the Grits fans who support us.
Izumi FW :
Although we were unable to advance to the playoffs before the final home game, the season is still on.
In the remaining six games, as a team, we will give it our all and fight to the best of our ability, striving to put on a performance that will delight our fans.
No matter the situation, we will look forward, put our heart into each game, and run until the end.
We appreciate your continued warm and enthusiastic support.
Kazuma Iwamoto #13 Interview
Q :
What do you think is important for the team to win this weekend’s game?
Iwamoto FW :
During a long season, there will be times when we are unable to win or achieve the results we want, and the team’s momentum may suffer.
That’s why I feel it’s important to go back to basics, thoroughly implement the plays we’ve built up over the years, encourage each other, and fight as one.
We’ll further strengthen our unity and lead the way to our next victory with a fighting style that is the characteristic of the Yokohama Grits.
Q :
Please give a message to all the Grits fans who support us.
Iwamoto FW :
Thank you so much for your always warm and powerful support.
With only six games left in the season, we will first of all play this weekend as a team and give it our all so that everyone will feel that it was worth supporting the Yokohama Grits and that it was a memorable game.
Your cheers are always a great source of strength.
With your support in our hearts, we will fight until the very last moment.
We appreciate your continued enthusiastic support.
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