Player Bio:

Growing up in Sapporo, Japan, I viewed sports as duties rather than recreation. Just as I had to go to school, I had to train. Yes, those cultural stereotypes are sometimes true. “Train,” not “play.” I was almost 30 when I joined an ice hockey team and realized that sports were supposed to be fun!

More importantly to me, hockey is camaraderie. With my team and with the rival teams – especially Val’s team that we battled against in the 2010 playoff final. We are a community.

I got even more motivated and committed to this particular cause after watching 65_Redroses, hearing Val’s personal story, researching about the disease, and reading further about Eva’s life. I also owe her a personal thanks. I have recently developed food allergies and was still struggling with the fear of not breathing.

You know what, Eva’s story and her amazing attitude helped me realize that I was just being a huge wuss!

It certainly was a big decision to participate as a player instead of being a volunteer. I’m excited, and I’m scared. But all of the players, volunteers, and sponsors/donors are in this as a team, and I trust Val and this team.

Please join our team by donating! Thank you SO MUCH in advance!