(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Ice Hockey Teams Shine at 2025 Amerigol Latam Cup in Florida
Dubai, August 26, 2025 – Pakistan has made history in international ice hockey, achieving remarkable success at the Amerigol Latam Cup 2025 in Coral Springs, Florida.
The men’s team clinched the Division III championship with a perfect unbeaten run, capping the tournament with a 6-1 victory over Peru in the final. This impressive feat comes just a year after their debut in 2024, where the team managed only a single win.
On social media, the victorious squad celebrated: “Pakistan men’s Division III champions! Undefeated run capped off with gold. What a tournament!”
The achievement drew praise from Donny Khan, NHL’s senior director of hockey development, who helped form Pakistan’s teams. “I thought we would be winning several years from now. I didn’t think we’d be doing this in year two,” he admitted.
Women’s Team Makes Historic Debut
Pakistan’s women’s ice hockey team also made a strong impression, securing a bronze medal in their first-ever international competition. Despite a small roster of just 10–12 players, the women showcased skill, determination, and teamwork.
Head coach Kameron Sabir, who also coached the men, praised the squad: “The women did such an amazing job. Tremendous performance for their first tournament.”
Player-coach Mariya Rauf, who competes in NCAA Division I hockey for Yale University, emphasized the significance of their achievement. “Cricket is our national sport, but after this, it shows ice hockey is growing every single day in Pakistan. There is talent, and we are just going to keep getting better,” she said.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Next Generation
The success of both teams comes despite limited facilities in Pakistan, where no internationally certified ice rinks exist. Players often train abroad or in makeshift venues.
Their victories have drawn global attention, highlighting Pakistan’s potential in ice hockey and underlining the importance of developing proper infrastructure to support the sport’s growth.
About the 2025 Amerigol Latam Cup
The tournament featured 62 teams, including men’s, women’s, and youth squads, with over 1,450 players from 17 countries and territories. Matches were held at IceDen and Palm Beach Skate Zone in Wellington, Florida, concluding on August 24.
The event, backed by the National Hockey League (NHL), aims to expand ice hockey in non-traditional markets, providing exposure, experience, and opportunities for emerging hockey nations like Pakistan.
Pakistan’s historic double success demonstrates that with talent, determination, and proper support, the country could soon become a serious contender on the global ice hockey stage.
