When you think of ice hockey, your brain probably jumps straight to Canada, Russia, or maybe a gritty rink in Sweden with snow piling up outside and diehard fans inside yelling at the ref in three different languages.
But in 2025, hockey’s gone global – and in ways nobody expected.
We’re talking about countries where ice is about as common as a polite Twitter thread. And yet, here they are, suiting up, lacing skates, and throwing elbows on frozen surfaces. It’s not just about chasing a puck anymore – it’s about defying geography, climate, and every “you can’t do that there” assumption.
And with platforms like Betway online sports betting now offering odds on everything from traditional NHL matchups to international hockey leagues, even the bookmakers are taking notice. It’s wild. It’s great. Let’s get into it.
Yep, Kenya. And no, you didn’t misread that.
The Kenya Ice Lions are skating their way into history. Based in Nairobi, the team trains at the Panari Hotel’s Solar Ice Rink – the only one in East Africa. It started with a few roller hockey enthusiasts and grew into something much bigger. They’ve drawn global support and even trained with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins in Canada.
Kenya’s team might not be battling for Olympic medals just yet, but they’re a symbol of how far hockey’s reaching. They’re proof that with enough grit (and ice maintenance), anything’s possible.
Say hello to the Emirates Ice Hockey League. Founded in 2009, it’s getting more competitive every year. Teams like the Dubai Mighty Camels and Abu Dhabi Scorpions don’t just play for fun. This is organized, full-contact, well-funded hockey in a country where you can break a sweat just walking outside.
The league blends local talent with international expats and runs a full season with tournaments, playoffs, and fan support that keeps growing. Want to see what real commitment looks like? Watch a guy in full gear walk out of a rink and straight into 45°C heat.
Mongolia has ice – a lot of it. What they didn’t always have was a hockey program. That’s changing fast.
Their national team snagged a bronze at the 2023 IIHF U18 Asia and Oceania Championship, and local leagues are starting to gain structure. The sport still fights for funding and facilities, but the passion is there. Hockey has deep roots in the nomadic, outdoor culture of Mongolia – now it’s just finding its competitive edge on the global stage.
You’d expect surfing, sure. Hockey? Not so much.
But the Philippines national team, the Philippine Eagles, is gaining serious ground. They’ve competed in IIHF events and play out of the country’s first Olympic-sized rink, built in 2017 inside a Manila mall. (Because where else would you build a rink in the tropics?)
They’re fast, gritty, and winning games against other developing nations. And they’ve got a fan base that’s growing with every season.
Israel’s Elite Hockey League is the real deal, with teams like HC Tel Aviv and the Jerusalem Capitals holding it down on the domestic front while making waves abroad.
It’s more than just sport there. Hockey’s been used to bridge divides and bring people together. With players from different backgrounds and countries all hitting the ice together, it’s a powerful example of how sport can do more than entertain.
With more international competitions, qualifiers, and regional tournaments popping up, betting markets are expanding beyond the NHL. If you’re into live odds, futures, or exotic props (like who scores first or if a team kills a 5-on-3 power play), you’ll find action outside the usual arenas.
Betway online sports betting has started covering more international ice hockey events, including minor tournaments that feature these emerging teams. It’s a fun detour for bettors tired of the same matchups and a great way to follow a sport that’s changing faster than a line shift in the third period.
If Kenya, the UAE, and the Philippines can ice teams, who’s next? Ghana? Nigeria? Maybe Thailand fields a team for the 2027 Asian Winter Games. At this point, it wouldn’t be shocking.
All it takes is a rink, some gear, and people willing to chase a puck into the unknown. Because that’s the thing about hockey — it might have started in snowy corners of the world, but it’s for anyone with heart, hustle, and a sharp enough turn to fake out a defenseman.
So whether you’re watching from a cold arena or betting from your phone in 30-degree heat, just know the game’s bigger than ever. And honestly? That’s pretty cool.
