3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Learning How to Play Hockey (Beginner Guide)

If you're just starting your hockey journey or thinking about picking up the sport, this video is for you! From choosing the right hockey stick to finding the best gloves and understanding how much beginner gear can cost, this is the video I wish I had when I was first starting. As someone who just picked up hockey last year and knows first hand what it's like being a complete noob, I’ll walk you through the basics to help you get started the right way, and I’ll share some of my personal experiences and tips to set you up for success!
Thanks for being here, enjoy! :)
Kaz
Below are links to the products I mentioned plus one extra I didn't talk about (whiteout):
$150 (365g) - Hockey Stick Man Pro Blackout "Red Lite": shorturl.at/ztu0f
$160 - (350g) Swift Hockey ZT Pro 1: swifthockey.co...
$177 (380g) - Barrel Hockey Myst 1 Pro: shorturl.at/wR3H4
$150 (400g) - Bladetech Pro Blackout & Whiteout: shorturl.at/TV9if
Join the "Growing the Game" Discord and connect with fellow beginners as well as more experienced players!
Discord: / discord
FOLLOW ME ON:
TikTok: / _kazxi
Instagram: / kazxi.gg
Twitch: / kazxi

[@Slortchy]

A lot of people might not agree with me but I love that you started with a wood stick, gives you some perspective as to how nice a high end stick is

[@Kazxi.]

That's a good point! It's pretty cool to look back on it now, I guess my thought process behind saying "skip it" is I paid a good $50 for it, then paid $100 for my first composite stick that was pretty trash, THEN upgraded to the $130 HSM stick that was 10x better. SO all in all, a lot of money wasted and it slowed down me getting the rest of the gear I needed.

[@segaman17]

I started skating January 6th last year. I tried out for JR Huskies in march and have played Squirts my first year even though I’m 10. I love it and I’ve watched every one of your videos!!! They make me feel good cause I’m doing what you’re doing🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let's go dude, love that bro! Keep grinding!

[@RealSlys]

In ct?

[@segaman17]

@@RealSlys yup!

[@RealSlys]

@ nice I’m in 2nd year peewees the rink there is so nice the new one and old one. I’m gonna be a bantam next year hope you make the A team for your tryouts. I know I will!

[@DanielLINY]

20 years old, looking to start getting into hockey after falling in love with the sports 2 years ago. Been loving watching your videos as I slowly start to make the commitment. Hoping to start documenting my journey like you mentioned you have done so that I can keep it for memories and reviewing myself! Thanks for all you do and all the advice you give! 🤝

[@goody3724]

Hey dude, my local rink has been damaged so I can’t work on my skating for a few weeks but watching your videos is the best way to pass the time and helping me improve, thanks 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Dang that's a bummer to hear about your rink, look into some roller blades if you've got some pavement near by! Helped me big time when I couldn't get ice time. Skatings a little different but still helpful!

[@goody3724]

@ will do, there is a roller rink nearby also

[@rockysnell6439]

I’m 37 going on my 2nd year of hockey, well organized hockey I should say. I played pond hockey when I was younger so I kind of had the gist of skating, puck handling and shooting but man did joining a men’s league and playing actual organized hockey open up a whole fricking hockey obsession I didn’t even know was possible 😂. Still have a lot to work on but getting better every time I play I feel like. Enjoy your videos keep them coming! 🤝🤝🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Dude love this man, thanks for sharing that!!

[@jjsports9582]

You’re the reason I play! I found an old hockey stick in my garage and played for a week but then i stoped playing. Then I stumbled across one of your vids and kept going! Thank you Kazxi for posting, when you do it makes my day!😀😃😁

[@Kazxi.]

Let's go dude I love to hear that!

[@grayrichards5627]

Having started my hockey journey about 2 months ago, I love this content. Super relatable videos and you can tell how much Kazxi cares about the content 🤝

[@user-ey6fi4wy8u]

This video was perfect for me! You commented on TikTok telling me to come to this video and it helped a lot! I definitely need a stick for my hockey journey! 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let's go dude, thanks for coming over, glad it helped!

[@RyderBielak]

i started playing a few years ago but i still love to see people like you get better and better as time gose on! Keep it up man!

[@Kazxi.]

