ECHL: Riku Ishida Heads Overseas

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Armand Klisivitch | Last updated May 22, 2026 9:58 AM ET

Bloomington Bison defenseman Riku Ishida is heading overseas to France to join Marseille (Ligue Magnus). In 59 games with the Bison, he put up 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points. He would add one assist in six Kelly Cup Playoff games. Ishida is the first member of the Bison to take the overseas route, but Bloomington is rumored to be losing a few more key players to teams overseas during the summer.

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Prior to playing in Bloomington, the Japanese defenseman spent a year in the Asia League and a year in Italy. In 38 games with Meran/Merano, he put up five goals and 29 assists for 34 points. He would add two assists in nine playoff games. During his time in the Asia League, he had four goals and 19 assists for 23 points in 32 games with the Tohoku Free Blades. Ishida would be named the best defenseman at the 2025 Asia Championships.

The 26-year-old blueliner has also represented his country on the International stage, playing in 36 games where he’s put up two goals and 10 assists for 12 points. He won back-to-back medals in 2022 and 2023 at the World Championships (D1B). In 2024, he was named as one of the top players on Japan at the World Championships (D1A).

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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