The Para ice hockey competition at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, scheduled from March 6 to 15, promises intense competition as Japan aims to reestablish itself among the world’s elite. The tournament is set to be a marquee event of the Paralympic program.

All games will be played at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a state-of-the-art venue designed to showcase the speed and physicality of the sport.

Background

Japan enters Milano Cortina aiming to return to form after missing the Beijing 2022 Games. Having debuted in the sport at the 1998 Paralympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan has been recognized for its speed, structure, and tactical discipline.

The program’s defining moment came at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, where Japan captured the silver medal – the nation’s first and only Paralympic podium finish in the sport. That performance cemented Japan’s reputation as a technically skilled and resilient team. In recent years, Japan has focused on integrating younger players while maintaining its team-first identity.

At Milano Cortina 2026, the roster will include Akari Fukunishi, one of the stars of the first edition of the Women’s World Championships last year in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia.

Known for precise puck movement, quick transitions, and relentless work ethic, the team relies on cohesion and conditioning to stay competitive.

🏆 Best Forward Award:
Japan’s #10 Itsuki Ito #ParaIceHockey | #Astana2025

Para Ice Hockey

Roster Breakdown

• Forwards: Itsuki Ito, Mikio Kaneko, Yusei Kawahara, Masaharu Kumagai, Eiji Misawa, Amu Morisaki, Shunsuke Nakamura, Kazuyoshi Niets, Shosei Skai, Mamoru Yoshikawa
• Defenders: Aakari Fukunishi, Yudai Ishikawa, Masahiro Matsushita, Norihiko Nasu, Yoshihiro Shioya, Satoru Sudo
• Goaltenders: Wataru Horie, Manabu Okabe

Paralympic Winter Games History

• 2018: 8th place
• 2010: Silver medal
• 2006: 5th place
• 2002: 5th place
• 1998: 5th place

Athlete to Watch

Itsuki Ito, just 20 years old, is Japan’s top scoring threat. He tallied 15 goals and 11 assists at the World Championships B-Pool last year and was named Best Forward at the Paralympic Qualification Tournament.

Matchup to Watch

Japan vs. Canada on Sunday, 9 March: A matchup with perennial powerhouse Canada offers Japan a measuring stick early in the tournament. A strong performance against one of the sport’s traditional medal contenders could provide critical momentum.