Inspired by Declan Farmer, Itsuki Ito finds his freedom on the ice

For Itsuki Ito, ice hockey has always been more than a sport – it’s where he feels most alive. 

“When I’m on the ice, I feel the happiest,” he says. “It’s also where I feel strongest and most confident.”

The 21-year-old’s love for the game began at a very young age of six. Drawn to the speed and teamwork of ice hockey, he spent his childhood chasing pucks and dreaming of scoring goals. But a life-changing traffic accident in elementary school threatened to put those dreams on hold.

“I was very upset that I could no longer play the ice hockey I loved,” he recalls. 

The transition to Para ice hockey was not easy. Unlike able-bodied hockey, where players use a single stick, Para ice hockey requires two. 

“At first, I struggled trying to use both hands,” he admits.

Resilience became a defining feature of his journey. He was selected to represent Japan’s national team in the first year of junior high school.  Joining the team at a young age – often as the youngest player on the roster – pushed him to grow quickly. 

“It made me stronger,” he reflects. “I had to step up and do my best among older, more experienced players.”

Over the years, he also realised how Para ice hockey has transformed his perception of ability and freedom. 

“Sometimes I notice my limitations off the ice, but on the ice, I feel free,” Ito explains. “I can move unbelievably fast, glide freely, and forget about my disability. I truly love that feeling.”

Farmer fan

Ito credits some of his biggest lessons to training alongside senior athletes and role models like Declan Farmer of the United States. 

“I’ve admired Declan since I was a child. I wanted to become a player like him, so when I was young, I watched many videos of his games,” Ito says. “I believed that practicing with him would help me grow the most, so I moved to Colorado. I learned valuable puck control and shooting skills from him.”

His hard work paid off. He was part of the Japan team that won the B-Pool title at the 2023 World Para Ice Hockey Championships and was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. 

Two years later, he represented Japan at the Milano Cortina Qualification Tournament in Jessheim, Norway. With a record of four wins and one loss, Japan earned first place and secured their spot at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games – a milestone Ito describes as transformative. 

“It was my first qualification tournament, and although I was nervous before every game, it made me stronger. I feel better prepared for Milano Cortina 2026, without being overwhelmed by nerves.”

From Jessheim to @milanocortina26 🇯🇵🇸🇰

Japan and Slovakia earned the final two spots for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Check out the highlights of the Qualification Tournament.#ParalympicWinterGames #MilanoCortina2026 @paralympics pic.twitter.com/pXfaoC9xPC

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) November 25, 2025

Recognitions followed too as Ito was also named Best Forward at the same tournament in Jessheim.

“I’m very proud of it,” he says. “At Milano Cortina, I want to score more goals and continue helping my team.”

First Paralympic goal

Looking ahead, Ito’s ambitions are as big as his passion. Japan’s team feature several first-time Paralympians, but Ito believes in their potential. 

On a personal level, he said before the Games that his dream was to score a Paralympic goal and help Japan earn a victory – something the team has not achieved in 16 years.

The first part of the dream has already come true. Twice, in fact. Ito scored against Czechia and Slovakia, though Japan lost both games. The second part remains: earing that long-awaited win. Their next challenge is Italy on Thursday (12 March) in front of the home crowd at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

“Our goal for Milano Cortina 2026 is to win at least one game. Japan has not won a game at the Paralympics since 2010, so earning a victory for the first time in 16 years is our minimum goal.”

“The Paralympics is a stage I admired since I was a child. Being on the ice will feel like a reward for all my hard work,” he explains. 

Now, Ito himself has become a role model for young Japanese athletes discovering Para ice hockey. And just as he once looked up to his teammates, perhaps some of them will one day join him on the national team as he sets his sights on the podium.

“In the future, I want to achieve a result that surpasses the silver medal that Japan won at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics.” 

Fast facts

Favourite Italian food: Pizza
Favourite pre-game ritual: Inhaling the cold air of the empty ice rink.
Hobbies: Playing video games with friends
His strengths: Being young