Stars Kobe have made major additions by signing Chinese national team standouts Yuyang Hou and Jing Wang. The Japanese club, now turning professional, will debut in the Asia League Ice Hockey (ALIH) in 2025–26, and they’re kicking things off with serious firepower. (1, 2)
Chinese Magicians Yuyang Hou and Jing Wang Head to ALIH’s Stars Kobe
The Chinese “Dynamic Duo” arrives after a dominant season with Beijing Lions, the inaugural champions of China’s professional CIHL. The gifted forwards led all Chinese players in scoring, with Hou recording 47 points (11 goals, 36 assists) and Wang adding 46 points (20 goals, 26 assists) – all in just 18 games. Only KHL veterans Anton Lazarev and Konstantin Sokolov, both playing for KRS Shenzhen, outscored them league-wide.
Yuyang Hou shared his excitement in a heartfelt message on the official Stars Kobe Instagram account, saying: (3)
Jing Wang also shared his thoughts: (4)
“I’m really excited to have signed with Stars Kobe and to join the Asia League Ice Hockey. This is a brand-new challenge for me, and I believe it will push my game to the next level. I really like the city of Kobe, and I’m confident I’ll quickly find my place – both with the team and in the city itself. On the ice, I’ll do everything I can to help the team produce offensively. The goal is to make the playoffs! Thank you all for your support.”
Youyang Hou – China National Team Mainstay
Hou has been a fixture in the Chinese national program for years. He participated in the pre-Olympic training camp in 2020, though he didn’t make the final roster for the 2022 Beijing Olympics. His senior international debut came during the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers, and he quickly became a key contributor.
He went on to represent China at the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World Championship Division 1B tournaments, the 2025 IIHF Asia Championship, and the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin. At nearly every tournament, he topped China’s scoring charts, only narrowly edged out at the AWG by defenseman Pengfei Zhang.
Jing Wang – China’s Rising Offensive Force
Jing Wang was part of the Chinese national team’s pre-Olympic training camp in 2020, although he ultimately did not appear on the final roster for the Beijing Olympics. He made an immediate impact upon his senior international debut at the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers, where he led the team in scoring and showcased his offensive instincts on the international stage.
Wang continued to establish himself as a key attacking presence for China, featuring in the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World Championship Division 1B tournaments, the 2025 IIHF Asia Championship, and the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin. At each event, he remained among the team’s top scorers and proved to be an indispensable part of China’s forward corps.
| Yuyang Hou and Jing Wang in the Chinese National Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| NAME | CATEGORY | GP | G | A | P |
| Yuyang Hou | China U18 | 10 | 4 + 3 = 7 |
| Yuyang Hou | China U20 | 10 | 5 + 8 = 13 |
| Yuyang Hou | China | 24 | 9 + 15 = 24 |
| Jing Wang | China U18 | 14 | 16 + 12 = 28 |
| Jing Wang | China U20 | 15 | 13 + 23 = 36 |
| Jing Wang | China | 24 | 6 + 14 = 20 |
Developing Talent Across Continents
Known for his slick hands and elite hockey IQ, Hou’s resume also includes stints in the USPHL Elite (USA), the Czech third division, and Russia’s MHL.
His linemate took a slightly different route. As part of China’s centralized pre-Olympic preparation, Wang was placed in the Russian development track – he played three solid seasons in the MHL and made three appearances in the VHL.
Now, they are set for a new challenge at the top tier of Asian hockey. While the KHL technically stretches into Asia, ALIH is the continent’s premier league, and Stars Kobe just made a major statement.
Hou and Wang become only the third and fourth Chinese players in history to join a Japanese ALIH team, following defenseman Tianyu Hu (Tohoku Free Blades, 2012–2015) and forward Hang Li (same club, 2016–2017).
Stars Kobe – Japanese ALIH Team: Rising From the Rubble
The story of Stars Kobe is one of perseverance. Founded in 1994, the club’s ambitions were put on hold by the devastating Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, which claimed over 5,000 lives, most in Kobe itself. Hockey took a back seat, but the spirit never died.
After three decades of community-building and vision, the dream has been revived. In May 2025, Stars Kobe officially announced their entry into ALIH, becoming the first-ever professional club based in Western Japan.
The addition of Stars Kobe brings the league’s roster to six teams: five from Japan and one from South Korea. The club has set out an ambitious mission: (5)
1. To be a role model for junior ice hockey players and foster their aspirations.
2. To broaden the horizons of Japanese ice hockey players.
3. To raise world-class talents who aim to become NHL player.
It’s a major step forward for Japanese hockey – one that promises to grow the game, inspire a new generation, and expand the nation’s talent pool.
2025: A Landmark Year for Japanese Hockey
This has been a transformative year for hockey in Japan. The men’s national team has shown strong form across all tournaments, and the new Extreme Ice Hockey League (XHL) has launched as Japan’s second-tier pro competition. Now, with Stars Kobe entering the ALIH, another puzzle piece falls into place.
The Kobe-based club is already turning heads with sharp marketing, bold visuals, and creative campaigns designed to attract and grow a loyal fanbase from day one. They’re laying the groundwork for a bright future.
Stars Kobe – A Team in the Making
Head coach Kei Tonosaki, a 43-year-old ALIH veteran and former national team player, will lead Stars Kobe in their inaugural campaign. Tonosaki spent the last seven years coaching Japan’s U18 squad and brings a wealth of experience.
So far, the team has signed 14 players: two goalies, six defensemen, and six forwards. The roster skews young and international, featuring six Korean players alongside the Chinese duo. Of the 14, only five have previous ALIH experience. The most seasoned is Akihide Watanabe, a 28-year-old defenseman with 140 ALIH games under his belt.
Among the newcomers, Hou and Wang are not the only ones with international experience. Korean imports Min Jae Lee, Hee Gon Jang, and Hyun Seo Kim have all represented South Korea at top-level events.
Stars Kobe will debut on September 20 with a back-to-back road series against Yokohama Grits. Like every Asia League team, they’ll play a 40-game regular season. (6)
With Yuyang Hou and Jing Wang in the mix, Stars Kobe are already making waves before they’ve even hit the ice.
Sources, Quotes and Notes:
Leave a Reply