Hey thanks so much dude!

[@chasegaming4046]

I started hockey about 1 month ago and I am loving it so far I am younger so I can’t take myself to my local roller hockey rink but when I ask my parents and they say yes I get so excited and it is so much fun I would love this stick man but all I can do is hope. I am gonna get my first helmet and shin pads soon and I’m so excited so it would be great to have a stick. Just saying I’m a lefty so ya. My currant stick is my uncles old stick and a street hockey stick so ya. Thank you for doing this and 🤝.

[@elisabethgrimshaw928]

Very inspiring I luv it keep up the grind

[@graeknight6493]

Hey Kazxi, thanks for the tips! You've been an amazing channel to watch and learn from, this is coming from a beginner at hockey.

[@bulson08]

Hey there Kazi! I have been watching your videos for almost a year now. It’s great to see some one around my age be able to pick up on this wonderful sport! I have finally picked up a full set of gear both mixed of used and from pro shop, and I look towards really getting this all down. Hockey has really helped me out these past few years and I look towards being a better skater. Thank you for all of your awesome videos! 🤝

[@Sethhendrixthefirst]

This video answered so many questions I had as someone who is trying to learn about and play hockey for the first time! I don't live in an area that's big on ice sports (Oklahoma) so getting into has been slow, but with these tips I feel confident enough to go look for gear to keep going. Thanks for helping out the newbies and you've got yourself a new subscriber! Oh yeah and 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let's go dude, I love to hear that!

[@bakerfx4968]

Great video! All of the stick info was top tier! Haven’t seen any other hockey video explain all that so quickly and concisely. Keep up the good work sir!

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks so much dude, glad to hear it was clear and easy to understand! There's alot that goes into a hockey stick!

[@Ryoga23]

It's been great to see your journey. Definitely has made me reflect on mine and what I would have done different. Appreciate you posting your lessons learned, hopefully it helps a lot of others out there!

[@ChaseYDD]

Kazxi you inspired me to play ice hockey, and I started skating about 3 months ago and you inspired me to go farther and play shinny. and by next year I’ll be playing thanks kazxi I wish you the best!

[@Kazxi.]

Heck yeah Chase, I love to hear that!

[@Djcutebuns29]

Watching you learn to play inspired me to resume my hockey learning journey. I played in a beginner rec league a couple of rounds and then fell off. Keep up the good work 🤝

[@carloshutt6678]

This is a really good video, I started coaching my kid before I even started playing. And here I'm 3.5 yrs later, still coaching and playing 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Dude that's awesome!

[@carloshutt6678]

@ and I made a similar stick error at the beginning. Got the right size but had no idea about flex. So ended with a Stick from Play it Again that was a 95 flex!!!

[@kirkstuckless]

Love your content man! Just started playing a few months back at 28 after watching your journey. Documenting the whole thing has been so helpful too! Thanks for sharing!! 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let’s go dude, that’s awesome thank you!

[@frigginRIP419]

I want to recommend a video for you it is trying goalie i know it looks easy but it aint as easy as it looks 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Definitely on my list!

[@matteop5814]

Solid tips and great video! I’ve been watching you since you started and it’s crazy how good you have gotten in such a short amount of time. Even though I’ve been playing hockey my whole life I love watching your journey and it reminds me of how great hockey is. 🤝

[@zuzannary]

Just had my first scrimmage today at training. got bodied a few times and had a few chances but definitely need improvement. only around my 4th ever session. just learnt to skate backwards and transition too. Love learning from you 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Dude let's go man, that's awesome progress keep it up!

[@gasmath]

I picked up my stick off Marketplace a year ago but didn't know anything about weight. Just weighed mine right now, it's over 500g! Thanks for letting me know it might be time for an upgrade. 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Dude you’re definitely gonna feel that difference! Excited for you!

[@vsaRLclips]

As a massive hockey fan I love how you are bringing so many new players to hockey and helping them out.Not trying to criticize but I don’t think p92 and p29 are the same curve

[@zakeary]

Denfinitley gonna be sending this one to anyone asking to get into hockey. Great video!

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks bro!

[@Huurreeeee]

My first season ever! First time on ice in August 24. Loving the process and watch your videos and trying and trying! Greetings from Sweden 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let’s gooo dude that’s awesome!

