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. 25 and 26.
Yuji Iwamoto Head Coach Interview
Q : Regarding the team’s current condition and atmosphere
Iwamoto HC :
In terms of the team atmosphere, we made a mistake in our last game against the Eagles, but the fact that we made solid adjustments and made progress in the following 2nd game was a major turning point.
By clearly analyzing and understanding the difference between our good and bad times, we were able to refocus as a team, gain confidence that we can win if we play our game and deliver, and we felt a sense of unity.
However, with the long road trip and the three games in Korea, many of our players are returning to work the day after overcoming their fatigue, which could be considered the fate of the dual career system, and coping with exhaustion is key.
While the loss of Alex and Minoshima is a hard blow to the team, we see it as an opportunity for our younger players and their growth.
Q : About the opposing team and players to watch out for
Iwamoto HC :
The Bucks are a powerful team with many skilled forwards.
While our Grits style relies on short passes to connect the puck and advance to the opposing team’s territory, the Bucks skillfully use long passes to launch sudden attacks.
They won’t miss our careless passing mistakes and will use them to their advantage, so we need to quickly change course after making a mistake and improve our decision-making speed.
This is an important game for us, as it will allow us to win two games in a row and move up to second place.
With everyone’s support, we want to win.
We want to make Shin-Yokohama Skate Center even more exciting this week.
Please cheer us on with your chants, “Go Grits, Go!”
Hikaru Saito FW interview
Q : Any thoughts after your professional debut?
Saito FW :
Honestly, it took me quite a while to get used to the speed and the high standards that this team has.
At first, I could barely keep up with the game and didn’t have time to show my strengths, but with each game I gradually got the hang of it, and now I’m enjoying teamwork skills with those around me.
Q : What do you want to learn from my senior teammates?
Saito FW :
I feel I still have a lot to learn, such as defensive techniques and timing to join in on the attack.
I want to improve my ability to read the opponent’s movements and coordinate better with my teammates.
I will work on this every day in practice so that I can become a standard not only for defense but also for offense.
Q : Any skill or moves you want the fans to see?
Saito FW :
I want everyone to see my strengths, which are my strong physicals and where I put my body on the line.
I value the team’s tenacity in fighting even when times are tough.
I will do my best with every play so that we can transition from defense to offense.
Kenta Matsukane DF Interview
Q : Any thoughts looking back at the match against the Red Eagles?
Matsukane DF :
We were constantly under pressure in the first game, but we were able to show a positive result.
Each player changed their mindset and earn three points, which I think will be useful in future games.
Q : Your motivation for today’s game?
Matsukane DF :
It was a huge encouragement that will affect today’s game winning in the preseason, but we’ll forget about that for now and just play with all our might.
The Ice Bucks are a very skilled offensive team, so we’ll first focus on not giving them any chances, and we’ll work hard as a team to launch quick attacks from good defense.
Q : Any skill or moves you want the fans to see?
Matsukane DF :
My strength is reading the opponent’s moves and building up my offensive.
I always keep an eye on the ice, thinking about where my opponent wants to attack from and where they’ll go next.
Even if I can’t completely stop them, I play with the intention of finding their rhythm.
I’d also like you to pay attention to the first pass that starts this attack.
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