San Jose native Mizuno thrilled with decision to utilize EHL for final season of junior hockey

BY MATT MACKINDER

Kodai Mizuno has started his last season of junior hockey eligibility with a bang.

The San Jose native and longtime Jr. Sharks standout is playing the 2023-24 season for the EHL’s New Hampshire Avalanche after two seasons in the USPHL with the Boston Advantage.

“My goal is to play NCAA Division III hockey and found out that EHL commits a lot of players to DIII, which made me want to play in this league,” said Mizuno. “My old coach from the Boston Advantage, Ean Mendeszoon, helped me connect with (New Hampshire coach) Chris

Cerrella. This year is my third and final year in juniors, so I wanted to pick a team that will be the best fit for me. With frequent communication with Coach Cerrella, I was certain that the New Hampshire Avalanche was the perfect fit for me and I was able to pick this team with confidence. Playing in the EHL is definitely appealing as I know that there are many scouts watching our games which allows me to focus on hockey more. There is a lot of talent and the competition level is very high, so I’m learning and getting better each day.

“I was a little nervous at first since I had never met my roommates before. However, as time has gone on, living in an apartment with my teammates has been enjoyable. I am thrilled to create new friendships with my new teammates and share this journey with people who share the same passion and goals. Living on the East Coast always gives me new experiences as well. Living in the snow and waiting for the frozen windshield to melt to go to practice is always a new feeling for me. It also gives me many opportunities to go to D-I and D-III college hockey games compared to living in San Jose. I couldn’t go to the Beanpot last year, so I really hope I can make it this year. The one thing I haven’t done yet this season is find a good sushi restaurant around me.”

Recently, Mizuno was named to a team of EHL All-Stars to play in the 2023 EHL All-Star College Series, a string of games against NCAA D-III teams in mid-October.

“I feel honored to be able to play with all the talents from the league and to have an opportunity to play against D-III schools,” Mizuno said. “I hope to step up my game even more through these games and display what I am capable of. I am truly excited to be part of it.”

Back home, playing for the Jr. Sharks helped elevate Mizuno’s