[@noahguzman-p5q]

JUST watching this made me want to keep going especially with stick and gear advice I’m hoping to start getting gear thank you so much 🤝

[@HyperJetYT]

Man You Know Right When The Notification Hits And Shows Your Videos, I GOTTA Watch It! EVERY VIDEO IS A BANGER!!

[@Kazxi.]

Thank you so much bro, you're a real one for that!

[@HyperJetYT]

I’m literally watching your videos right now!

[@HyperJetYT]

I Subscribed To You On All Of My Family Members Phones!

[@BrendanOhals]

I have been subscribed for a while now and I just want to say keep up the great work 🤝

[@Izaia21]

I love your videos keep it up Kaxzi❤!!!! 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Preciate you bro!

[@09jagreen]

When I started playing hockey, I used a wood stick for years, then my parents got me my first two piece which was an Easton 9001 with a wood blade. They didn’t know about flex and I didn’t either so it was a 100 flex and I was like 12 or 13 years old. So from then on I always use a 100 flex cause I didn’t know any better all the way through high school. I didn’t learn how to properly pick a flex until I was like 30 years old. Wish you would’ve come out with this video in 2001, I could’ve gone to the NHL! ha ha

[@borrito071]

Began my journey two months ago, and most of what he is saying is pretty much all correct. Joined the rec league for my school and caught the hockey bug.🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Nice dude, love that!

[@bluej3261]

When you choose a blade pattern/curve as a beginner. Ive played 12.5 years and i would recommend P88 because its a heel curve making it easy to both put it in the air and keep it low

[@Kazxi.]

I actually tried p88 and I hated it 😂

[@andrebrown5430]

Hey bro you motivated me to get out there and learn too. Keep up the good work

[@nanoperspective]

love your videos :) It's really nice to know these things

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks man, glad I could help!

[@mikegendron6083]

Love the vid man great advice and really enjoy watching your progress. 🤝

[@KimberlyPasella]

Great videos one of my favorite KZbinrs🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Hey thanks so much!

[@sbcxatomic9639]

Great vid! I’ve been trying to get into hockey myself on my spare time so these are helpful tips 🤝🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Heck yeah dude!

[@sbcxatomic9639]

@ who won?

[@boofboi]

love watching the journey got me started myself 🤝🤝

[@Hacky74]

YIOOOOO FIRST also ive been waiting for this video fro soooooooooo long tysm bro i love u kazxi

[@Kazxi.]

Ay thanks for being here Hacky, glad you liked it!

[@bl00df4rt]

Check out if the rink you play at has a Livebarn feed. It's a cam that captures everything on the ice. You can pay for the subscription and watch your games/practices back later. It's a great way to "document the journey" without getting absolutely incinerated for wearing a GroPro on your helmet.

[@Mattia752]

Started playing hockey becouse of you. Thank you man🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let's go dude!

[@atv_lord]

I started watching u not too long ago and I love ur vids keep it up🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Ay thank you man!

[@atv_lord]

@Kazxi. Ur welcome

[@lassehettlinger3111]

Planning on staring after my exams, after starting to watch my lokal hokeyteam win the championchip last year.🤝

[@massivefreddy9931]

you are what made me start playing roller hockey in san jose 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let's go dude, that's awesome to hear

[@threecsgolf5088]

Love the videos. Keep up the great work! 🤝

[@krisbradfield]

another great video! and amazing tips keep up the great work kazxi! 🤝🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks so much dude!

[@watere]

W video kazxi I gotta say I know it hard to get ice time but I would love to see some more ice hockey content but anyway great video 🤝😉

[@Oldtradio]

I loved hockey and am trying to get back into it. Definitely much more expensive today! So far I think I’m $1400 in the hole and just found out the outdoor rink by me is locked up 😭 Will find a rec league soon enough once I dust off the ol “skills” 🤝

[@radishman10]

Bro i love the videos man keep up the hard work and as a fellow new player your doing great 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks so much dude, means alot!

