Bison bring back Sato

Action photo of Kohei Sato of the Bloomington Bison

Bloomington, Ill. - The Bloomington Bison announced that the team has signed forward Kohei Sato to a contract for the 2025-26 season.

Sato, 28, appeared in 22 games with the Bison last season collecting 10 points (2g-8a) with 20 penalty minutes. He was acquired on Jan. 22 from the Orlando Solar Bears where he skated in 10 games posting two points (1g-1a) and nine penalty minutes.

The Nishitokio, Japan native played with the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League during the 2023-24 season, recording 23 points (11g-12a) and 33 penalty minutes in 47 games.

Internationally, Sato has competed for the Japan Men’s Ice Hockey National Team and medaled three times at the Division 1 (B) World Championships in 2019 (Bronze), 2022 (Silver), and 2023 (Gold).

Sato played with the University of New Hampshire from 2017-22 totaling 29 points (10g-19a) in 104 games. He completed his collegiate career in 2021-22 with Bentley University skating in 31 games and potting 12 points (5g-7a) while registering 26 penalty minutes.