04:53Roar-some skills! Kenya’s Ice Lions on the hunt for international ice hockey stardom
With its hot climate, Kenya is not traditionally associated with ice hockey, but that hasn’t stopped the Nairobi-based 'Ice Lions' training every week at the city's Panari Sky Center, as seen in footage filmed on Monday.
"We only have one ice rink in Kenya, central and East Africa, so, we have to travel all the way to Panari Hotel to just play; or else we are forced to play outside in open air practicing roller hockey in Aga Khan walk or probably on rooftops. I really love the game, being inspired by big NHL (National Hockey League) players", said Dennis Lumumba who plays as a centre for the Lions.
The team formed in 2015, and haven’t let the lack of ice - or even basic kit - get in their way.
"Most of the equipment we use is donated gear. It is very hard getting ice hockey equipment in Kenya because there is no local shop that sells it and we have to depend on donations", explained Benjamin Mburu, the team's captain.
The team are hoping to compete more on the international stage, after touring of North America and attending the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018.
"The Kenya Ice Lions are playing really well now we have a lot more players both adult and youth so we are hoping to be members of the International Ice Hockey Federation soon so we can take advantage of their networks and their training programmes but also international competitions," said coach Tim Colby.
For 2023, the Ice Lions reportedly plan to visit the USA and Canada for a second time to hone their skills and experience, alongside NHL players.
04:53With its hot climate, Kenya is not traditionally associated with ice hockey, but that hasn’t stopped the Nairobi-based 'Ice Lions' training every week at the city's Panari Sky Center, as seen in footage filmed on Monday.
"We only have one ice rink in Kenya, central and East Africa, so, we have to travel all the way to Panari Hotel to just play; or else we are forced to play outside in open air practicing roller hockey in Aga Khan walk or probably on rooftops. I really love the game, being inspired by big NHL (National Hockey League) players", said Dennis Lumumba who plays as a centre for the Lions.
The team formed in 2015, and haven’t let the lack of ice - or even basic kit - get in their way.
"Most of the equipment we use is donated gear. It is very hard getting ice hockey equipment in Kenya because there is no local shop that sells it and we have to depend on donations", explained Benjamin Mburu, the team's captain.
The team are hoping to compete more on the international stage, after touring of North America and attending the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018.
"The Kenya Ice Lions are playing really well now we have a lot more players both adult and youth so we are hoping to be members of the International Ice Hockey Federation soon so we can take advantage of their networks and their training programmes but also international competitions," said coach Tim Colby.
For 2023, the Ice Lions reportedly plan to visit the USA and Canada for a second time to hone their skills and experience, alongside NHL players.