When Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon surprised Kenya's only ice hockey team

In 2018 Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, two of the biggest names in the NHL, surprised Kenya's only ice hockey team with their first-ever game in full gear. The Kenya Ice Lions had longed for a chance to play against another team, and Tim Hortons, the Canadian multinational fast-food chain, made it happen.

Tim Hortons arranged for the Kenya Ice Lions to fly to Toronto for a game, and the players were stunned to see new equipment and personalized jerseys provided by CCM in their lockers. The prospect of playing against another team was already overwhelming for the players, but they had no idea what was coming next.

Crosby and MacKinnon, both Canadian hockey legends, showed up to surprise the Kenyan team and even played as teammates during the game. The players were moved to tears, and the moment was one they will never forget.

The video shared by Tim Hortons shows the excitement and emotion of the Kenyan players as they meet their heroes and prepare for their first game. Captain Ben Azegere expressed his joy at seeing his favorite player, Sidney Crosby, wearing their jersey.

"Seeing my favorite player come through the door wearing our jersey, I felt like I was in heaven," he said.

Sidney Crosby and MacKinnon were equally impressed by the African team's talent and enthusiasm.

MacKinnon said:

"I thought those guys looked great, It's cool to see the genuine excitement that they had, and it got us really fired up."

The surprise visit from Crosby and MacKinnon was just the beginning of a new chapter for ice hockey in Kenya. Tim Hortons has pledged to help fund Kenya's youth hockey league, ensuring that there will be many more games in the future.

Sidney Crosby said:

"That's the best part about the game, is how it reaches so many people. Even in a place like Kenya, where you wouldn't think that there's even ice."

The story of the Kenya Ice Lions and their surprise game with Crosby and MacKinnon is a heartwarming reminder of the power of sports to bring people together from all over the world. It shows that no matter where people come from or what their background is, a love of the game can transcend all barriers.

Sidney Crosby's friendship with MacKinnon

Sidney Crosby's friendship with Nathan MacKinnon is a special one that dates back to their childhood. Both players hail from the same hometown of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. Their paths first crossed when MacKinnon was just a young boy.

Crosby, who was already an established NHL superstar, took the budding young hockey player under his wing and became a mentor to him. As MacKinnon began to show promise as a player, Crosby continued to offer advice and guidance.

Over the years, the two players have remained close friends, training together in the offseason and playing pickup games with other NHL players in the Cole Harbour area. They have even been spotted attending concerts and other events together.

Their friendship has been tested on the ice as well. Crosby and MacKinnon faced off in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs when the Pittsburgh Penguins (Crosby's team) played the Colorado Avalanche (MacKinnon's team). Despite the intense competition, the two players remained respectful of each other and even exchanged jerseys after the series.

Crosby has spoken highly of MacKinnon in interviews, praising his skills and work ethic. MacKinnon, for his part, has described Crosby as a role model and an inspiration.