NEW YORK, NY – The New York Riveters will be the first NWHL team to play an international game when they travel to face off against Smile Japan in December. The three-game series will take place on Wednesday, December 16th, Thursday, December 17th and Saturday, December 19th at the Nikko Kirifuri Ice Arena in Nikko, Japan.
“This is a historic opportunity to bring the NWHL to Japan and grow the game of women’s hockey,” said Riveters head coach Chad Wiseman.
“It’s especially significant for me personally since I’ve been able to play in Japan during my professional career and now return as a coach of the Riveters.”
For Riveters goaltender Nana Fujimoto, the trip to Japan will also be a significant one. Fujimoto is a member of the Japanese national team and competed for Smile Japan in both the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championships, where she was named the tournament’s top goaltender.
“This will be significant experience for both Team Japan and myself,” said Fujimoto. “I’m honored to be able to come back to Japan as a member of New York Riveters.”
“I’ve seen the team from only their point of view, but this time I hope that I will be able to observe them with a broader perspective. I am really looking forward to competing with them.”
The New York Riveters begin their regular season October 11, 2015 on the road against the Connecticut Whale.
For more information about the New York Riveters and Nana Fujimoto, please visit NWHL.co.
