Founded in 2016, the Kenya Ice Lions have made significant achievements, becoming the fifth African team to join the International Ice Hockey Federation. Despite challenges including limited access to ice time and equipment, the Ice Lions are determined to develop ice hockey in Kenya by nurturing young talent and striving for international competitions.
Kenya's Ice Lions: Breaking New Ground in African Ice Hockey
Kenya's Ice Lions: Breaking New Ground in African Ice Hockey
The Kenya Ice Lions, the nation's inaugural ice hockey team, are forging their path on ice while tackling the challenges of a sport usually reserved for colder climates.
In Nairobi, where temperatures regularly exceed 20C, the Panari Hotel contains the only ice rink in East and Central Africa, serving as the home for the Kenya Ice Lions, which was formed in 2016. Their captain, Benjamin Mburu, expressed his astonishment at playing ice hockey in such a warm environment, marking the sport as almost unimaginable in Kenya. The Ice Lions have recently achieved membership in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), becoming only the fifth African nation to do so, alongside larger countries like Algeria, Morocco, and South Africa. This milestone provides the team with access to increased funding, expert coaching, and opportunities for international competition.
The journey towards establishing the Ice Lions has been complex, as the team was initiated by American and Canadian expatriates seeking to introduce ice hockey to Kenya. While roller hockey is more widely recognized, the club scouts emerging talent during roller hockey events. Their coach, Tim Colby, highlights the logistical hurdles of training, noting that ice time costs around $100 per hour, leading to restricted training sessions of just once a week. The size of the rink also limits gameplay to four-on-four matches, while protective gear remains a challenge due to its availability being primarily in Europe and North America.
Visibility has improved for the Ice Lions through local media interest, leading to partnerships with international brands. Notably, a visit to Canada allowed players to interact with NHL stars and boost their exposure, resulting in additional equipment and financial support, further propelling their growth and skill set. Recently, the team demonstrated its progress by winning a tournament played on a full-size rink in South Africa, reinforcing their ambitions to compete on international stages.
In addition to playing, the Ice Lions are passionate about fostering the next generation of players through weekly coaching for children, aspiring to instill a love for the sport that extends beyond the ice. Plans are underway for a women’s team, yet the current player base lacks sufficient female representation, underscoring the challenge of expanding participation. With their status in IIHF, the Ice Lions are more motivated than ever, with players advocating for representation on a larger stage, aiming for the ultimate dream of competing in the Winter Olympics and bringing the Kenyan flag to icy rinks worldwide.
The journey towards establishing the Ice Lions has been complex, as the team was initiated by American and Canadian expatriates seeking to introduce ice hockey to Kenya. While roller hockey is more widely recognized, the club scouts emerging talent during roller hockey events. Their coach, Tim Colby, highlights the logistical hurdles of training, noting that ice time costs around $100 per hour, leading to restricted training sessions of just once a week. The size of the rink also limits gameplay to four-on-four matches, while protective gear remains a challenge due to its availability being primarily in Europe and North America.
Visibility has improved for the Ice Lions through local media interest, leading to partnerships with international brands. Notably, a visit to Canada allowed players to interact with NHL stars and boost their exposure, resulting in additional equipment and financial support, further propelling their growth and skill set. Recently, the team demonstrated its progress by winning a tournament played on a full-size rink in South Africa, reinforcing their ambitions to compete on international stages.
In addition to playing, the Ice Lions are passionate about fostering the next generation of players through weekly coaching for children, aspiring to instill a love for the sport that extends beyond the ice. Plans are underway for a women’s team, yet the current player base lacks sufficient female representation, underscoring the challenge of expanding participation. With their status in IIHF, the Ice Lions are more motivated than ever, with players advocating for representation on a larger stage, aiming for the ultimate dream of competing in the Winter Olympics and bringing the Kenyan flag to icy rinks worldwide.
