A player takes part in game situation during training. [Kelly Ayodi, File]
Forty-nine youngsters from across Nairobi and its environs have completed a rigorous one-week ice hockey training at the scenic Panari Ice Rink in Nairobi.
The high-profile exercises were conducted by Kenyan coaches led by Kenya Ice Lions forward Mike Carlos Otieno, who is fresh from high-level coaching in South Korea.
The holiday training dubbed 'Tufurahie Ice Hockey Camp' that was supported by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the Kenya Federation of Ice Sports (KEFIS) through the Grow The Game Fund (GGF) attracted players aged between four and 17.
" During the one-week intense training, I sharpened my skills in puck control, shooting, turns and transitions, passes, defending, skating and scoring techniques," Zuena Kasindi, 16, from Kisumu Ndogo area in Korogocho slums told Standard Sports.
The Kariobangi North Girls Secondary School Grade 10 utility player says the camp has motivated her to look towards playing professional stints in Canada, which she believes the ice hockey league is of high standards.
"I want to be like coach Mike; I love the way he is so passionate about the game. He is not only adding value to the sport in Kenya, but is also acting as a role model to us young people who are growing in the sport," said Kasindi, who hopes to feature for national team Kenya Ice Lionesses when she grows up.
Her sentiments were echoed by Erick Musembi, 17, who hails from South B.