Peru's Ice Hockey Team Shines at 2025 Amerigol LATAM Cup: Inspiring a New Era of Hockey in Peru
Peru's men's hockey team made a remarkable debut at the 2025 Amerigol LATAM Cup, winning the silver medal in Men's Division III. The team's success has sparked a surge of interest in the sport, with many Peruvians expressing a desire to join the team for the next tournament. The team's captain, Christian Clement, highlighted the overwhelming response they received, with people clamoring for their jerseys and eager to be part of the growing hockey community in Peru.
Participating in a tournament that featured teams from 17 countries and territories, Peru's team showcased their talent and passion for the sport. Despite falling short in the championship game against Pakistan, the team's performance drew attention to their efforts to promote ice hockey in a country where soccer reigns supreme. The team's goal is to inspire the construction of a full-sized rink in Lima, the capital city, to further develop the sport.
The journey of Peru's ice hockey team has been three decades in the making, stemming from the vibrant roller hockey scene in Lima since the 1990s. Christian Clement, who hails from Quebec, Canada, found a community of hockey enthusiasts in Lima and spearheaded initiatives to expand the sport's reach. Transitioning from roller hockey to ice hockey, the team organized tournaments and events to generate interest and support for the sport.
Despite the lack of NHL-sized ice rinks in Peru, the team's determination to play on ice led them to host a 3-on-3 tournament on a small ice rink in Lima. The positive response from participants fueled their ambition to compete in the LATAM Cup, following the lead of other Latin American countries with a passion for ice hockey. The team's goalie and president of the Peruvian inline hockey association, Samuel Hokama, emphasized the dream of playing ice hockey and the challenges they face in accessing ice rinks.
Looking ahead to the future, the Peruvian team is eager to continue their journey in ice hockey and expand their presence in the sport. With aspirations to develop a youth program and nurture the next generation of players, the team envisions a bright future for ice hockey in Peru. As they prepare for the 2026 LATAM Cup and beyond, the team remains committed to growing the sport and inspiring others to join their hockey community.