USHL Lincoln Stars

Yu Sato Signs in KHL

June 14, 2022 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release


Yu Sato has announced his signing with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the Kontinental Hockey League.

"We are really happy for Yu," Stars General Manager Nick Fabrizio said. "Yu was a big part of our team and we really appreciate his contributions both on and off the ice. We wish him all the best in his pro career and beyond."

Sato, 20, scored 13 goals and recorded 23 assists in 104 USHL games from 2020-22 with the Stars. The Saitama, JPN native was added as a free agent shortly before the 2019-20 season after playing in the QMJHL with the Quebec Ramparts.

"Congratulations to Yu for earning the opportunity to sign a pro contract in the KHL," Stars Head Coach Rocky Russo said. "Yu showed his versatility this season, playing all 3 forward positions and will be a valuable asset to his new club. He is a great teammate and even better person. We wish him all the best in the next step of his career."

Sato, who speaks Russian after playing in Moscow earlier in his career, gelled with Gleb Veremyev instantly. The two lived in the same billet house in 2020-21 and maintained one of the closest connections in the Stars locker room over the past two years.

"We spent every day together 24/7 for our first year and we pretty much became brothers," Veremyev said. "He's a super funny and determined kid. We were also pretty far from home, so having that companion with you helped the both of us. To this day, we still talk every week and follow what the other person does. Hopefully, in the future, we get to play together again."

Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod has been a member of the KHL since 2008 and recently saw their eight-year playoff streak end this past season. Sato was the first Japanese-born player to play for the Stars in their history.

"I want to say thank you for two amazing years in Lincoln," Sato said. "They were the best fans I've ever played in front of and I'll never forget how loud the Ice Box was."

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