Kenya Ice Lions play first organized hockey game with special guests

As the game has grown and its influence has risen, the globalization of hockey has come to the forefront of sports.

What some consider to be a “niche sport” is the passion of others and has given plenty of athletes the chance to change their lives. Popular Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons capitalized on the trend by affording Kenya’s first hockey team the opportunity of a lifetime.

In hopes of spreading awareness of the game and expanding the horizons of hockey in Kenya, Tim Hortons flew the Kenya Ice Lions to Toronto to play in their first organized game against an opposing team. Decked out in all-new gear and customized uniforms, the Ice Lions were equipped hit the rink and make history.

That’s when the superstars arrived.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Colorado Avalanche centerman Nathan MacKinnon, who are both Tim Hortons endorsers, joined the squad for their first game. The arrival of these NHL icons brought waves of overwhelming emotion across the locker room. Tears of joy erupted throughout the team as the players’ dreams came to fruition.

In addition to covering the team’s expenses, Tim Hortons will fund Kenya’s youth hockey league to provide the next generation of athletes with a proper outlet to pursue hockey.

The impact of sports reaches far beyond what meets the eye. Having an outlet like hockey to escape from the struggles of everyday life can vastly change the trajectory of someone’s life.

By enabling the youth of Nairobi, Kenya to learn about organized hockey, Tim Hortons may have opened a pathway for the game’s next great talent to emerge.