In Kenya, ice hockey is growing in popularity despite the lack of ice rinks in the country.
The Kenya Ice Lions national team trains in the only ice rink within the high-end Panari Sky center hotel.
A unique space for amateur and professional hockey players from across the country who use inventive methods to train, even when the ice is not available.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been baffled and amazed when I see guys in movies playing sports fast and bumping into each other. When I grew up and realized there’s ice hockey in Kenya, I decided to get into it and play it. Among the challenges we face is the fact that ice time is very expensive and we don’t have any other ice rink than Panari, which is the only one in the whole country. This means that we have very limited ice time to practice on the ice, so we sometimes resolve to practice off the ice. For example, I use the roof of my apartment with a few of my friends and we learn through YouTube and online tutorials.” said Kenya Ice Lions captain Benjamin Mburu.
The Kenya Ice Lions meet once a week to practice on the ice of the precious Panari Sky Center ice rink.
The opportunity to test all the skills they have honed outdoors, on rooftops, and in other office spaces.
They hope to join the International Ice Hockey Federation, which they believe will bring more attention and support to their team.