Mason City, IA- Kohei Sato, a Mason City hockey favorite, has signed to play professional hockey with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, in Orlando, Florida.
A native of Nishitokyo, Japan, Sato spent parts of three seasons playing in Mason City for the NA3HL’s North Iowa Bulls. Between the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons, Sato suited up in 71 games for the Bulls and notched 38 goals and 35 assists for 73 points across his time playing for the Bulls. In the 2016 Silver Cup Playoffs, Sato added 9 games played with 9 goals and 8 assists for 17 points to help the Bulls claim the 2016 Silver Cup.
“I’m so proud of Kohei,” said current Mason City Toros Head Coach Mark Hicks, who coached Sato during his time in Mason City. “He’s one of the fastest and most dynamic players we’ve ever had come through Mason City and his speed will translate well to playing in the ECHL. Kohei is one of the most beloved players to come through Mason City, and we’re excited to see him playing in the ECHL.”
After leaving North Iowa, Sato finished his time in junior hockey playing for the NAHL’s Northeast Generals before entering college. In total, he played five seasons of NCAA DI Hockey, four for the University of New Hampshire (Hockey East) and one for Bentley University (Atlantic Hockey). Following his collegiate career, he signed to play professional hockey for two seasons in Finland and the United Kingdom.
The Orlando Solar Bears are the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning.
Kohei Sato is the second Mason City NA3HL alumnus to reach the ECHL. Sato’s Bulls teammate, Brett Gravelle has suited up for the Iowa Heartlanders and Rapid City Rush over the previous three seasons.