From humble beginnings in 2016 to recognition by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the Ice Lions are determined to raise the profile of ice hockey in Kenya with aspirations of Olympic competition.
**Kenya's Ice Lions: Pioneering Ice Hockey in a Warm Climate**
**Kenya's Ice Lions: Pioneering Ice Hockey in a Warm Climate**
Kenya's first ice hockey team, the Ice Lions, is overcoming the challenges of playing a winter sport in a tropical environment.
In Nairobi, where temperatures typically exceed 20C, an unexpected phenomenon is taking root: ice hockey. Nestled within the Panari Hotel, the only ice rink in east and central Africa serves as the training ground for the Kenya Ice Lions, the nation’s inaugural ice hockey team. Captain Benjamin Mburu recalls his first encounter with the ice—a thrilling yet challenging experience. “I never imagined I could play ice hockey in Kenya,” he remarked, likening the occasion to the snow scenes common in holiday films.
Established in 2016, the Ice Lions recently celebrated gaining membership in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), making them the fifth African team to achieve this status. This membership enables better funding, professional coaching, and participation in international tournaments. However, in Mburu's words, “We must now reach IIHF standards, and that is where our work is cut out.”
The Ice Lions originated from a collaboration between expatriates from the United States and Canada who set out to cultivate local talent. With roller hockey already familiar in Kenya, new recruits often began their journeys in the sport wearing roller blades. Coach Tim Colby noted, “Playing ice hockey on the equator is not easy… Access to ice is expensive.” At nearly $100 for an hour of rink time, the team usually trains only once weekly.
Despite the hurdles, including limited practice space and a smaller rink size, the Ice Lions have cultivated ties with local media and international brands. An inspiring trip to Canada allowed players to meet NHL stars and secured donations of equipment and financial support. “The trip to Canada was an eye-opener,” asserted Mburu, reflecting on the new opportunities for local recruitment and skill enhancement.
Recently, the Ice Lions basked in success, clinching victory in an exhibition tournament held in South Africa. “This proved to us, and everyone, that we can do this,” Mburu expressed. In addition, they are dedicated to nurturing a new generation of ice hockey players through active coaching sessions for children every Saturday.
As they strive to expand their roster, plans for a female team are underway, yet they currently have only four female players. With their associate membership in the IIHF invigorating their ambitions, the Ice Lions are determined to elevate the Kenyan flag at international ice hockey events, with aspirations reaching all the way to the Winter Olympics. “There are people that think Kenyans cannot play ice hockey. But we must show them that we have arrived,” declared winger Mike Carlos, embodying the spirit of the team's growing legacy.
Established in 2016, the Ice Lions recently celebrated gaining membership in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), making them the fifth African team to achieve this status. This membership enables better funding, professional coaching, and participation in international tournaments. However, in Mburu's words, “We must now reach IIHF standards, and that is where our work is cut out.”
The Ice Lions originated from a collaboration between expatriates from the United States and Canada who set out to cultivate local talent. With roller hockey already familiar in Kenya, new recruits often began their journeys in the sport wearing roller blades. Coach Tim Colby noted, “Playing ice hockey on the equator is not easy… Access to ice is expensive.” At nearly $100 for an hour of rink time, the team usually trains only once weekly.
Despite the hurdles, including limited practice space and a smaller rink size, the Ice Lions have cultivated ties with local media and international brands. An inspiring trip to Canada allowed players to meet NHL stars and secured donations of equipment and financial support. “The trip to Canada was an eye-opener,” asserted Mburu, reflecting on the new opportunities for local recruitment and skill enhancement.
Recently, the Ice Lions basked in success, clinching victory in an exhibition tournament held in South Africa. “This proved to us, and everyone, that we can do this,” Mburu expressed. In addition, they are dedicated to nurturing a new generation of ice hockey players through active coaching sessions for children every Saturday.
As they strive to expand their roster, plans for a female team are underway, yet they currently have only four female players. With their associate membership in the IIHF invigorating their ambitions, the Ice Lions are determined to elevate the Kenyan flag at international ice hockey events, with aspirations reaching all the way to the Winter Olympics. “There are people that think Kenyans cannot play ice hockey. But we must show them that we have arrived,” declared winger Mike Carlos, embodying the spirit of the team's growing legacy.
