How does an ice hockey-crazed desert country become enamoured with the sport?

In a sea of people, largely European and American, watching an ice hockey game at Al Nasr Leisureland, the person in a baseball cap, sports jacket, and sparkling white kandura stands out.

As he watches the intense game on the 60-30 metre rink, he shakes his head, smiles, and winks.

Dr Mohammad Al Redha, a former player, understands what it takes to participate in such a unique sport that, weird as it may seem, has been prac....