Foxboro, MA - We are excited to announce Kotaro Murase has been named NCDC New England Division MVP & Forward of the Year!

Murase, a native of Hokkaido, Japan, is in his 2nd season with the South Shore Kings NCDC team. He appeared in 44 regular season games for the Kings in 2022-2023. He recorded 11 goals and 21 assists. He also had 6 points in 8 playoff games in 2023. He also won a Bronze medal with Team Japan in the World Junior Championships Division 1 Group B tournament in 2022. He then won a gold medal in 2023. 

Kotaro took a big step in year 2. Murase not only scored 22 goals and 33 assists for 55 points, but he led Kings forwards in several individual metrics, such as zone entries (298), breakouts (217), goals scored when he was on ice (87) and accurate passes (1,195). His +29 rating was second among Kings forwards and his 177:03 of total power play time was second among Kings forwards. He currently has 9 points in 9 playoff games for the Kings. 

Through 2 seasons, Murase has 87 points, which puts him just behind countryman Chikara Hanzawa for the most in Kings NCDC history. 

“I’m very happy and grateful to be recognized as the MVP of our division. I want to thank my parents for making this possible and the Kings organization for the support the past two seasons. This season, after last year, I had more confidence to make plays with the puck and set up chances for my teammates. I also worked hard to make my shot better. I’m very excited to be playing for the championship. Last season, we came really close and hope to be able to win it this year,” added Murase. “I would love to end my junior career and time with the Kings celebrating a championship.”

“Both these awards are very deserving. Kotaro has been a big part of our team these past two seasons. His consistency is what separates him. He has produced some big-time goals for us, most recently the game winning, series clinching, overtime goal against Utica in round 1. Most importantly, Kotaro is a phenomenal person. I have enjoyed coaching him these past two seasons. I look forward to watching him succeed at the next level.” said GM/Head Coach Tyler Holske 

Congratulations to Kotaro on this outstanding accomplishment.