How to make it to the NHL - What it takes to become a Pro hockey player

Pretty much every hockey players dream is to one day playing in the NHL. Greg Mauldin former NHL'er and current Swiss National Pro Player talks us through what it really takes (aside from talent) to make the NHL.
Keep in touch with us
/ hockeytutorial
/ hockeytutorial
/ hockeytutorial
Snap Chat "Hockeytutorial"

[@FivePointsVids]

What a great story from a guy who worked hard to get where he is.

[@dna1373]

FivePoints Vids love ur vids

[@sweatbloodandhockey]

I remember not long ago one of my teammates asked me what I wanted to do for a job and I said I just wanted to play hockey. He replied no I mean like a paid job? out of pair pressure I replied with a career that I probaby wouldn't even really like. I know in my heart what I really wanted to say... pro hockey.

[@hockeykid929]

Same with me man.. Every time someone tells me what I want to do I say idk. But I instantly think hockey.

[@sweatbloodandhockey]

Never give up the dream my man!

[@hockeykid929]

+Sweat Blood and Hockey hell yeah man. Same with you!

[@nalsra0]

My dream is to be in the NHL as a defensemen, very low chance to happen but you never know.

[@hockeykid929]

+Blur Icy if that's what you wanna do achieve it man. Make that "low chance" a 100% chance. Do what makes you happy bro!

[@shawn6454]

I like how he kept emphasizing setting goals.

[@eriklakeland3857]

It’s a major key to life, I make separate short term and long term goals.

[@downtoearthpeople]

Watched this twice now. Very inspiring, it's really important to know not just talent get you to the NHL sometimes you just need to know the right people or be in the right place at the same time

[@jacksonli6165]

Always blessed to hear Dad was there for pictures, your goals, and support up until making it into NHL. Another blessing having to listen and watch you play those couple shots that always humble you! Great sportsmanship to whoever shared this video.

[@dallasbiggz7007]

Be born by a Father that played in NHL. Gives you the name brand recognition you need to edge out the competition.

[@usnationalist8150]

To any kid reading this, if you think you got what it takes (and basically carrying your team every game) then do not focus on anything but bettering yourself. I messed up in life and could been retiring from NHL in next cpl years. Went to camp when I was 14-15 and the nhl players teaching singled me out and told me I got what it takes if I stick to it. Well I decided to quit hockey when I was 16 to play football (which I was good in) but wouldn’t of made no NFL. I choose to run with my friends, go to parties and chase females and suddenly time passed to where I was years behind. The nhl players told me I got Crosby’s puck control and malkin physicality. Please don’t make the same mistake I did, I will never have another life to make it right so hopefully this will help others

[@Imsorryman]

💜💜

[@ZacharyYamamoto]

I will take your advice bro🫡🤜

[@skywarrior6059]

I’m 14 years old and I play roller hockey since where I live there are no ice skating rinks, it’s my dream to be an nhl player to make my parents proud, prove my friends wrong that I can make it and overall I’ve loved hockey since I was 11, I’ve circled my life around it since then and I’ve been working at it in my garage, street and on my games Saturday but it’s hard since I’ve never ice skated. I want it so bad tho to be an nhl player so after watching this video I know that’s 100% what I want

[@ZacharyYamamoto]

I’m also in 14u with the same dream:)

[@abbyreid6275]

you are such a inspiration to me because of you I started playing ice hockey thanks again

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+Abby Reid This is so awesome to read. So glad we helped to get you back on the ice! Never stop playing buddy.

[@t.j.corcoran]

can you guys do a video on how to improve your hockey skills in a game, like accepting passes from behind, dekeing, skating on break aways and passing in good positions? thanks, this channel helped me become one of the best players on my team, and I started playing last year!

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+tj corcoran Great suggestions! We'll see what we can do :)

[@t.j.corcoran]

OK thank you! Can't wait to improve my skills!

