Within Nairobi's vibrant landscape, amid wildlife parks and warm temperatures, lies an unusual sight for the country: an ice rink. This rink is home to the Kenya Ice Lions, who have taken monumental strides since their establishment in 2016 as the nation's first hockey team. Despite the challenges of skate control on ice for the first time, captain Benjamin Mburu reflected on the exhilarating experience, saying, “I never imagined I could play ice hockey in Kenya."
The Ice Lions made headlines by becoming the fifth African member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), joining the ranks of teams from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. This membership opens doors for funding, expert coaching, and participation in international events. As Mburu acknowledges, the journey ahead involves adhering to IIHF standards, yet the Ice Lions are ready to tackle this challenge head-on.
Established by a group of expatriates from Canada and the United States, the Ice Lions actively recruited local talent, which has steadily sustained interest in the sport. With roller hockey's popularity in Kenya, many players transitioned from inline skates to ice skates. Coach Tim Colby noted the biggest hurdle is gaining access to ice time, as hourly rink rentals can cost nearly $100 — a prohibitive expense leading to just one weekly training session. The rink, which is smaller than an Olympic-size, restricts the team to four-on-four gameplay.
Despite these challenges, the team's reputation has grown, garnering attention from both local and international sponsors. A pivotal trip to Canada allowed the Ice Lions to interact with the NHL stars, fueling interest and recruitment efforts back home. Such exposure has not only enhanced their skills but also helped secure needed funding and equipment.
Looking to the future, the Ice Lions are committed to nurturing the next generation of players by offering weekly training sessions for children. Twelve-year-old Liam Pashari expressed his passion for the sport, emphasizing the camaraderie and happiness it brings. Although the current female presence is limited, the team aspires to establish a women’s division.
With their current IIHF membership invigorating their resolve, the Ice Lions are more motivated than ever to excel in tournaments and ultimately aim for a spot in the Winter Olympics. Team member Mike Carlos encapsulated their ambition, stating, “The Kenyan flag must fly on ice," underscoring the desire to dismantle stereotypes and showcase Kenya's emerging presence in ice hockey.
The Ice Lions made headlines by becoming the fifth African member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), joining the ranks of teams from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. This membership opens doors for funding, expert coaching, and participation in international events. As Mburu acknowledges, the journey ahead involves adhering to IIHF standards, yet the Ice Lions are ready to tackle this challenge head-on.
Established by a group of expatriates from Canada and the United States, the Ice Lions actively recruited local talent, which has steadily sustained interest in the sport. With roller hockey's popularity in Kenya, many players transitioned from inline skates to ice skates. Coach Tim Colby noted the biggest hurdle is gaining access to ice time, as hourly rink rentals can cost nearly $100 — a prohibitive expense leading to just one weekly training session. The rink, which is smaller than an Olympic-size, restricts the team to four-on-four gameplay.
Despite these challenges, the team's reputation has grown, garnering attention from both local and international sponsors. A pivotal trip to Canada allowed the Ice Lions to interact with the NHL stars, fueling interest and recruitment efforts back home. Such exposure has not only enhanced their skills but also helped secure needed funding and equipment.
Looking to the future, the Ice Lions are committed to nurturing the next generation of players by offering weekly training sessions for children. Twelve-year-old Liam Pashari expressed his passion for the sport, emphasizing the camaraderie and happiness it brings. Although the current female presence is limited, the team aspires to establish a women’s division.
With their current IIHF membership invigorating their resolve, the Ice Lions are more motivated than ever to excel in tournaments and ultimately aim for a spot in the Winter Olympics. Team member Mike Carlos encapsulated their ambition, stating, “The Kenyan flag must fly on ice," underscoring the desire to dismantle stereotypes and showcase Kenya's emerging presence in ice hockey.
