UAE — The Cairo Nomads made a statement on regional ice this week, finishing 2nd overall at the Union Classic tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The event drew a competitive field with teams representing Oman, Russia, the UAE, and others, showcasing the rising standard of Gulf and MENA ice hockey.
The Nomads battled through a packed slate of group and knockout games, leaning on structured team defense, disciplined special teams, and a relentless forecheck. Their run culminated in a hard-fought championship game against the UAE’s Cyber Bedouins, where the Nomads fell short and settled for silver after a tight final.
“Silver is proof we’re on the right track—now we finish the job,” said head coach Jay Bergatt postgame. “Our group showed resilience all tournament long, and we’ll build on this.”
Tournament Highlights
- Deep field: Clubs from Oman, UAE, and across the region brought pace and physicality, pushing the Nomads in every round.
- First goals: Omar Ashraf of the Cairo Nomads scored his first goal against team Majan in the semifinals.
- Final vs. Cyber Bedouins (UAE): A fast, physical matchup decided by execution in the closing stages with a close loss of 3-1 with an empty net goal.
Why It Matters
This silver medal is another milestone for the Egyptian National Hockey League project—evidence that Cairo’s top talent can compete with established programs in the region. The Nomads’ result raises the bar for domestic competition and accelerates the pathway for Egyptian players targeting high-level play.
What’s Next
The Nomads return to training with a focus on situational offense and late-game management ahead of their next international outing. Roster updates, camp dates, and community skates will be announced on the ENHL channels soon.