Team captain Benjamin Mburu recalls the exhilarating yet challenging experience of stepping onto the ice for the first time, stating, "I never imagined I could play ice hockey in Kenya." Now, the Lions are focused on reaching IIHF standards to fully maximize their potential.
The Ice Lions initially formed through an initiative led by expatriates from the United States and Canada, who scouted players primarily from the roller hockey scene, where young athletes demonstrated their skills wearing wheeled skates. The journey has not been without challenges; team members often struggle to find ice time due to high costs—a single hour at the Panari Hotel rink can run nearly $100.
Despite these difficulties, the team has cultivated a growing fan base and garnered attention from international sponsors. A landmark trip to Canada, where they met NHL stars, resulted in donations of gear and crucial funding, allowing the Ice Lions to flourish as a team. Their training efforts culminated in an exhibition tournament victory in South Africa, further boosting the team's confidence.
In addition to honing their competitive edge, the Ice Lions are committed to developing the next generation of players through weekend coaching sessions for children. With aspirations of also establishing a female team, members express determination to challenge preconceived notions about Kenyan athletes' capabilities in ice hockey.
As they pursue their dreams, team members aim high—reaching the Winter Olympics is a burning ambition for the Ice Lions, with players like Mike Carlos declaring, "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice." With their recent achievements, the Ice Lions are rewriting the narrative around ice hockey in Kenya, proving to the world that they have arrived on the ice.
The Ice Lions initially formed through an initiative led by expatriates from the United States and Canada, who scouted players primarily from the roller hockey scene, where young athletes demonstrated their skills wearing wheeled skates. The journey has not been without challenges; team members often struggle to find ice time due to high costs—a single hour at the Panari Hotel rink can run nearly $100.
Despite these difficulties, the team has cultivated a growing fan base and garnered attention from international sponsors. A landmark trip to Canada, where they met NHL stars, resulted in donations of gear and crucial funding, allowing the Ice Lions to flourish as a team. Their training efforts culminated in an exhibition tournament victory in South Africa, further boosting the team's confidence.
In addition to honing their competitive edge, the Ice Lions are committed to developing the next generation of players through weekend coaching sessions for children. With aspirations of also establishing a female team, members express determination to challenge preconceived notions about Kenyan athletes' capabilities in ice hockey.
As they pursue their dreams, team members aim high—reaching the Winter Olympics is a burning ambition for the Ice Lions, with players like Mike Carlos declaring, "The Kenyan flag must fly on ice." With their recent achievements, the Ice Lions are rewriting the narrative around ice hockey in Kenya, proving to the world that they have arrived on the ice.
