The reigning champions to begin new season bid in Nikko, Japan, with renewed determination despite key player departures
Young talent and veteran leadership fuel HL Anyang’s pursuit of record-breaking achievements in 2025-2026 season
HL Anyang will embark on its quest for a record-breaking 10th championship and a fourth consecutive unified title as the Asia League Ice Hockey 2025-2026 season opens on September 20 in Nikko, Japan.
The team departed for Japan on September 19 and will face Nikko Ice Bucks in a three-game opening series on the 20th, 21st, and 23rd.
With nine Asia League titles since 2010, and as the reigning champions of the regular season and playoffs for three consecutive years, HL Anyang has cemented its reputation as Korea’s premier ice hockey club.
However, the club faces challenges this season after the retirement of key players Matt Dalton, Lee Young-jun, Park Jin-kyu, and Kim Won-jun. Additionally, Ji Hyo-seok and Yoo Bum-seok are absent this season due to military duty, resulting in unavoidable roster changes.
Despite these setbacks, the team remains confident, buoyed by its experience and winning culture.
In particular, the infusion of young talent—including Lee Joo-hyung, Kim Geon-woo, and Nam Hee-doo—has driven a successful generational shift since the 2022-2023 season, positioning HL Anyang to make another strong title challenge.
Goaltender Lee Yeonseung, who posted a goals against average of 2.20 and a .910 save percentage last season, will anchor the defense as the last line.
Head coach Baek Ji-seon remarked, “We are aware of concerns from outsiders, but all 21 players are fully prepared. Our mental readiness is stronger than ever. Overcoming adversity at every moment is the true strength of HL Anyang.”
This season, Kim Sang-wook is expected to set a new league record for most career points, with 572 points to date in Asia League competition, while Lee Dong-gu aims for a record 450 appearances by a Korean player.
The 2025-2026 Asia League Ice Hockey season features HL Anyang and five Japanese teams, each playing 40 games, with the top four teams advancing to the finals.
Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”
Photo=Yonhap News Agency
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