In Nairobi, where temperatures rarely dip below 20°C, the emergence of ice hockey may seem improbable. Yet amid the city’s vibrant wildlife, the Panari Hotel boasts East and Central Africa's only ice rink; it serves as the training ground for Kenya's exclusive ice hockey team, the Ice Lions. Established in 2016, the Ice Lions are making considerable strides in a sport traditionally played in frigid climates. Team captain, Benjamin Mburu, recalls his initial experience on ice: "I never imagined I could play ice hockey in Kenya," illustrating the novelty of their endeavor.
Recently, the Ice Lions accomplished a significant achievement by becoming the fifth African team to join the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This membership not only opens doors to competitions and funding but also provides opportunities for coaching expertise. Emphasizing the uphill battle ahead, Mburu admits, “We must now reach IIHF standards, and that is where our work is cut [out].”
Originating from a group of expatriates, the Ice Lions have creatively engaged the local community to grow the sport. This journey has not been without challenges. Ice time is a rare commodity; training sessions at the Panari Hotel cost nearly $100 per hour, restricting the team to weekly practices in a rink just a quarter the size of an Olympic standard. Coach Tim Colby highlights the difficulties of acquiring specialized equipment, most of which must be sourced from Europe or North America.
Despite these obstacles, international exposure has bolstered the team's visibility. A pivotal trip to Canada, where players met NHL stars, resulted in equipment donations and sponsorship opportunities—a leap that propelled the Ice Lions' skill development. Their recent success in an exhibition tournament in South Africa has helped to raise the crest of their ambitions.
The Ice Lions aim not only to compete globally but also to cultivate the next generation of ice hockey talent in Kenya. Weekend coaching sessions for children reflect their commitment to spreading the sport's popularity. Aspirants like 12-year-old Liam Pashari share their enthusiasm, echoing the sentiment that participating in ice hockey is a welcome reprieve from life's stresses.
With plans to form a female team and ongoing aspirations for higher engagement in international competitions, the Ice Lions stand poised to voice a resounding statement: the Kenyan flag must fly in ice hockey arenas worldwide. “There are people that think Kenyans cannot play ice hockey. But we must show them that we have arrived,” asserts winger Mike Carlos, underscoring the team's resolve in pursuing their icy dreams against all odds.
Recently, the Ice Lions accomplished a significant achievement by becoming the fifth African team to join the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This membership not only opens doors to competitions and funding but also provides opportunities for coaching expertise. Emphasizing the uphill battle ahead, Mburu admits, “We must now reach IIHF standards, and that is where our work is cut [out].”
Originating from a group of expatriates, the Ice Lions have creatively engaged the local community to grow the sport. This journey has not been without challenges. Ice time is a rare commodity; training sessions at the Panari Hotel cost nearly $100 per hour, restricting the team to weekly practices in a rink just a quarter the size of an Olympic standard. Coach Tim Colby highlights the difficulties of acquiring specialized equipment, most of which must be sourced from Europe or North America.
Despite these obstacles, international exposure has bolstered the team's visibility. A pivotal trip to Canada, where players met NHL stars, resulted in equipment donations and sponsorship opportunities—a leap that propelled the Ice Lions' skill development. Their recent success in an exhibition tournament in South Africa has helped to raise the crest of their ambitions.
The Ice Lions aim not only to compete globally but also to cultivate the next generation of ice hockey talent in Kenya. Weekend coaching sessions for children reflect their commitment to spreading the sport's popularity. Aspirants like 12-year-old Liam Pashari share their enthusiasm, echoing the sentiment that participating in ice hockey is a welcome reprieve from life's stresses.
With plans to form a female team and ongoing aspirations for higher engagement in international competitions, the Ice Lions stand poised to voice a resounding statement: the Kenyan flag must fly in ice hockey arenas worldwide. “There are people that think Kenyans cannot play ice hockey. But we must show them that we have arrived,” asserts winger Mike Carlos, underscoring the team's resolve in pursuing their icy dreams against all odds.
