In the heart of Nairobi, where temperatures often soar above 20°C, the Panari Hotel houses the only ice rink in East and Central Africa, serving as the training ground for the Kenya Ice Lions. Established in 2016 by a group of expatriates from North America, this team is marking its territory in a sport that remains relatively unknown in the region. “I never imagined I could play ice hockey in Kenya,” reflects team captain Benjamin Mburu, who describes his first time stepping onto the ice as exhilarating yet daunting due to the slippery surface.
The Ice Lions have recently made headlines by becoming the fifth African team admitted to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This acknowledgment opens doors to essential funding, coaching resources, and international competitions, spurring the team's growth. Despite the warm climate, these players are committed to meeting the IIHF's standards, a task they recognize won't be easy.
Coaching the team since their inception, Tim Colby emphasizes the hurdles they face, from rising costs of ice time—nearly $100 for a single hour—to the challenge of obtaining specialized gear, primarily available in Europe and North America. Often, players had to make do with minimal equipment early on as they developed their skills on an ice rink significantly smaller than Olympic standards.
As exposure to the sport increased, local media began to showcase the Ice Lions, igniting interest from international sponsors. A pivotal trip to Canada, where they had the chance to connect with NHL stars, yielded donations of equipment and financial support needed for ice time. “Our skill level has grown tremendously,” states Mburu, noting their recent success in winning an exhibition tournament in South Africa.
The Ice Lions are equally devoted to nurturing the next generation of players. Every Saturday, they hold coaching sessions for local children, aiming to foster interest and talent in ice hockey. Twelve-year-old Liam Pashari voiced his passion, stating, “When you're playing on the ice, you just forget about everything else.”
With ambitions bending toward establishing a women's team and aiming for Olympic participation, the Ice Lions continue to break stereotypes that Kenyans can’t compete in ice hockey. "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice," declares winger Mike Carlos, emphasizing their intent to challenge preconceptions and expand the sport's reach in the country. As this inspiring team moves forward, they remain determined to carve out a unique place for ice hockey not only in Kenya but on the international stage.
The Ice Lions have recently made headlines by becoming the fifth African team admitted to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This acknowledgment opens doors to essential funding, coaching resources, and international competitions, spurring the team's growth. Despite the warm climate, these players are committed to meeting the IIHF's standards, a task they recognize won't be easy.
Coaching the team since their inception, Tim Colby emphasizes the hurdles they face, from rising costs of ice time—nearly $100 for a single hour—to the challenge of obtaining specialized gear, primarily available in Europe and North America. Often, players had to make do with minimal equipment early on as they developed their skills on an ice rink significantly smaller than Olympic standards.
As exposure to the sport increased, local media began to showcase the Ice Lions, igniting interest from international sponsors. A pivotal trip to Canada, where they had the chance to connect with NHL stars, yielded donations of equipment and financial support needed for ice time. “Our skill level has grown tremendously,” states Mburu, noting their recent success in winning an exhibition tournament in South Africa.
The Ice Lions are equally devoted to nurturing the next generation of players. Every Saturday, they hold coaching sessions for local children, aiming to foster interest and talent in ice hockey. Twelve-year-old Liam Pashari voiced his passion, stating, “When you're playing on the ice, you just forget about everything else.”
With ambitions bending toward establishing a women's team and aiming for Olympic participation, the Ice Lions continue to break stereotypes that Kenyans can’t compete in ice hockey. "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice," declares winger Mike Carlos, emphasizing their intent to challenge preconceptions and expand the sport's reach in the country. As this inspiring team moves forward, they remain determined to carve out a unique place for ice hockey not only in Kenya but on the international stage.
