On March 24, the Nippon Paper Cranes won the Asia League Ice Hockey 2006-2007 for the first time in three seasons, defeating the Seibu Prince Rabbits in the fourth play-off game with a score of 6-5 after extra time. This is the second ever victory for the Cranes in this championship.
Cranes had won twice and lost once in the play-off. Players moved from Kushiro Ice Arena to Dydo Drinco Ice Arena in Tokyo to compete in the fourth match, where Cranes made the fifth goal to even up the score right before the end of the third period. The game entered extra time with the sudden death rule. As a result, the Cranes won with a goal at four minutes and two seconds in extra time.
This is Cranes' second win in the Asia League since the first season, in 2003-04, in which the team became the inaugural champion. It is the first championship victory for the team since the introduction of the play-offs.
The Cranes previously won the National Championship in February. Thanks to your support and encouragement, Cranes won two titles in a season for the first time in the team's history. All members of the team are united in their commitment to pursuit further glory. The team looks forward to counting on your continued support.