Yes, Lebanon does have ice hockey teams! The Lebanese Ice Hockey Federation LIHF is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with youth facilities in Beirut.
The men’s team played their first official game against Haiti on April 23, 2017, managing to win 7-4. The women’s team played their first game against Colombia on October 14th 2021, losing 1-0. The team’s colors are red and white, with a green cedar embroidered onto their kits.
The federation was officially founded in May 2018, and they received a decree from the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports to be “the official federation representing hockey in Lebanon & Internationally”. The president of the federation is Charles El-Mir.
On a competitive level, the men’s team’s largest win came in September 2017 when the cedars secured a 10-3 victory over Algeria. The team has an international record of 6-2-0 (Win-Loss-Draw). They received a bronze medal for finishing 3rd at the Amerigol LATAM Cup in 2021.
The women’s team secured their largest win in a game against Chile in October 2021, beating the Chileans 6-1. They have an international record of 1-2-0 (W-L-D). They are yet to compete in an official tournament.
The top scorer for the men’s team is David el Khoury, with 11 points, while Ava Eid holds the record for the women’s team with 8 points.
The federation has high hopes for the future of ice hockey in Lebanon. Currently they are aiming to scout and expand the Lebanese talent pool, recruiting players from all over the world to join the national team. They also plan to develop coaching and training facilities while hiring a professional staff capable of leading the players forward.
In the long term, the federation hopes to build multi -sports complex containing an NHL-size ice rink, bring ice hockey to Lebanon on a wider scale, found a Lebanese Hockey League, and represent the country in the Winter Olympics.
If you’re a Lebanese ice hockey player and want to get involved you can register via the federation’s website. You can also volunteer your non-hockey skills to help the federation grow the sport.
