The Kenya Ice Lions, established in 2016, have reached new heights in the realm of ice hockey, recently achieving membership with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Based in Nairobi, home to the sole ice rink in East Africa, the team’s journey from a simple group of expats to becoming a notable competitor on the international stage is gaining momentum amid various challenges.
Lions Break the Ice: Kenya's Emerging Ice Hockey Team
Lions Break the Ice: Kenya's Emerging Ice Hockey Team
Kenya's Ice Lions are making waves in a sport typically associated with colder climates, aiming for international recognition and inspiring the next generation.
Nairobi’s unique weather, with temperatures surging above 20°C, seems an unlikely backdrop for an ice hockey team. Nonetheless, the Ice Lions have embraced this paradox, with captain Benjamin Mburu describing his initial experience on the ice as exhilarating, yet surprisingly slippery. “I never imagined I could play ice hockey in Kenya,” he expressed. The team’s formation stemmed from a collective passion for the game, predominantly spearheaded by expats from the U.S. and Canada, who aimed to cultivate local talent.
Through persistent efforts, the Ice Lions recently became the fifth African team to join the IIHF, granting them access to enhanced training opportunities, coaching, and the possibility of participating in global competitions. Mburu notes, however, that aligning with IIHF standards poses the team's next challenge.
Training sessions occur weekly at the Panari Hotel, which houses the only ice rink in the region. The cost of ice time can be prohibitive, nearly $100 per hour, limiting the team's practice to just once a week. Despite these barriers, the Ice Lions have proven themselves by winning a recent exhibition tournament in South Africa, thereby demonstrating their commitment to growth.
Continual support and exposure come from partnerships with international entities after successful travels, including a transformative trip to Canada where players engaged with NHL stars. This sparked notable advancements in skill levels among team members.
In their pursuit of nurturing young talent, the Ice Lions host regular coaching sessions for aspiring players every Saturday morning. Among their youthful participants is 12-year-old Liam Pashari, who relishes the camaraderie and the excitement of learning the sport.
As the Ice Lions aim for future Olympic aspirations and a broader reach with plans for a women’s team, their determination to showcase Kenyan talent on an international platform is unwavering. “The Kenyan flag must fly on ice,” urges winger Mike Carlos, aiming to change perceptions and assert their place in the sport.
With community support and growing national interest, the Ice Lions represent not just a sporting venture but also a beacon of hope and unity in Kenya’s sporting landscape.
Through persistent efforts, the Ice Lions recently became the fifth African team to join the IIHF, granting them access to enhanced training opportunities, coaching, and the possibility of participating in global competitions. Mburu notes, however, that aligning with IIHF standards poses the team's next challenge.
Training sessions occur weekly at the Panari Hotel, which houses the only ice rink in the region. The cost of ice time can be prohibitive, nearly $100 per hour, limiting the team's practice to just once a week. Despite these barriers, the Ice Lions have proven themselves by winning a recent exhibition tournament in South Africa, thereby demonstrating their commitment to growth.
Continual support and exposure come from partnerships with international entities after successful travels, including a transformative trip to Canada where players engaged with NHL stars. This sparked notable advancements in skill levels among team members.
In their pursuit of nurturing young talent, the Ice Lions host regular coaching sessions for aspiring players every Saturday morning. Among their youthful participants is 12-year-old Liam Pashari, who relishes the camaraderie and the excitement of learning the sport.
As the Ice Lions aim for future Olympic aspirations and a broader reach with plans for a women’s team, their determination to showcase Kenyan talent on an international platform is unwavering. “The Kenyan flag must fly on ice,” urges winger Mike Carlos, aiming to change perceptions and assert their place in the sport.
With community support and growing national interest, the Ice Lions represent not just a sporting venture but also a beacon of hope and unity in Kenya’s sporting landscape.
