Lebanon
| Lebanon | |
 | |
| Continent | Asia |
| Population | 6,859,408 |
| Registered players | 107 |
| Referees | 0 |
| Rinks | 1 (outdoor) |
| National teams | Men's |
| National federation | Lebanese Ice Hockey Federation |
| IIHF since | September 26, 2019 |
| Top league | None |
Lebanon is a country in Western Asia. Beirut is the capital and largest city.
History of hockey in Lebanon
The Lebanese Ice Hockey Federation is the governing body for ice hockey in the country. The organization's website states that "...the association has been created to advanced ice hockey, in-line hockey, and ball hockey initiatives of Lebanese hockey players on a worldwide basis in addition to enabling the international development and representation of Lebanon in the sport of hockey."[1] Lebanon became an IIHF member on September 26, 2019.[2]
The Lebanese Minor Hockey League (LMHL) was co-founded by Gordon Penney and Jiri Vlk from the Canadian and Czech embassies, respectively, and a Lebanese native Tony Abi Almeh, at the Ice Skating Arena in Zouk in 2003. In 2005, the league featured 40 players ranging in age from 10-15 years old and conducted practice sessions three times a week. The league was set to visit Prague for a tournament in May 2005.[3] Hockey died out after the rink was shuttered in 2006. An outdoor ice rink was later erected at Beirut Souks in the Central District of the city in later 2011.[4] The mobile rink, known as Beirut on Ice, returned in late 2012 at a new location - the Beirut City Mall.[5] Another facility, known as the Give me Five Ice Skating & Arcade Center, opened in Beirut in April 2014.[6]
The Lebanese National Team made its international debut on April 23, 2017, defeating Haiti 7-4 in Saint-Laurent, Canada.
