For Kohei Sato (Nishitokyo, Japan), hockey has always been a passion. No matter where, or against who, the feeling remains true for the junior forward. Whether it be stepping onto the ice at the Whittemore Center, lacing up his skates across the world for the Japanese National Team or playing against his dad for a good time, the Division I hockey player finds a consistent feeling of home no matter where he is, thanks to his love for hockey.
Growing up, Sato was accustomed to having those he looked up to the most showing him an appreciation for skating. His dad has played hockey throughout his life, and still takes the ice from time to time. The skating trend goes back further for the family, with Sato's grandfather having been an Olympic Speed Skater in the 1952 Winter Olympics. Sato and his dad
His family's love for sports has helped Sato become the person and athlete he is now. "My family taught me how to be a good teammate and a good person, which has shaped me as an athlete," said Sato. Sato grew up always wanting to be a hockey player
Over the years, Sato's virtues as a player and teammate have shone through the unique opportunities he has had playing on different teams. Just this past summer, Sato earned the chance to play for Team Japan in the 2019 Ice Hockey World Championship in Estonia, an experience unlike any other he has been a part of. Sato posted two goals and two assists for four points over the five games.
"It was an honor," said Sato. "It was a privilege to represent my country, playing with the top players from Japan. It was one of the coolest experiences of my life."
Not only did Sato appreciate the experience, he learned from it as well. There are some moments that have stuck with him, which he has been able to carry over to his career as a Wildcat. Sato with Team Japan
"In our game against Ukraine we were winning 3-2 with a minute left, and we were on a penalty kill. All of the veterans playing were penalty-kill specialists, so I learned a lot about how they play when they're up with a minute left. They were putting themselves second, diving for the puck, blocking shots. I learned a lot about dedication and no matter if you are a rookie or a veteran, you still have to pay the price and do the little things for the team. That meant a lot to me."
Looking forward in terms of the national team, Sato is already preparing for the Olympic qualifications, which take place in 2020. His goal for the team is to qualify for the Olympics and promote itself to the next division in the World Championship. Sato posted four points at the World Championship
Sato has taken this experience and is off to a great start this season with three goals over his first two games as he is ranked second in Hockey East in goals.
Head coach Mike Souza has been very impressed with Sato's improvement during his time at UNH.
"Kohei is a mature player with a lot of speed," said Souza. "He is stronger and more confident as he starts his junior season. I think playing with the Japanese National Team at the World Championship and having some success has done a lot for his confidence and it has showed in his play here early on." Sato scored three goals at Miami to start this season
Sato, who started playing hockey in Canada in 2010, was a member of the North Iowa Bulls (NA3HL) and the Northeast Generals (NAHL) the year before attending UNH in 2016-2017. Before committing to UNH, Sato remembers coming to a game at the Whittemore Center to watch his future team play.
"I loved the atmosphere, and the rink was an advantage to my speed. I basically loved what I saw and I thought how cool it would be to play here. I started talking to the coaches and it was surreal. It was my first option from the beginning."
With all of these positives to be excited about, Sato also knew that the style of play here in the U.S. was something he'd have to adjust to, after spending so much time playing hockey in Japan.
"It was a different playing style in Japan compared to college hockey in America. I learned a lot about playing professional hockey from playing in Japan. It's less physical and more skilled. Everyone's fast, it's a fast-paced hockey, compared to college which is more physical."
While having to adjust to these differences may seem challenging, the ability for Sato to experience playing for UNH has given him the opportunity to be the first Japanese hockey player to play in a Division I college hockey game. He feels grateful for the opportunity, but also aware of the responsibilities it comes with.
"It feels nice, but I want to do good so people like me growing up in Japan, playing overseas, will be inspired to play here. Hopefully I can make a path for them."
Sato wants other young athletes around the world to realize the potential they have, and to keep working towards their goals.
"I want to show them there is nothing like playing college sports. Work hard and don't give up on your dream. I didn't get my commitment until my last year in juniors. Sometimes it seems like it's a dead end, but you just have to keep digging."
Regardless of the teams he has played for or the rinks he has skated on, Sato has hockey to thank for various lessons he has learned and skills he has developed.
"Hockey has taught me a lot about mental toughness. If you're not playing your best you still have to be engaged and do something for the team. Whether that's giving compliments to your teammates or trying to do the little things, even if it's not going the way you want it to, just stay focused on your ultimate goal."
As for life after UNH, Sato has his intentions set. When asked about his future, Sato instantly had two words come to mind: "Play professional."
"My ultimate goal, and it hasn't changed, is to make it to the NHL. It was my dream to be an NHL player since I can remember. After UNH I want to play professional hockey. Eventually I'll go back to Japan, but as long as I can play in North America, that's what I want to do and that's why I came here in the first place."
His passion for this sport has spanned across the world, and as Sato creates a new path for both himself and others, the one constant that always remains is his love for hockey.
The Wildcats, who started the season 1-0-1 at Miami, will continue their season-opening five-game road trip when they travel to Waltham, Mass., to take on Atlantic Hockey opponent Bentley on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at Bentley Arena.
The Wildcats open the home season at the Whittemore Center on Friday, November 1 when they take on Boston College at 7 p.m. The first of a six-set trading card series will be given away at the game and the UNH Marching Band will perform on the ice. Then the Wildcats will host Dartmouth in a Granite State showdown on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Individual game tickets with affordable options that start as low as $9 and a convenient six-ticket flexible miniplan can now be purchased for the season by calling the Whittemore Center Box Office at (603) 862-4000 or by visiting UNHWildcats.com.
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