Lebanon men’s national ice hockey team (also referred to as Hockey Lebanon) is based in Canada.
The players come from all parts of Canada: Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal.
Ralph Melki, coach of the team said that the founder Pascal Malkoun, offered him to be the coach and he accepted. As a Lebanese living in Canada, Melki really wanted to introduce Lebanon to hockey.
@hockeylebanonHowever, he mentioned that it is not easy to start the culture of hockey in Lebanon since there isn’t any arena where players can train and play.
For that reason, the Lebanese government should recognize the sport in order to join the Olympic Federation.
The goal of this team became to promote hockey in Lebanon. It’s a big challenge since it requires building a rink and creating at least 5 teams.
As much as it would be financially difficult, it would allow Lebanon to be part of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and take part in international tournaments.
In the team’s latest news during last Saturday night’s hockey game in Canada, the way fans waved Lebanese flags enthusiastically in the stands – clearly indicated that something else was taking place.
@lebanonicehockeyThe game was a chance to showcase Lebanese hockey talent and give the close-knit community in Montreal something to cheer for.
The team’s win came after the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sport gave the Lebanese Ice Hockey Federation official accreditation in Lebanon. This made it the only official group representing Lebanese ice hockey players in the world.
This status also paves the way for the federation to apply to join the Lebanese Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation. This would open the door to international matches, including the Olympics.
Our fingers are crossed for this amazing team representing Lebanon in Canada and the World!
