Hirano, 27, joined the Abbotsford Canucks in January 2022 after signing a professional try-out contract with the team. He went on to appear in 30 games for them during the 2021-22 season, tallying 12 points (five goals, seven assists), 18 penalty minutes and was a minus-four.
His play in those 30 games earned him an AHL contract with Abbotsford for the 2022-23 campaign. In 18 games this past season, Hirano had four points (two goals, two assists).
The Tomakomai native represented Japan, once again, at the 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championship Division 1B tournament. Hirano's ten points in five games helped Japan go undefeated and earn promotion to the 1A tournament in 2024.
