Canadian Moose Ice Hockey Club visits Nkume Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal

On the 18^th of May 2026 the Canadian Moose Ice Hockey Club arrived in rural Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal to introduce their sport to the learners and teachers of Nkume Primary School.

Nkume Primary School

Canadian Moose was founded in 1989 by Mark Sadgrove, an accomplished hockey player, world renowned ambassador for the game, and former coach for the Australian Olympic Ice Hockey team. The club has spent more than three decades travelling the world to share their passion, and their mission has always been simple: grow the sport, build friendships, and celebrate the joy of hockey wherever they go. Along the way they have played teams of every skill level – including some national teams – and even earned recognition in Canada’s Hockey Hall of Fame’s World of Hockey exhibit. 

Having spent the first week of their South African tour playing against local teams in Cape Town and Durban, while exploring parts of the Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in-between games, the team were thrilled when their bus rolled up the dirt road to the gates of Nkume.

Nkume, under the leadership of Mr Mpungose, offers primary education to over 800 children; some of whom lack basic necessities such as warm clothing, nourishing food, clean water and a stable home environment. Coming to school is an escape from the struggles of every-day life and offers a glimmer of hope in an unequal society. The school provides one meal a day for its learners and for a few, this will be the only nourishment available to them.

Stepping off the bus, the team was struck by emotion as they were greeted by rows of singing students welcoming them to their humble, happy school. This was followed by an outdoor assembly where Canadian Moose had the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a demonstration of their sport to hundreds of curious children. One of the teachers volunteered to dress up as a goalie, while some of the kids got immense joy out of handling the ice hockey stick and giving playful hits to their teacher who was all geared up!

Mark Sadgrove, Founder of Canadian Moose

“Our school visit to Nkume Primary School was a highlight for the Canadian Moose. The students put together an amazing welcome of song and dance. The steady stream of volunteers and staff guiding such a large group that were very well behaved, showed a keen interest in why we were there. We thoroughly enjoyed interacting with students throughout our visit and the cultural exchange” – Mark Sadgrove

After being made aware of some of the constraints and needs of a government school in rural Eshowe, the group got together and raised funds that will go towards much needed WIFI, sports equipment, school shoes, socks, stationary, and under garments for some of the children during winter.

"On behalf of the learners, staff, and SGB of Nkume Primary School, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Canadian Moose Ice Hockey Club for your remarkable visit on 18 May 2026. You travelled across the world and brought Canada into our school. Our learners were captivated by your ice hockey demonstration, but it was the stories of moose in the wild that truly sparked their imagination. Many of our children had only seen a moose in a book. On that day, they learned that moose are real, strong, and gentle giants – just like the spirit you showed us.

Your visit taught us more than sport. You showed us Ubuntu is global. You showed us that teamwork, respect, and perseverance matter whether you’re on ice in Canada or on a dusty field in KwaZulu-Natal. Thank you for your time, your patience with our endless questions, and for making every child feel like a champion. The memories of 18 May 2026 will inspire Nkume Primary for years to come. You will always have a home here in KZN. Siyabonga. Thank you” – Deputy Principle, Mr Sibiya

Thank you to the Canadian Moose Ice Hockey Club for making a positive impact during their South African tour and to Nkume Primary School for their hospitality.

 Image by Meg Mc Connell