HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks Announce Contract Renewals for FW Kosuke Otsu, Keita Deguchi, Madoka Suzuki, Kotaro Murase, Makuru Furuhashi, and Daisuke Miyata for the 2026-27 Season

Kosuke Otsu Jersey No.: 11 Position: FW Date of Birth: September 6, 1993 Career Background: Nikko Meih-o High School -> Meiji University -> Nippon Paper Cranes -> Higashi Hokkaido Cranes -> Hokkaido Wilds -> HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks (2024-)

<Comment> I am very happy to play as a member of the Ice Bucks again this season. Last year was a memorial season marking our 100th anniversary, but we couldn't win a title, and I feel the need for further evolution. I am very grateful to all of you who believed in us and supported us until the very last moment. As a player, I will obviously repay you with results, but I will also focus on our reason for existence so that I can become a part of your 'ikigai' (reason for living). Thank you for your support again this season. Let's win.

Keita Deguchi Jersey No.: 13 Position: FW Date of Birth: June 17, 1996 Career Background: Komazawa University Tomakomai High School -> Toyo University -> HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks (2019-)

<Comment> I have signed a contract with the Ice Bucks. I want to contribute by performing at my best so that we can win the championship. Thank you for your support for the next season.

Madoka Suzuki Jersey No.: 14 Position: FW Date of Birth: January 14, 2000 Career Background: Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) -> Wellington Dukes (OJHL) -> Kemptville 73's (CCHL) -> Long Island Univ. (NCAA) -> Carleton Univ. (USports) -> HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks (2025-)

<Comment> I am very happy to have re-signed with the Ice Bucks. Although we didn't achieve our goal of winning the championship last season, I was warmly welcomed by the town and fans, and I developed a desire to win here. I will continue to work hard every day to contribute to the team's further progress this year, so please continue to support us with all your might!

Kotaro Murase Jersey No.: 15 Position: FW Date of Birth: December 24, 2003 Career Background: Mushukan High School -> South Shore Kings (NCDC) -> Titaanit (Suomi-sarja) -> HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks (2025-)

<Comment> I will be playing for the 2026-2027 season. I will do my best without forgetting the gratitude I have for everyone involved with the Ice Bucks! Thank you for your support!

Makuru Furuhashi Jersey No.: 18 Position: FW Date of Birth: September 30, 1993 Career Background: Nikko Meih-o High School -> Chuo University -> HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks (2016-)

<Comment> I am happy to be able to fight as a member of the Ice Bucks this season too. I will do my best in every game to lead the team more than ever and to help us win the championship! Thank you to all our fans for your constant support! I look forward to seeing you at the rink!

Daisuke Miyata Jersey No.: 21 Position: FW Date of Birth: January 29, 2001 Career Background: Shirakaba Gakuen High School -> Toyo University -> HC Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks (2022-)

<Comment> I have signed a contract with the Ice Bucks for the 2026-2027 season as well. I will do my best to share the championship joy with our partners, fans, and everyone involved with the Bucks. Thank you for your passionate support!