In a historic and inspiring moment for ice hockey in Peru, the country’s men’s national team made its debut at the 2025 Amerigol LATAM Cup and proudly took home the silver medal in Men’s Division III.
This achievement has become a turning point for Peruvian sports, not only igniting passion for hockey at home but also connecting the country with the global hockey community.
For Peru, this journey isn’t just about medals — it’s about building bridges, creating opportunities, and proving that ice hockey can thrive even in a tropical nation known for its love of soccer.
Peru’s Silver Debut at the 2025 LATAM Cup
Peru’s performance at the 2025 Amerigol LATAM Cup was nothing short of remarkable. Competing for the first time in Men’s Division III, the team faced off against strong contenders and reached the championship game before falling to Pakistan 6–1.
Yet, this silver medal meant far more than a loss — it symbolized the country’s arrival on the international hockey stage.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Amerigol LATAM Cup 2025 |
| Division | Men’s Division III |
| Final Result | Lost 6–1 to Pakistan |
| Medal | Silver |
| Venue | Florida Panthers IceDen, USA |
| Participating Teams | 62 (men’s, women’s, and youth divisions) |
| Players Involved | More than 1,450 |
| Countries Represented | 17 |
| Peru’s Population | Around 34.22 million |
Following the win, team captain Christian Clement said that the response from the Peruvian community worldwide was overwhelming. Many Peruvians living in Canada and the United States sent messages to join the team or buy jerseys.
The first batch of 50 jerseys sold out immediately, and there is already a waiting list of more than 40 people. This strong wave of enthusiasm has become a clear sign that Peru’s hockey dream is spreading fast.
From Roller Rinks to Ice Rinks
Peru’s hockey journey didn’t begin on ice. For decades, the country has had a vibrant roller hockey culture, especially in Lima, where inline hockey has been popular since the 1990s.
When captain Clement moved from Quebec to Peru over a decade ago, he discovered a passionate roller hockey community. Together, they started organizing friendly tournaments in Ecuador and Chile, laying the groundwork for future ice hockey ambitions.
However, Peru faced one major challenge — the lack of full-sized ice rinks. While Lima has a few small rinks, none meet international standards.
That began to change in June 2024, when the Peruvian Inline Hockey Association, in partnership with the Friendship League, hosted a small 3-on-3 ice hockey tournament in Lima’s San Miguel district.
The event drew curiosity and excitement, introducing many Peruvians to the thrill of real ice hockey for the first time.
Clement recalled how people who had never played ice hockey before instantly fell in love with it, saying, “A lot of people started having fun and said, ‘Hey, I can play on ice. This is fun.’” That moment proved that the sport could capture hearts in Peru — all it needed was the right opportunity.
Building Bridges: At Home and Abroad
1. Growing Hockey Within Peru
The players are now determined to pass the torch to the next generation. Many of the current team members are in their mid-30s, and they understand the need to develop a youth program to secure the sport’s future.
Forward Russel Lovado expressed his dream of starting youth teams once Peru has a full-sized rink. The goal is to give younger players the opportunity to train, compete, and represent their country internationally.
The team is also building bridges with the local community through social media campaigns, merchandising, and outreach events. The overwhelming demand for team jerseys shows that Peruvians are eager to support and identify with this new national sport.
2. Connecting With the Global Hockey Community
Peru’s participation in the LATAM Cup opened doors to connect with other emerging hockey nations from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. The event featured 17 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
For Peru, this tournament was more than competition — it was an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside other countries building their own hockey programs.
Clement said the goal was not just to win, but to build bridges — between Peruvians at home and abroad, between roller and ice hockey, and between nations working to grow the sport in unconventional places.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Peru’s success story is inspiring, but the road ahead is filled with challenges:
- No Full-Sized Rink Yet:
The biggest challenge remains infrastructure. Without a proper ice rink, training and development are limited. - Limited Player Pool:
The current team is made up mostly of older players. To sustain the sport, Peru must focus on youth recruitment and coaching programs. - Funding and Resources:
Travel, equipment, and logistics are expensive. The team relies on passion and community support rather than large sponsorships. - Competition With Soccer:
In a country where soccer dominates every neighborhood, promoting hockey requires creativity and persistence.
Despite these obstacles, the players are optimistic. As goalie Samuel Hokama said, playing hockey gives them a sense of teamwork and identity that keeps the dream alive — even without ideal conditions.
The Road Ahead: Peru’s Hockey Vision
Peru’s national team has already announced plans to return for the 2026 LATAM Cup, aiming not just to win, but to showcase even greater progress. Long-term goals include:
- Building a youth hockey program in Lima.
- Developing Peru’s first international-sized ice rink.
- Expanding training opportunities and workshops for new players.
- Creating partnerships with Latin American and North American hockey organizations.
- Continuing to use hockey as a tool to unite Peruvians across borders.
As Clement proudly stated, “If we don’t do it now, no one will believe we can do this sport here.” The players are determined to prove that Peru can belong on the ice just as much as on the soccer field.
Peru’s silver medal at the 2025 Amerigol LATAM Cup is more than a sporting achievement — it is a symbol of hope, connection, and determination.
From roller rinks to small ice surfaces, from Lima to Florida, this team’s journey is showing the world that passion can melt any barrier. Their next challenge is to inspire a new generation, build real infrastructure, and strengthen ties with other nations.
With unity and dedication, Peru is building more than a hockey team — it’s building a bridge to the future of the sport.
