ASIAN ICE HOCKEY

China entered its home opener against Japan with confidence. While Japan arrived in Beijing with what was essentially a U25 squad, the hosts relied on the chemistry they’ve built over the past few years. Add to that last season’s results – when China repeatedly challenged Asia’s traditional top three – and there was genuine belief that another strong showing was within reach.

Japan’s “Experimental” Lineup Still Packs Star Power

The fact that Japan arrived with an experimental roster hardly meant a lack of leadership. The team is captained by Teruto Nakajima, who at just 23 years old is already the top-producing Japanese player in the ALIH.

Another standout in the lineup is Yu Sato, a VHL forward who also has a full KHL season on his résumé.

Japan Controls the Shot Count, but China Holds Firm Early

Japan heavily outshot the hosts in the opening period, as China struggled to find an answer to Japan’s movement and quick transition game. Even so, the hosts could rely on their last line of resistance – the Chinese Wall, Shifeng “Stephen” Chen, who kept them in the game with a composed opening frame.

China wasn’t without ideas in the offensive zone – their chemistry and several highly creative players allow them to spark danger – but small inaccuracies and a lack of sharpness in the final phase often prevented those moments from turning into real scoring chances.

China Strikes First Against the Run of Play

Despite Japan’s clear advantage, it was the hosts who opened the scoring. In the 15th minute, during a power play, Ruinan Yan – captain of CIHL’s Anhui Xinhua – took advantage of a brief moment of confusion caused by an early goal alarm after the previous shot. Yan drove hard to the crease, outmuscled the defense, and beat the young goaltender Issa Otsuka to give China a 1–0 lead.

Japan Levels the Game With a Moment of Individual Brilliance

The opening goal gave China a noticeable boost, and the hosts carried their 1–0 lead into the first intermission. Early in the second period, they even stepped up their physical play, suggesting the game was starting to balance out.

But just before the matchup reached its halfway point, 22-year-old defenseman Yutaka Toko of Red Eagles Hokkaido produced a brilliant individual effort. Showing confidence and control, he slipped past 20-year-old debutant Peng Sun and finished the play with a clean shot to tie the game.

Japan Turns Momentum as Chen’s Magic Fades

The spell of brilliance that had carried Shifeng Chen through the early stages began to fade. After frustrating the Japanese attack for much of the night, the Chinese goalie suddenly faced opponents who were growing more confident with every shot – and the goals soon followed.

In the 34th minute, Japan finally made use of its power play. A drive from Yu Sato created the chance, and 19-year-old Taisetsu Ushio – currently with the Prince George Spruce Kings in the BCHL – reacted quickest to bury the rebound for a 2–1 lead. The young forward is no stranger to this stage; he featured at last year’s Asia Championship, helping Japan secure the silver medal.

Japan Strikes Early in the Third and Pulls Away

China entered the third period unfocused, and Japan needed just 14 seconds to make them pay. After a smooth passing sequence from Yu Sato and Chikara Hanzawa, captain Teruto Nakajima finished the play with a clean tap-in to extend the lead.

In the 48th minute, T. Nakajima struck again. After Chen made the initial save, the Japanese captain was first on the loose puck and buried the rebound, effectively putting the game out of reach.

China Pushes Late but Can’t Break Through

With the game slipping away, China threw everything forward, and the third period became the only frame in which they managed to match Japan in shots. They created several promising chances — the best falling to Mingju Zheng, currently the second-leading scorer in the CIHL — but none of them found the back of the net. Despite the late surge, the hosts couldn’t cut into the deficit.

Nakajima and Sato Lead Japan’s Winning Effort

Ruinan Yan, who opened the scoring for China, and Teruto Nakajima, Japan’s two-goal captain, were named the players of the game. Nakajima stood at the heart of Japan’s victory, directing the turnaround alongside Yu Sato, who contributed three assists in a standout performance.

Who Plays Whom on Saturday?

The action continues on Saturday with two more matchups. Japan will face its long-time rival South Korea, which will be looking to rebound after the loss to Kazakhstan.

In the evening game, China will test itself against the reigning champion – a Kazakh team that opened the tournament in impressive fashion under new head coach Talgat Zhailauov.

📆 The Full Tournament Schedule with Results is Available HERE.