[@nickkotsanis4996]

T.J. Corcoran I

[@lucarozoboi9969]

You only played for a year and your the best on your team? I better start watching this channel a lot more lmao

[@lxced_]

i played at migdet AA and that was super hard hockey it becomes really real when you play at that level and the amount of dedication it takes, training all summer missing all the fun, and playing hockey sleeping hockey all the travelling is hard, if you really want it you can get it but it takes work and sacrifice

[@vert1go]

midget AA is not high level hockey

[@liammonaghan4785]

if u complain about or dont enjoy playing hockey all summer then high level hockey is not for you

[@themightymidget61]

Isn't this the guy datsyuk dangled so hard he ran into his own player?

[@TylerSmith-fl5gz]

Dude I’d love to be the guy datsyuk dangled into the rafters. That’s an honor

[@jakepaige1058]

Thanks! What an opportunity to meet Greg, great video guys

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+Jacob Paige Awesome guy. We found his story very inspiring.

[@julianlarenas9623]

Chris can you do a video on ways to help keep your head up in games and stuff

[@luceatlux7087]

i know i am very not exceptional...i'm in amazement with people i see who are able to fight and persevere throughout life and become great. usually, right as i get ill or have some sort of extreme distress, i want out of everything and i just want to take the easiest route available...

[@Uppercornerhockey]

great stuff guys! and shared!

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+Uppercornerhockey Thanks buddy.

[@Uppercornerhockey]

+Hockey Tutorial just shared on FB... shared on Twitter earlier... Great stuff.

[@leobukalov3568]

This man actually had to sacrifice to make the nhl at 27 is called true dedication to the game hella respect here

[@randomperson6899]

Good luck on 100 k

[@WeedSmoker69]

oh the sadness most of us go through when we realize we're not going to make it at 15-17. good on you brother

[@lightfixstudios]

People ask me, "what do you wanna be when you grow up?" I say *NHL* They say, "yeah right, like that's gonna happen." A few days later, I sit in the library, reading a hockey book. Another kid comes up to me. "What do you wanna be when you grow up?" He asks "Uhm, you'll just doubt me," I say. "No I won't," He says. "Okay, I wanna be a pro hockey player." "Nice!" He says. I am in shock. "I wanna be a pro baseball player!" Suddenly, I don't feel alone. Just because I live in Texas, I don't have to be a football player. I can play what I want. And so can you. But, if you want something as bad as you wanna live, then you'll be successful.

[@Imsorryman]

If the dream is still alive, best of luck, I want to see you on the ice one day.

[@alexh_1778]

i started playing hockey about 4 years ago and i started skating (not seriously taken skating) at age 5 , do you think i have a chance to have a career in hockey?

[@lacasadepapel4356]

im an ice hockey goalie, do you have any videos about that?

[@NickSivieri]

Hey you should do a video on improving your stride and getting faster.

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+Skullified Gaming We always recommend searching our channel ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nauofXhodt-Jaa8

[@Fronni_]

Nice video

[@ayeverducci]

In two-three years I will become a nhl goalie! I’m speaking it into existence now and Idc what you gotta say, my save percentage will be solid af and everyone will know me by that saying! I’m not only going to do this for myself but for my loved ones and everyone who did but also didn’t believe I could do it.I pray that God guides me through this journey and gives me the strength to overcome any obstacle that comes my way as I will not quit and I will do everything for his glory. I will do this! I have to do this!!!

[@SakuraKitsune_]

I was never able to play as a kid since we were tight on money and my family was going through a nasty divorce. I thought I can’t play hockey since I’m 18 almost 19 but after looking I saw I can still fulfill a dream, I’m gonna put head to it and practice and possibly join a local league. I want it and I now I’m gonna make it happen. Edit: Damn I lowkey forgot I made this comment. Well after like 4 years and dealing with some demons of my own, I'm rekindling the drive to play again. I guess we'll see how this pans out, right now I'm 22 almost 23 so uhh...ya

[@beaststudios6393]

How did it go

[@liammonaghan4785]

How did it go

[@nuclearbombs9933]

How did it go

[@SakuraKitsune_]

@@nuclearbombs9933 it didn't. Life kinda happened and I'm still dealing with my personal issues.

