The Tohoku Free Blades have finally officially signed new players to bring their player count up to 16 (still far short of the minimum 23 player roster for the Asia League).
Starting goalie will be ex-Ice Buck Michio Hashimoto, the 32 year old veteran will keep the new team respectable, and he is a product of the local Hachinohe hockey scene. Hashimoto appeared in 32 games for the Bucks last season and posted an 89.7% save percentage.
Blades have also signed Yoshikazu Kashino from the defunct Seibu Prince Rabbits. Kashino played in 20 games and recorded no points last season.
The team has opened camp in Hachinohe, Aomori on 3 August.