FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks hockey program has announced the addition of Taisetsu Ushio, a forward from Hokkaido, Japan. Ushio spent two seasons with the Anchorage Wolverines in the NAHL before playing for the Prince George Spruce Kings of the BCHL last season. 

"Tai is a dynamic offensive player who plays with pace and competes extremely hard," said head coach Erik Largen. "He has a natural ability to create offense, can finish around the net, and has proven he can produce wherever he has played. His work ethic and desire to improve will fit extremely well within our culture." Ushio first joined the Anchorage Wolverines in 2023-24 and skated in 40 games. He nearly produced a point per game, wrapping the year up with 39 points on 20 goals and 19 assists. Anchorage played six postseason games that year, and he posted a point-per-game average, scoring six points on three goals and three assists. The next season, 2024-25, saw a jump across the board for Ushio. He skated in 47 games and posted 48 points on 25 goals and 23 assists. The Wolverines played in eight playoff games and he scored four points on two goals and two assists.

After two seasons in the NAHL, Ushio made the jump to the BCHL where he played for Prince George. He matched his games played from the year before with 47, but his production skyrocketed as he finished with 66 points on 31 goals and 35 assists. These totals earned him BCHL honors as he was named to the BCHL All-Star Game, earned BCHL Second Team All-Star honors, and was named to the BCHL Team World. 

Alongside his junior career, Ushio has left his mark internationally with Team Japan. He earned a U18 WJC (D1A) bronze medal and a U20 WJC (D1B) gold medal in 2022-23 before being named the U20 WJC (D1A) top player on team in 2023-24. During 2024-25 he earned U20 WJC (D1B) best forward honors, he scored the most goals with seven, led the way with 11 points, won the silver medal, and was named the top player on the team. 

Ushio is 5-8, 161 pounds, and a right-handed shot. 

Additional signings will be announced today and tomorrow for the Nanooks hockey team. 

Follow the 'Nooks
IG - @NanooksHockey
X - @NanooksHockey
FB - Alaska Nanooks Hockey