Fukufuji becomes first Japanese player in NHL

ST. LOUIS (AP) -Los Angeles Kings goalie Yutaka Fukufuji became the first Japanese-born person to play in the NHL when he entered Saturday's game against the St. Louis Blues at the start of the third period.

Fukufuji replaced Barry Brust, who allowed five goals in the first two periods.

The 24-year-old Fukufuji was recalled Friday on an emergency basis after Mathieu Garon was placed on injured reserve with a finger injury. Fukufuji became the first Japanese native to dress for a league game Dec. 16 against Dallas in another emergency stint.

He surrendered his first goal 7:32 into the final period on the second shot he faced. Dennis Wideman scored during a power play to give the Blues a 6-4 lead.

Fukufuji was 2-0-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average in three games at Manchester of the American Hockey League and 3-3-0 with Reading of the East Coast Hockey League.