Junior 2023 graduate forward Hina Shimomukai has committed to the University of Vermont in the Hockey East. Hina is from Hokkiado, Japan and has been working with Hockey Director Sam Cheema for the past couple years in Sweden – leading to Hina’s eventual move to New Jersey. Hina lead the Japanese in scoring to their Gold Medal placing in the Olympic Youth Games in 2020 – scoring the game winner against Sweden. 

“Hina’s maturity and devotion to the game of hockey is special to witness. The Japanese hockey federation have done a fantastic job developing their players – through a disciplined approach to hockey. Hina’s skating ability sets herself apart and her peers and it is a noticeable difference maker. Hina came to the US without knowing the language, family or knowing the hockey landscape – she has excelled so far and led our team in scoring through the first half. We are excited to see Hina’s future development into next season and have no doubt that she will go on to accomplish many feats on the world stage.”

University of Vermont competes in the Hockey East and is Head Coached by Jim Plummer. Assistant coach Jess Koiziumi has Japanese heritage – she has also assisted the Japanese federation in previous camps. 

Posted in Commitments, News