Masashi Joho's arrival in Toyama before the start of the 2011-12 season was a clear sign that the Grouses had decided to raise the stakes for a franchise that had struggled to win games since its inception in 2006. Clearly, this signing signaled the following: The Grouses wanted and valued title-winning players to strengthen the nucleus of their team.
Smart move.
The Grouses are now on track for an increase in regular-season wins for the third straight season — after 25 in 2011-12 and 35 last season — during Joho's time with the club.