In a country where rugby fields are sacred and cricket pitches echo with cheers, ice hockey skates quietly across frozen rinks, defying expectations. South Africa is not known for its niche sports, yet a dedicated community is keeping the game alive and growing. From humble beginnings in inline hockey to international tournaments, ice hockey here is a testament to passion over prestige. At the University of Pretoria, students like KayCee Blackburn are at the forefront, balancing textbooks with blades. This is the story of a sport that is cold on the surface but fueled by warm, unwavering dedication.
KayCee Blackburn, a UP student and ice hockey player, stumbled into the sport by accident. “We were at the ice rink one day on a Tuesday, but we were there during an early session. And I saw an ice hockey practice and I just thought I would love to try that,” she recalls. Starting with ice skating rather than inline hockey, Blackburn got her ice skates before fully committing. “I had the experience on ice, just not with a stick and puck. I actually got my ice hockey skates before deciding to do ice hockey.” What keeps her going? “It’s so unique and different. The atmosphere is as electric as watching a rugby match in South Africa.”
Despite the challenges, ice hockey in South Africa is quietly resilient. The sport has evolved from small clubs to receiving international recognition. South Africa now participates in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship divisions, including women’s and youth tournaments, as seen on the IIHF’s official site. Local rinks and clubs play a crucial role in nurturing talent. While not everyone can travel to the international ice rink in Cape Town to start, Blackburn suggests that you “start at home so that you can eventually grow and move from there”. This grassroots foundation has led to growth, especially among women. Blackburn’s club went from one team to two full teams quickly. Opportunities abound, from an international team to women refereeing at games.
Yet, the path is not easy. Infrastructure is limited, with high costs and scarce facilities. “On [the] ice, there is limited training with professional coaches, as we don’t get the training we need like other provinces and countries,” Blackburn explains. Access issues force early mornings and late nights, sacrificing sleep and studies. Compared to rugby or football, support is minimal. Universities like UP could do more, but Blackburn feels overlooked as universities hardly ever promote the sport and there is absolutely no acknowledgement about it.
For students, balancing academics with sport is a daily grind. Blackburn practices once a week and plays once a week, but travel is a hurdle – her club is in Johannesburg while she studies in Pretoria. Sacrifices include missed lectures and strained time management. “We sacrifice our early mornings and late nights,” she adds. Despite this, the close-knit community is a strength. “It’s great, it’s just so limited. It’s like a whole new sports family from a real family,” Blackburn describes. The small size fosters family-like bonds but limits growth as it is basically like you compete against your family every time you skate into the rink.
International exposure is a game-changer. Competing in IIHF tournaments boosts recognition for the players. Blackburn describes the improvement in coaching as there is now access to provincial coaches and not just club coaches. This has also shifted perspectives as tournaments change views on the sport’s potential.
Visibility is key for the future of ice hockey in South Africa. “Firstly, so we can grow as a community in numbers, and the fact that we get more [recognition], which leads to more funding. Meaning more practices, more games, and it’s easier to travel,” Blackburn emphasises. She sees South African ice hockey growing bigger in five to ten years, becoming recognised beyond its niche. “I’m sure we’ll be more recognised than just by the community we are now. And when we play internationally, we’ll be seen as competition.” To sustain the steady growth and recognition of ice hockey, marketing and word-of-mouth are essential.
For curious students, Blackburn advises patience. Amid low media attention, passion keeps her motivated. People are often surprised that there is ice hockey in South Africa. And misconceptions? When people look at ice hockey players, they think aggression and anger, but that is not the case. The athletes are all really there for the sport.
In one sentence, South African ice hockey is an underdog sport driven by passion rather than resources, growing quietly in a country where ice was never meant to exist. It is a story fuelled by people who play for the love of the sport, not the spotlight. These students lace up their skates and embody this spirit. Ice hockey may not dominate headlines, but its community is a reminder that passion can thaw the coldest challenges. If you are intrigued, hit the rink – South Africa’s hockey family is waiting.
Visual: Mila Jordaan
