In a country where temperatures seldom fall below 20°C, Nairobi hosts the only ice rink in East and Central Africa, serving as the training ground for the Kenya Ice Lions, the nation’s first ice hockey team. Captain Benjamin Mburu vividly recalls his first time on the ice, describing the experience as “out of this world.” Formed in 2016, the Ice Lions recently achieved a major milestone by becoming the fifth African team to join the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), granting them access to international competitions and funding.
Lions on Ice: Kenya's Ice Hockey Revolution
Lions on Ice: Kenya's Ice Hockey Revolution
Kenya's Ice Lions emerge as a significant force in a sport atypical for their warm climate, aiming for international acclaim.
The Ice Lions have faced substantial hurdles, notably establishing their presence in a sport that’s virtually non-existent in East Africa. Initially formed by expatriates from the U.S. and Canada, the team has engaged the local community, capitalizing on the popularity of roller hockey to scout new talent. Despite their progress, the challenges remain high. Benjamin Mburu highlights the necessity to meet IIHF standards, stating the team's ongoing work is crucial to their future.
Tim Colby, the team’s coach from Canada, notes the biggest obstacle is the cost of ice time, which comes to nearly $100 for just an hour of practice. This limited budget often restricts their training sessions to once a week, and the rink’s size necessitates smaller, four-on-four games. Integral equipment is also hard to come by; the team often had to make do with basic gear, lacking helmets and specialized protection initially.
However, exposure from local media and international partnerships is growing the Ice Lions’ profile. Their notable trip to Canada, where they met NHL stars, proved transformative, sparking interest in their story and aiding their recruitment efforts. Mburu emphasizes the lessons learned and skills gained from these experiences, which buoyed their confidence leading to a championship win in South Africa.
Aspiring to ignite interest in the sport among youth, the Ice Lions run weekend training sessions for children, ensuring the next generation is developed. Plans for a women’s team illustrate their commitment to inclusivity, although with only four women currently playing. With their recent IIHF associate membership, the Ice Lions are motivated more than ever to compete globally and reach for the ultimate prize: a spot at the Winter Olympics. “The Kenyan flag must fly on ice,” declares Mike Carlos, underscoring the team’s resolve to prove doubters wrong and showcase their growing talent on an international stage.
Tim Colby, the team’s coach from Canada, notes the biggest obstacle is the cost of ice time, which comes to nearly $100 for just an hour of practice. This limited budget often restricts their training sessions to once a week, and the rink’s size necessitates smaller, four-on-four games. Integral equipment is also hard to come by; the team often had to make do with basic gear, lacking helmets and specialized protection initially.
However, exposure from local media and international partnerships is growing the Ice Lions’ profile. Their notable trip to Canada, where they met NHL stars, proved transformative, sparking interest in their story and aiding their recruitment efforts. Mburu emphasizes the lessons learned and skills gained from these experiences, which buoyed their confidence leading to a championship win in South Africa.
Aspiring to ignite interest in the sport among youth, the Ice Lions run weekend training sessions for children, ensuring the next generation is developed. Plans for a women’s team illustrate their commitment to inclusivity, although with only four women currently playing. With their recent IIHF associate membership, the Ice Lions are motivated more than ever to compete globally and reach for the ultimate prize: a spot at the Winter Olympics. “The Kenyan flag must fly on ice,” declares Mike Carlos, underscoring the team’s resolve to prove doubters wrong and showcase their growing talent on an international stage.