[@kevinpgallo]

Love your videos dude. I'm just getting started too, and I keep considering recording to watch back or share with the world the way you do! 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Definitely do dude! I've got some old clips I was too embarrassed to post at the time that I might have to whip out

[@frankiegaliffa3850]

KZbin wasn’t around when I first started playing back in 1996. I was 4, so I couldn’t tell you how much everything costed back then. Back when Easton was still a legit company

[@aaronwhite1786]

This video just has me missing my garage... Now that I live in an apartment, I really miss having a place where I can just go and easily stickhandle and setup my own shooting area. 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Dang man, I feel this. You got a street at least? I moved out here to CO from Florida where I didn't have a basement or garage so when I got into this house I had to take advantage!

[@aaronwhite1786]

@@Kazxi. Yeah, luckily there's some space around my apartment where I can go if I want to. Not the greatest locations, but better than nothing. Just need to grab myself an ABS stick to use, so I don't shred my good ones.

[@Max-c2c]

Keep it up 🤝(never seen a swift stick so I kinda want to try)

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks man! Just got this one in, it's pretty solid especially considering the price

[@cormcorm]

Great video as always Kaz 🤝 !!

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks dude!!

[@Meonnnn]

I am 24 years old and i just started playing ice hockey since money and ice time is a big issue for me when i was younger because Ice Hockey is not really a favourite sport from where i come from. Since I have a job I can now commit and cant wait to progress🤘🏻🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Nice dude! Stick with it, you’re gonna love it!

[@TravelatorH8r]

I'm 40 and I think that was great advice good looks on you brother

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks so much dude!

[@eathinwallace5408]

One of the best tips I’ve found is do it with a friend or find someone who already knows what they’re doing 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Definitely!

[@KaysonRandle]

I think now I’m gonna start posting videos of me cancelling and also ask my mom to get me a GoPro so I can post videos on the ODR. Thanks for the confidence.

[@KaysonRandle]

Thanks for letting my comment I really wanna be like you

[@KaysonRandle]

I really wanna be sponsored by Bauer

[@mikemendes9581]

As a beginner myself lots of good info!!🤝🤝🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Glad to hear was helpful!

[@b4ckseat]

Love the vids bro🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks so much dude!

[@Finn_C-f8e]

Kazxi, it's ok dude ur insane at hockey!

[@DovahKing1208]

I'm planning to get a stick next week just to mess around with. I was just going to pick up a Sherwood 5030.

[@epidemicvenom8944]

Thanks for sharing man! 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@ForeverTomsa]

🤝Thanks for the advice!🤝

[@JaydenKellyNB]

Thanks for the tips 🤝

[@leafsfans-c5g]

Thanks for the vid I just started and il start documenting my journey thanks

[@Kazxi.]

Heck yeah dude!

[@roiDadidou-o8b]

Good video Kazxi 🤝🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks man!

[@Jasper-u9e]

Bro I love ur vids and ur so good🤝

[@AlanenJ]

My first set which I played actual hockey with was, hyperlite gloves, 180€, hyperlite helmet, 200€, agent stick, 300€, bauer m5 pro skates, 600€ and a set of bauer 3s protectives, but with 3s pro pants, about 370e, total is 1650€/2500 cad/1750usd. Played a season of u15 A hockey with those and now I play in Finland mens div 6.

[@Christian-o9z]

another banger by kazxi

[@Kazxi.]

Thank you man!

[@dacat8171]

Definitely get the lightest stick possible. It is so much easier to handle a puck with a light 🏒.

[@Kazxi.]

That’s facts!

[@MustacheStudios.]

another tip is buying used stuff instead of new, you can find some stuff that are half the price and great quality

[@Kazxi.]

1000%! That’s why I say play it again is the way to go, and if you don’t have one, then sideline swap

[@Gert-V]

🤝 started 6 year ago with second hand stuff and replaced it over the years. Specially after a serious injuiry i wanted to be protected a bit better. I paid around 300 euro for my first set (i did have decent skates at that time) But i also replaced those a few months ago for better ones and what a difference. As a beginner it is difficult to choose the right stock, flex and curve. After 6 years i'm still not completly satisfied and still looking for "the one" Maybe the ""Myst one" ?? 😄

[@Curlybutter]

I don’t need it and I don’t think it would be close to my size but🤝

[@PaulJoyce-lp6wb]

Lets see a full stick collection!🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Soon!!

