Kenya’s only Ice Hockey team was given a chance of a lifetime to fly to Canada, which is considered to be the home of the sport, to play alongside professionals.
Previously, the team had only competed among themselves but this time, they faced an actual opponent; the Mississauga Firefighters.
Upon their arrival, the Ice Lions were given personalised jerseys and new equipment. They were joined by guest players Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche.
Ben Azegere, the Kenya Captain, stated that seeing his favourite player come through the door wearing a Kenyan jersey felt like heaven.
"When we first started playing in Kenya, we didn't even have full equipment, but now not only do we have that, but we can say we've played a real game with some All-Star teammates," added Ben.
The trip was sponsored by Tim Hortons, one of North America's largest restaurant chains as part of an advertising concept.
"While we played alongside the Ice Lions for their first game, we know it won't be their last," intimated MacKinnon.
He added, "The team's genuine passion and excitement for hockey is contagious, they were amazing teammates and it was great to play with them." he revealed.
Back home, the team practices twice a week at a 1,400-square-metre rink at the Panari Sky Center Hotel in Nairobi.
The rink is rectangular and has no boards. Though they now have the equipment, previously many of the players wore soccer shin pads, sofa cushions or nothing at all as protection.
Watch the video below