[@liammonaghan4785]

@@SakuraKitsune_ thats tough

[@jadenderer1844]

I'm 15 and I play ball hockey but my parents can't put me in ice hockey and take me to tournaments. I'm a ok skater and I practice almost everyday on a out door rink during the winter. How can I make the pros?

[@julianlarenas9623]

you gotta play high school hockey if your school has a team and you've got to find a job to put yourself through if ur old enough

[@julianlarenas9623]

you could go to a catholic high school and play there

[@nalsra0]

Just keep practicing. Practice makes perfect, maybe in 5-10 years you will see your self in a NHL printed jersey. :)

[@mirage2nr771]

Just believe in your dreams, nothing is impossible, even if it's what the others tell you ! Believe in you, and see every difficulty as a new step to your goal :) Have a nice trip !

[@leifpye8428]

Work hard

[@bradiator6465]

could i make it to professional hockey? i am constantly on the pond in the winter shooting pucks and skating and in the summer on the streets on roller blades shooting pucks and working on drills like stick handling and all that. About a year ago is when i started wanting to play professional hockey.

[@mechoxl4073]

brandon patrick look at some local professional players to see what league and path they chose

[@SlavicRatnik]

I hope you respond but the last time I played hockey was 4-5 years ago and I was pretty good or had potential, but the question I wanna ask I how long would it take me to get back to my good skill of having potential of being a good player please respond which you probably not but I hope.

[@liammonaghan4785]

am i on a good pace to make it? i am playing u16 aa as a 14 year old and will be playing varsity too

[@alexisascencio9397]

At 20 years old, with a heavy hockey backround.. ice skating lessons at the age of 5 to street hockey to ice hockey. Do i still have a chance at earning a shot at making it into the NHL????

[@ilyaklevtsov3229]

He can get signed

[@personalnightbot1427]

Definitely there is a way I'm positive and 2nd not sure 1st start college hockey if you fail maybe try this Ask you closest AHL or NHL team near you ask the person that is talking in the mic (I don't know what they call them) if that fail maybe send a email or letter to them saying I would like to ask the players how to get in the NHL if you don't get drafted because some hockey players never we're in draft and were undrafted but got in NHL it might work

[@Barry_the_dog]

Not a chance in hell

[@thenextgamer2935]

Sick video man! I've got a question, i'm 14 and i'm 6'3/6'4 and I weigh 78kg, I was wondering what hockey stick would I need like flex and etc.

[@snipebardown6979]

+TheNextGamer You are a big boy I would stick obviously to a senior class but I am going to say around a 95-105 flex but your position kinda reflects that if you are a foward get a little less flex if your defense get a little more but that's what I would say for you. Obviously your toe and curve can be picked how YOU want.

[@thenextgamer2935]

Haha, thanks man I'm looking to play Centre so maybe I'll pick 95 or 100 flex and have a toe hockey stick. Anyways have a good day!

[@CrazedGwonam97]

+TheNextGamer Dude you are huge... have you ever played before

[@thenextgamer2935]

+Clever Happy Derp Lol cheers man, no I haven't looking into getting into it though.

[@snipebardown6979]

It's a good sport to get into at any age.

[@martynastreigys279]

Man, I so wish I pursued my dream of becoming a hockey player, by not quitting my skating lessons when I was younger (Currently 17). Makes me sad everytime I think about it.....

[@clumzy9516]

Hey don't say that I'm in the same boat as you, buy a pair of rollerblades train everyday that's what I'm doing, remember the name Valachos

[@martynastreigys279]

Emisoccer • Nah, I think this would be my draft year

[@ctrlshiftqq9846]

same 😭

[@brandonfragrances4761]

One of my biggest things is performance anxiety,not being abe to perform even though i practice and practice,i guess it's mental

[@LiveTilliDie]

Go see a psychologist or sports psychologist, they're super helpful for that

[@nalsra0]

My dream is to be in the NHL as a defenseman, unfortunately it is pretty unlikely but I try my best. I am only 13 at the moment though so many more years to come

