ASIAN ICE HOCKEY

HL Anyang’s bench will once again be led by the legendary Chi-sun Baek – better known internationally as Jim Paek. Joining him for another season is Ki Sung Kim, who remains a steady bridge between the coaching staff and the players.

Two big names are joining the staff of the reigning AHIL champions: Woo Sang Park and recently retired goaltending icon Matt Dalton. Both Park and Kim are former captains of the Korean national team, bringing instant respect and chemistry to the locker room, while Dalton – who hung up the skates just two months ago – will now mentor the next generation of netminders.

Goaltending: Filling Dalton’s Pads

With Dalton stepping off the ice and behind the bench, the biggest question mark heading into the new season is between the pipes. That burden now falls on Yeon Seung Lee, who’s already proven himself as South Korea national team’s No. 1 goalie.

Backing him up will be 22-year-old Nam Kyu Lee, a promising newcomer fresh out of Kwangwoon University, one of the top programs in Korea’s collegiate hockey scene.

Defense: Solid Core, But More to Come

So far, only six defensemen have been officially named, meaning more reinforcements are likely on the way. Holding down the blue line are returning veterans Hee Doo Nam, In Gyo Oh, and Don Ku Lee. They’re joined by Japanese imports Yusei Otsu and Rioto Takeya.

Rounding out the group is 23-year-old Min Jae Kwon, making the jump from the university league and hoping to establish himself at the pro level.

Offense: Shin’s Comeback Headlines Stable Attack

The forward group remains largely intact – and arguably even stronger – thanks to the high-profile return of Sang Hoon Shin. After spending last season with the Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) and Zaglebie Sosnowiec in Poland, Shin is back to help lead the charge.

The soon-to-be 32-year-old is a living legend of Korean hockey, having played in the golden era that included appearances at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and the IIHF World Championship Top Division in Denmark that same year. From the current roster, only a handful of players can say the same – Sang Wook Kim, Jin Hui Ahn, Jung Woo Jeon, and veteran D-man Don Ku Lee.

The offense also welcomes rising talent Yun Suk Lee, another soon-to-be 23-year-old who’s already a two-time IIHF World Championship participant – Division 1A in 2023 and Division 1B in 2025 – and a bronze medalist at the 2025 IIHF Asia Championship. He brings youth, speed, and international experience to an already well-oiled attack.

Sources, Quotes and Notes:

1. instagram.com/p/DLCUy9gvhXk/?img_index=1