The Prince George Spruce Kings are pleased to announce the commitment of 2005 born forward Tai Ushio for the 2025-2026 season.
Ushio is 5’9, 170 pounds from Hokkaido, Japan who spent the last two seasons with the Anchorage Wolverines of the North American Hockey League. In 87 games, Tai put up 45 goals and 42 assists for 87 points. He also added 5 goals and 5 assists in 14 playoff games.
Ushio has also represented Japan at the U-18, U-20, and Men’s levels, playing in 31 games, scoring 20 times and adding 9 assists. He earned the Best Forward award while recording the most goals and most points at the 2025 IIHF World Under-20 Division 1-B tournament.
Ushio is committed to University of Alaska-Fairbanks for 2026-2027.
Current Spruce King Kazumo Sasaki played on the same team with Ushio at the last two World Under-20 Tournaments.
Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes: “Tai is a gifted player who will add a lot of skill to our forward group. He will be leaned upon heavily to help drive our offense while also contributing in all areas of the ice. He is a a great addition to our program.”
Tai Ushio: “I chose the Spruce Kings because of how well the organization is treating the players and the people of Prince George love hockey. I can’t wait to play in front of Spruce Kings fans!”
For any media inquiries, please contact Kyle Anderson at kanderson@sprucekings.bc.ca
