Former Grizzly Signs Pro Contract with Tohoku Free Blades

Jun 17, 2022

ROCHESTER, MN – Yotaro Nakadate, a member of the 2020-21 Grizzlies Team, has signed a pro contract with the Tohoku Free Blades of the Asia League Ice Hockey.

A native of Morioka, Japan, Nakadate joined the Grizzlies during the 2020-21 and was a big part of the solid defensive unit for the team. In his first and only season in Rochester, Nakadate put up great numbers while patrolling the Blue Line as he would appear in 37 games and totaling 2G-19A-21P. Prior to joining the Grizzlies, Nakadate was a member of Japan’s 18U National Team.

The Asia League Ice Hockey (ALIH) is an association that operates a professional ice hockey league based in North and East Asia, with teams from Japan, Russia, and South Korea. The Tohoku Free Blades are based out of Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan and play out of Flat Arena.