Kenya, known for its sun-soaked terrain, is now home to an emerging ice hockey scene, centered at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi, which houses the only ice rink in East and Central Africa. Here, the Kenya Ice Lions, the nation's inaugural ice hockey team, train and hone their skills. Captain Benjamin Mburu reflected on his unusual journey, stating it was surreal to experience the sport in a warm climate. The Ice Lions have recently gained membership in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), joining the ranks of just four other African teams, allowing them access to international competitions and funding resources.
The pursuit of ice hockey in a region predominantly characterized by warmer weather is not without its challenges. The Ice Lions, started by expats from North America, require significant investment in training. With ice time costing around $100 for just an hour, training sessions are limited, often restricted to once a week. Despite these hurdles, the team has found a way to thrive and attract local talent. Coach Tim Colby highlighted their dedication to developing the sport, even as finding proper equipment presents a persistent obstacle.
International exposure has been crucial to the team's growth. A transformative visit to Canada, where players met NHL stars and garnered sponsorships, led to enhanced training resources. The Ice Lions recently demonstrated their growth by winning an exhibition tournament in South Africa, solidifying the team's credibility and potential.
Aiming to inspire future generations, the Ice Lions host weekly training sessions for young enthusiasts. 12-year-old Liam Pashari expressed his passion for the sport, emphasizing the camaraderie the team nurtures. Additionally, the Ice Lions are planning to establish a women's team to broaden participation. With aspirations of competing in the Winter Olympics, the Ice Lions aim to prove skeptics wrong by showcasing Kenyan talent on the international ice hockey stage.
Their motto? "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice." As Mike Carlos, a player, asserted, they are determined to demonstrate Kenya's rightful place in the world of ice hockey.
The pursuit of ice hockey in a region predominantly characterized by warmer weather is not without its challenges. The Ice Lions, started by expats from North America, require significant investment in training. With ice time costing around $100 for just an hour, training sessions are limited, often restricted to once a week. Despite these hurdles, the team has found a way to thrive and attract local talent. Coach Tim Colby highlighted their dedication to developing the sport, even as finding proper equipment presents a persistent obstacle.
International exposure has been crucial to the team's growth. A transformative visit to Canada, where players met NHL stars and garnered sponsorships, led to enhanced training resources. The Ice Lions recently demonstrated their growth by winning an exhibition tournament in South Africa, solidifying the team's credibility and potential.
Aiming to inspire future generations, the Ice Lions host weekly training sessions for young enthusiasts. 12-year-old Liam Pashari expressed his passion for the sport, emphasizing the camaraderie the team nurtures. Additionally, the Ice Lions are planning to establish a women's team to broaden participation. With aspirations of competing in the Winter Olympics, the Ice Lions aim to prove skeptics wrong by showcasing Kenyan talent on the international ice hockey stage.
Their motto? "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice." As Mike Carlos, a player, asserted, they are determined to demonstrate Kenya's rightful place in the world of ice hockey.
