Algeria often goes under the radar in the ice hockey world, but our nation has quietly made history in the sport. Although African countries South Africa and Morocco were IIHF members long before us, Algeria has quickly established itself with several firsts on the global stage.

It all began in June 2008 at the Arab Cup in Abu Dhabi when Algeria faced Morocco, marking the first time two African nations competed against each other in ice hockey. I had the honor of scoring the first goal in this historic match, setting the tone for what would become a series of groundbreaking achievements for our team.

In 2022, during the IIHF Development Cup, we made history again by playing against Colombia—the first time an African nation faced a South American nation in ice hockey. This match symbolized the growing global reach of the sport and Algeria’s role in expanding its frontiers.

May 2024 saw Algeria participate in the Dream Nations Cup in New Jersey, where we competed against a team of Indigenous North American players. This was another historic moment as it marked the first encounter between an African nation and an Indigenous team in the sport’s history.

The journey continues in the 2024 LATAM Cup, where Algeria will face Puerto Rico, making it the first time an African nation will play against a Caribbean nation in ice hockey. Each of these matches not only represents a thrilling competition but also highlights Algeria’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Our impact extends beyond the national team as well. HC Alger Corsaires, our club team, has earned the distinction of being the only African club with its jersey displayed in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto—an honor that speaks to the strides we’ve made in ice hockey.

These achievements are more than just records; they are milestones in the ongoing journey of ice hockey’s expansion across continents. As Algeria continues to break new ground, we are proud to be at the forefront of this global movement, inspiring future generations and showing the world that ice hockey knows no borders.

Join Us on This Historic Journey

As we gear up for the 2024 LATAM Cup, we reflect on our journey and look forward to the challenges ahead. Stay tuned as Algeria continues to make history in the world of ice hockey.