[@mohammedalimanek7470]

love the videos keep it up🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks so much man!

[@saltwaterforlife5601]

If you really want that elite level stick, i recommend waiting a couple years. I got a trigger 7 pro being shipped for free for 200$ cad 🤝

[@HockeySideisHim]

🤝🤝 Kazxi ur rlly inspiring keep going on ur amazing journey!!!!! 🤝🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks so much dude!

[@user-se3nm7ih1o]

Thanks for the video 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Thank YOU for watching :)

[@memphissander3512]

My first set is everything new. I had skates already from a few years ago but Im looking at getting a new pair soon because mine are starting to fall apart. i was insanely lucky to find a wicked clearance deal on some sherwood code tmp stuff. I don't know the exact amount but i've spent well less than 1,000 CAD.🤝

[@Kazxi.]

That's not too bad!

[@gameclipsam3167]

I been subbed since day 12 so almost since d 1

[@Kazxi.]

Thank you bro!

[@BreFlyersfan]

My first set of gear I got was -Bauer IMS 5.0 helmet -Bauerneck guard -Bauer woman’s shoulder pads -Bauer woman’s pants Bauer vapor 3x elbow -Bauer vapor 3x shin pads -Bauer vapor 3x gloves -Bauer vapor 3x skates - Bauer hyperlite stick That was my first set up and I got that stuff about 2 years ago and I had to upgrade my skates to the Bauer vapor 5x pro skates and I got a new stick witch is the Bauer custom proto R purple

[@BreFlyersfan]

🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@Kazxi.]

What did all of that cost you, do you remember?

[@BreFlyersfan]

@@Kazxi. I think it was around 3k I could be wrong

[@BreFlyersfan]

It was my first set and I got all of it at pure hockey the guys there are so nice they helped my dad and I out with sizing

[@Basketballisamazing0987]

I love your vids Yuki

[@Kazxi.]

Ay thank you man!

[@JessicaHarrington-ng3oj]

Love the vids 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

I appreciate you bro!

[@user-gq7zv6zp8s]

Good luck🤝w video

[@TrentonRogers-u2v]

Just started hockey 2 months ago🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Let’s go dude, how’s it coming so far?

[@TrentonRogers-u2v]

@ good

[@dannymcg2524]

Trenton just keep working hard remember hard work pays of

[@TrentonRogers-u2v]

@ thanks

[@dannymcg2524]

@@TrentonRogers-u2v your welcome

[@JoeMartinez-q9j]

Great video I have a wooden hockey stick and yeah, it's horrible😅🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Haha yeah gotta get an upgrade asap, thanks dude!

[@jacewilliams46]

You should get the ccm vision and do a full review🤝

[@Kazxi.]

Really wanna get one of these, definitely will do a review if I can get my hands on one!

[@Toasxy]

Great video 🤝

[@Incredibly_Insane09]

Dap me up bro 🤝

[@Kazxi.]

🤝

[@RUjokin]

Great advice for beginners. What GoPro setup do you recommend? 🤝

[@Quinntolin]

🤝 I don’t have a real good reson I just want a stick so I can play hockey agin as I stoped when I was a little kid and I wish I didn’t

[@AydenLe-h9f]

My brother is starting and we just found out he’s a lefty twitch 🤝

[@Cjlima79]

This is awesome, just sucks I live in South Florida. Barely any rinks I know of:/

[@DavidHinteregger]

I love your Videos

[@Kazxi.]

Thanks a lot David, I appreciate it!

[@SandyEdwards-t8l]

Started 2years ago and play roller hockey and i am the best in my league

[@Kazxi.]

Nice dude!!!

[@bradenallan8826]

Love the vid

[@Kazxi.]

Hey thanks so much dude!

[@Aidan_minotti]

Kazxi vs masher vs coach chippy vs trew crew vs Aidan dale when?

[@Kazxi.]

lol the avengers line up right there

[@Aidan_minotti]

@@Kazxi.also can’t forget abt coach Jeremy, we also need some goalies so add nick, and kvg in there, and some real competition like mackinnon, makar, and rantanen (goodbye rantanen:(…..)

[@KanadianGOOSE8]

For stick flex it’s actually supposed to be half your weight and 10 or 20 but your used to that flex so keep it