Canucks Land Hirose

The Vancouver Canucks have signed former Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) student-athlete Akito Hirose to an NHL Entry Level Contract.

Hirose spent three years with Edge School, including two in the CSSHL. During the 2014/15 U16 Prep campaign Hirose would record 27 points in 30 games. The following season the Calgary, AB defenseman tallied 27 points in 31 games.

In 2016/17 he would join the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), recording 10 points in 44 games. The following two BCHL seasons Hirose would tally 61 points in 107 games.

Hirose would explode offensively in 2019/20, captaining Salmon Arm while producing 51 points in 57 games. His impressive season would see him earn BCHL First Team All-Star and BCHL Top Defenseman honours, while leading all BCHL defenseman in assists (42) and points (51).

The following season Hirose would join Minnesota State University, finishing with 15 points in 28 games while capturing NCAA (WCHA) All-Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year, and Third Team All-Star honours. Minnesota State University would also be crowned as NCAA (WCHA) Regular Season Champions.

In 2021/22 Hirose would tally 26 points in 38 games while Minnesota State University were named NCAA (CCHA) Champions.

This past season Hirose played in 38 NCAA games with Minnesota State University, tallying 27 points in 38 games. Hirose made his NHL debut with the Canucks on April 2 and has played two games with the team.