Kenya has a bustling ice rink nestled amidst the heart of Nairobi,a city where the average temperature soars above 20°C (68°F). This isn’t a mirage; it’s the remarkable reality where the Kenya Ice Lions, the country’s first and only ice hockey team, train and chase their dreams.
Breaking the Ice: From Humble Beginnings to International Recognition
Formed in 2016, the Ice Lions defied the odds in a nation where ice hockey was practically unheard of. Their journey began with a group of passionate expats from North America, who set out to recruit players. Many team members initially came from a roller hockey background, trading wheeled skates for blades on the newly established ice rink at the Panari Hotel – the sole rink in East and Central Africa!
Leading the charge is Captain Benjamin Mburu, who vividly recalls his first encounter with the ice. “Stepping on the ice was like stepping onto another world,” he told BBC Sport Africa. “It was so slippery, but incredibly exciting!”
The Ice Lions’ dedication and perseverance have paid off. In a significant milestone, they recently secured associate membership with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), joining Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa as the only African representatives in the prestigious organization. This membership unlocks a treasure trove of opportunities, including access to funding, coaching expertise, and the chance to compete internationally.
Challenges and Victories: On the Road to Olympic Dreams
The road hasn’t been smooth for the Ice Lions. Training on an ice rink just a quarter of the size of an Olympic rink presents limitations, restricting them to four-on-four matches. The high cost of ice time allows them to train only once a week, and obtaining specialized equipment readily available in Europe and North America has proven difficult. For the initial years, many players even played without helmets, relying solely on shin pads.
However, the Ice Lions haven’t let these obstacles dampen their spirits. Their unwavering love for the sport and growing media exposure led to international partnerships and sponsorships. A life-changing trip to Canada, where they met NHL superstars Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon, provided a significant boost. Donations poured in for equipment, ice time, and sponsorships, allowing the team to flourish.
Their recent victory at a full-size rink exhibition tournament in South Africa is a testament to their remarkable progress. “This win proved to us, and everyone else, that we can compete at this level,” Mburu said with pride.
Kenya’s Ice Hockey Future: Inspiring the Next Generation
The Ice Lions aren’t just chasing their own Olympic dreams; they’re also passionate about igniting a love for ice hockey in Kenya and nurturing future generations of players. Every Saturday morning, the rink transforms into a training ground for aspiring young players like 12-year-old Liam Pashari. “The coaches push us to be our best, and you make amazing friends along the way,” Liam enthuses. “When you’re on the ice, everything else just fades away.”
The team also has plans to establish a dedicated women’s team, with a few women currently training alongside the men. With their sights set on the Winter Olympics, the Ice Lions’ motto is clear: “The Kenyan flag must fly on ice!” As Mike Carlos, a winger with the team, declares, “We want to show everyone that Kenyans can not only play ice hockey, but excel at it.”
The Kenya Ice Lions are a shining example of dedication, resilience, and the power of dreams. In the heart of Africa, under the warm Kenyan sun, they are proving that ice hockey can thrive anywhere, inspiring a new generation to chase their goals on the ice.
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