In Nairobi, where warm temperatures usually reign, there exists a unique spot where the thermometer plunges to sub-zero levels. This extraordinary place is none other than the Panari Hotel overlooking the city’s wildlife park, home to majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and striped zebras. Within this unexpected setting lies East and Central Africa’s sole ice rink, serving as the training ground for Kenya’s first and only ice hockey team – the Ice Lions.
“It was an out-of-this-world experience,”
shared Captain Benjamin Mburu as he reminisced about stepping onto the ice for the first time in Kenya.
“I never imagined I could play ice hockey here. You see snow and ice in Christmas movies, but that happens somewhere else, not in Kenya. Stepping on the ice was so slippery – I couldn’t control the skates. But it was exciting.”
Established in 2016, the Ice Lions recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the fifth African team to join the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This newfound membership opens doors to increased funding opportunities, access to top-notch coaching resources, and participation in international competitions – marking a pivotal moment for this budding team.
### Overcoming Challenges ###
Despite its tropical location near the equator, Kenya has embraced this chilly sport with fervor. Tim Colby, who has been coaching the Ice Lions since their inception, acknowledged that playing ice hockey in such conditions comes with its set of obstacles.
“Playing ice hockey on the equator is not easy,”
remarked Colby.
“The biggest challenge is ice time; access to ice is expensive.”
With steep costs of nearly $100 per hour at Panari Hotel’s rink leading to limited training sessions once a week due to financial constraints.
Furthermore, equipment scarcity poses another hurdle for these dedicated players. Obtaining specialized gear remains a struggle as it is predominantly available in regions like Europe and North America. In their formative years, many players had to make do without essential protective gear like helmets while grappling with prolonged waits for equipment replacements.
### Rising Above Limitations ###
Despite these challenges, perseverance has been key in propelling the Ice Lions forward on their remarkable journey within Kenya and beyond its borders. Through media exposure and strategic partnerships with international brands forged over time have provided valuable opportunities for growth and development.
A transformative trip to Canada proved instrumental for team morale as they rubbed shoulders with NHL stars like Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon while garnering support from various benefactors which bolstered their resources significantly.
“The trip opened people’s eyes to our presence in Kenya,”
shared Mburu enthusiastically.
“Our skills have improved immensely since then.”
### Inspiring Future Generations ###
Beyond personal triumphs and accolades lies a deeper aspiration within the hearts of these athletes – fostering a new generation of talent within Kenya through regular coaching sessions conducted every weekend for aspiring young players eager to hone their skills on icy terrain.
Liam Pashari exemplifies this next wave of hopefuls striving towards professionalism fueled by passion not just for sport but also camaraderie forged along this exhilarating journey.
“When you’re playing on that ice rink,”
expressed Liam fervently during one of his training sessions at Panari Hotel,
” you just forget about everything else.”
Looking ahead with unwavering determination laced with ambition; paving pathways not just locally but internationally too remains central goals driving them closer towards realizing an audacious dream – seeing Kenyan pride soar high at future Winter Olympics showcasing prowess previously underestimated.
“Our flag must fly on that icy stage,”
declared Mike Carlos emphatically echoing shared sentiments amongst fellow teammates pushing boundaries beyond perceived limitations.
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