In February of this year I wrote about how Yushiroh Hirano had earned himself an AHL deal with Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins after impressing with the Penguins ECHL affiliate.
Japanese hockey pioneer looking to break down barriers

The 23 year old would go on to produce 57 points, including nineteen goals, in 67 games for the Wheeling Nailers through 2018-19.

Perhaps most importantly however, the right winger was given the chance to make his AHL debut and promptly recorded a primary assist for Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins as they cruised to a 5-2 victory over Binghamton Devils.

Hirano became just the second every Japanese player to play in the AHL and the first ever to record a point.

An excellent rookie year in North American in which Hirano finished second in scoring on a struggling Wheelers team which mustered just a .500 record, begged the question, what next?

Well a full-time AHL gig is apparently up for grabs as Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins signed the Japanese forward to an American League contract for the 2019-20 season.

Yushiroh Hirano’s NHL dream is still very much alive and kicking.