Japanese national team members and sisters Akane Shiga and Aoi Shiga, have signed two-year contracts to play for the PHF's Buffalo Beauts.

Akane Shiga and Aoi Shiga, two of the best Japenese players in the world, have signed two-year contracts with the Buffalo Beauts.

Both sisters compete for the Japanese national team playing for Japan at the 2022 Olympics and multiple World Championships.

According to Akane Shiga, who was named the 25th best women's hockey player in the world in 2022 by TSN, she's been hoping to play in North America for a while.

“I have had a desire to play abroad for a long time,” said Akane Shiga in a press release. “I received an offer from Buffalo and had a great conversation with general manager Nate Oliver. I agree with the team philosophy, and I found that the environment is great. I'm excited to be one of the Beauts.”

The duo have been among the top players in Japan for years.

"We are very excited that Akane and Aoi have decided to join the Beauts for the next two seasons,” said Oliver. 

“I had been aware of both players for quite some time. Aoi actually played in Buffalo at the 2015 Women’s U18’s, so I initially saw her there. I scouted them both closely up in Brampton back in the spring. They are two of the most successful players from Japan’s Women’s National Team and I believe that they can be mainstays within the Beauts’ organization. Furthermore, both Aoi and Akane reflect the values of outworking the opposing team and being steadfast, reliable teammates to others.”

Akane, 22, is a forward, while Aoi, 23, is a defender.