Basingstoke Bison Add Isogai and Howlett for 2026/27 Campaign

Japanese forward Sota Isogai arrives in the UK following a title-winning season with Red Eagles Hokkaido in the Asia League. The 2025/26 campaign saw Isogai record 22 goals and 18 assists in 40 regular season games before adding six points during the play-offs as Hokkaido secured the championship. Internationally, Isogai has represented Japan in multiple IIHF World Championship Division 1A tournaments as well as Olympic qualification events.

The forward’s career has included spells in Russia, Austria and North America before returning to Japan, where he established himself as a regular performer in the Asia League. Speaking following the announcement, Isogai said he was looking forward to the opportunity to play in Great Britain and join the Bison organisation for the new season.

Basingstoke have also added forward Mac Howlett, who joins after previous experience across the NIHL National Division and Elite League. The 26-year-old spent the 2024/25 season with Leeds Knights, registering 47 points in 54 regular season appearances before contributing a further eight points during the play-offs.

During the following campaign, Howlett moved to MK Lightning mid-season and produced 33 points in 20 league games, alongside eight points in six play-off appearances. Known for his pace and offensive play, the forward adds further attacking options to the Bison lineup ahead of the new campaign.

Howlett has also featured in the Elite League with Glasgow Clan, Coventry Blaze and Dundee Stars, while representing Great Britain at both Under-18 and Under-20 level. Following the announcement, he described the move to Basingstoke as a natural fit and said he was looking forward to helping the club continue its progress during the 2026/27 season.