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1.16.2007

nhl's first japanese player

Called up last minute, Los Angeles Kings goalie Yutaka Fukufuji became the first Japanese player to play in the NHL on Saturday, starting in the third period against the St. Louis Blues: Fukufuji becomes league's first Japanese player. He faced five shots on his debut and conceded a powerplay goal by Dennis Wideman. The Kings lost 6-5.