In brief
Since its establishment in 2016, the Kenya Ice Lions have emerged as a pioneering force in the African ice hockey landscape, becoming the fifth team on the continent to join the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Despite training just once a week due to the high costs of ice time, they have gained international recognition and won an exhibition tournament in South Africa. The Ice Lions are also committed to nurturing future talent, hosting children’s training sessions, and aspiring to build a female team, while aiming to raise Kenya's profile in the sport towards participation in the Winter Olympics.
The common heat of Nairobi, where temperatures hover around 20°C, contrasts starkly with a unique venue—the Panari Hotel’s ice rink, the only one of its kind in East and Central Africa. Here, the Ice Lions, Kenya's inaugural ice hockey team, sharpen their skills. Captain Benjamin Mburu recalls his exhilarating first encounter with ice hockey, a far cry from the familiar warmth of his home country.Since their inception, the Ice Lions have undergone tremendous growth, recently joining the IIHF, a move that paves the way for crucial funding, better coaching resources, and greater exposure to international competitions. However, Mburu emphasizes that the journey remains challenging as they strive to meet IIHF standards.The Ice Lions were founded by a collaborative effort from expatriates who initially sought recruits from the local population. As roller hockey gained more traction, many skaters limped to practice with standard roller blades before transitioning to ice hockey equipment. Tim Colby, the team’s dedicated coach, explains the hurdles posed by the limited ice availability; access costs nearly $100 per hour, curtailing their training sessions to a mere weekly gathering. This restriction also confines the players to a smaller setup, forcing them to compete in four-on-four matches instead of full six-player games. Obtaining protective gear further complicates their journey, as many players initially played without helmets, relying only on basic pads.The team’s efforts are bearing fruit as they begin to attract media attention and corporate sponsorships, leading to international playing opportunities. A transformative trip to Canada allowed the Ice Lions to meet NHL luminaries like Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon, revolutionizing their approach to the sport. The infusion of donations and support post-visit provided them vital equipment and funding for ice time, thus enhancing their training.With eyes set on future accomplishments, the Ice Lions hosted weekly coaching sessions for children, sharing their passion for the sport. Young enthusiasts, like 12-year-old Liam Pashari, express excitement at the opportunity to learn and bond through ice hockey, highlighting the community and camaraderie it fosters.Ambitious plans are in place to expand the team’s scope, including the establishment of a female division, although they currently face the difficulty of limited female participants. Encouraged by their IIHF associate member status, the Ice Lions are determined to elevate their status in the sport, ultimately aiming for a representation at the Winter Olympics. The message is clear: "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice," as they work diligently to dispel the myth that ice hockey isn't for Kenyans.
