Hockey ice thrives in Nairobi
In the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya, a unique sports team has taken root. The Kenya Ice Lions, the only ice hockey team in equatorial Africa, practice on a small skating rink located on the second floor of the Panari Hotel.
The team's origins can be traced back to 2016, when a group of skating instructors at the Panari Hotel rink decided to form a team. Since then, the Ice Lions have grown into a formidable force, with the support of various individuals and organizations.
The team's captain, Benjamin Mburu, is an architect and construction manager by profession. He leads a diverse group of players, many of whom are students or unemployed. One such player, Chumbana Likiza Muhusini, grew up in one of Nairobi's harshest slums.
The Ice Lions have made significant strides in the world of ice hockey. In 2020, they became the fifth African nation and second sub-Saharan nation to join the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Their dreams are grand: they hope to take part in the first African Nations Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, in June 2022, and work their way up through the IIHF World Championship divisions, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Olympics.
Retired Canadian pro Saroya Tinker is helping the Ice Lions launch a women's league. Tim Colby, the Head Coach of the team, is based in Victoria, BC, and has also led at least ten minor-league hockey teams in Ottawa over time. Colby has been instrumental in shaping the Ice Lions into a competitive team.
The Panari Hotel, located alongside a highway between Nairobi's city center and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, is also home to a Chinese restaurant and a movie theater. The Indian Ocean and a lake are nearby, adding to the unique setting of the Ice Lions' practice rink.
On a recent Wednesday, the skating rink echoed with the sounds of hockey sticks and bodies colliding with the boards. The five-a-side scrimmage on the rink was significantly smaller than a regulation National Hockey League rink, but the passion and determination of the players were evident. During the scrimmage, teammates could be heard shouting at each other in Swahili, the national language of Kenya.
The Ice Lions conduct a Saturday youth clinic to develop a pipeline of talent for future generations. In 2018, the team was featured in a television ad by Chinese multinational company Alibaba. During a visit to Canada in 2018, the team received full sets of gear and Kenyan jerseys.
The journey of the Kenya Ice Lions is a testament to the power of passion and determination. From humble beginnings to the brink of international competition, they continue to inspire and bring the thrill of ice hockey to equatorial Africa.
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