The supremacy of Kenyans on the ice is less well known than their famed speed and stamina on the running track. The Kenya Ice Lions, the nation’s hockey squad, is captained by Benjamin Mburu. He considers himself one of the originators of the sport of ice hockey in Kenya, which is gradually gaining popularity throughout Africa.
“The name of our team, The Kenya Ice Lions, originated from the famous lions of Africa and Kenya. So, it was an easy adaptation. The lions in the national park on ice,” says Benjamin.
The team’s leader is Canadian expatriate Tim Colby, who is 59 years old. Although he was initially reluctant to accept the challenge, the enthusiasm of the Kenyan players convinced him to do so.
Ice hockey and other winter sports are frequently practiced in colder climates. Ice hockey has developed into one of the most renowned and lucrative professional sports leagues in the world despite being a winter activity. Even though ice hockey is uncommon in Africa, the Ice Lions were motivated to give it a shot.
The National Teams of Ice Hockey states that five other African nations South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia also participate in the sport, so the Ice Lions’ hopes that an African player will one day be chosen by the NHL may one day come true. Although their country is not typically associated with the sport, the players hope that Nairobi’s Solar Ice Rink will encourage other communities throughout Kenya to establish ice rinks and give ice hockey a try.