Kenya Ice Lions: The rise of ice hockey in East Africa

Kenya has joined Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa among the IIHF’s 84-member African cohort, but captain Mburu says the next step will be the most difficult.

“Now we have to reach IIHF standards, and that’s where our job ends,” he explained.

But this is a team that has already faced many challenges, including establishing itself in a sport virtually unknown in East Africa.

The Ice Lions were founded by a group of expatriates from the United States and Canada, who mounted a recruiting campaign.

Since roller hockey is more accessible and popular in Kenya, many new members were discovered when using skates with wheels instead of blades.

Tim Colby, who has coached the Ice Lions since their inception, says the love of the sport and dedication has gotten the team this far.

“Playing ice hockey at the equator is not easy,” the Canadian told the BBC.

“The biggest challenge is ice time. Access to ice is expensive.”

Just one hour on the ice rink at the Panari hotel costs almost $100.

Those high rates mean the team can typically only train once a week.

Their house is also one-quarter the size of an Olympic rink, so the Ice Lions are restricted to playing four-on-four games (including goaltenders).

Full games are six-player and require a goalkeeper, two defenders and three forwards.

Colby adds that it is difficult to get enough protective equipment for the team.

“We need a lot of specialized equipment and that is only available in Europe and North America,” he said.

During the first years, many players only wore shin guards, giving up equipment such as helmets.

Replacing hockey sticks could also take several months.