[@youtubeonmyphone537]

The second you doubt yourself makes it almost impossible and always be willing to try things that was my biggest mistake when I started playing hockey I was always scared to fall down

[@mirage2nr771]

Yes, not se many players get to the nhl, or any other pro hockey stuff, but still, they had to get there one way or another as well as you do ! May you be the next one :) "If you want to succeed as bad as you wanna breath, then you'll be successful"

[@ctrlshiftqq9846]

damn 5 years have passed

[@sykokat]

Should I aim for hockey or UFC? 5'5 125 lb fast and quick reflixes

[@kapii86]

fast reflexes are nothing without other skills and gifts and work ethic

[@ItsAlkey]

I’m currently 18, turned as of September.. been playing hockey since I was 5, I’m a born and bred defenceman as that’s what I’ve played for a consistent 10 years, unfortunately I missed the year for any potential scouts or drafts. I got back into it early this year, been training hard (roughly 5 times a week 3 hours a day) on and off ice. Is there any hope for me to still make it to the big leagues?

[@gokogo465]

Alkey what you up to now

[@liammonaghan4785]

Alkey did you make it?

[@liammonaghan4785]

Alkey where are you playing now

[@disturbedspartan117]

I just got back into hockey after almost 15 years played real young made the mistake of not continuing.my path has taken me a different route after highschool to the military however its still a dream of mine to one day play in the NHL atleast one of the minor leagues even echl , etc. my question is im already 20 now, by the time im done with service ill be 23-25 but in the meantime ill be playing in adult leagues, would it be too late for me to ever get noticed if my skills really pick up?

[@disturbedspartan117]

I know theres a lot of young guys asking the same but I wanted to ask for us older ones if there is any hope

[@codyreep8498]

Why wouldn't it be possible? If you work hard enough on and off the ice sure it is. You'd have to be pretty damn serious though

[@personalnightbot1427]

@@disturbedspartan117 don't focus on NHL or ahl try getting in to a league where there's scouts or a league on TV where you are seen alot even if your skill is kinda bad you still might get drafted because it you get to the leagues with scouts or on TV teams might get you and see if you have potential and skill coaches would help you so try this it's probably the best chance

[@jayXXII]

I want to start hockey so bad but I feel like it’s just too late at 24😔I mean yes of course I can still play and have fun as a hobby but I like the idea of working my way to the high level in what I do always have done, however reading all the comments about how young you have to be is really discouraging I’ll probably still play because I’ve fell in love with this sport lately but knowing I have basically no chance at making any pro league makes me upset :(

[@jaf5569]

your wrong, patrick cannone, my man Patrick Cannone joined the nhl when he was 26. You are prob 25 or 26, start now, you have a chance, work hard, hopefully i see you in the nhl, whats your name? Not a personal thing just asking

[@scruffyRe]

@@jaf5569I’m 17 you think I should start now I really love this sport

[@kroboski88]

This is something very beginner level but can you guys do a video on how to properly tie skates. This is my seventh year playing coming up and I still can't tie mine well

[@gingerfy125]

Haha I'm the same 😂

[@BSlaughter12]

+Kristofer Grabo get waxed laces

[@kroboski88]

+Bradley Slaughter I already use them in fact they're cheaper where I live

[@torragg8635]

+Bradley Slaughter Dont think thats how you get a nice tight tie to where the skate wont move too much bro.

[@SlenderMidget]

i wanna play for the nhl and i practice everyday and i have almost everything for practicing but i play rec hockey is that bad or not? and i'm 12

[@Barry_the_dog]

Yes if that’s all you do that is bad. You need parents with the money to put you on good travel teams and send you to hockey camp etc. if you aren’t playing hockey 300 days out of the year you will never make it anywhere

[@zeusthechosen]

I remember being 12 (I'm 14) starting my first years on peewee B and I dominated 80 goals in 48 game, I carried my team so hard that I made us a A team. It was fun now I'm a first year bantam AA. It doesn't really matter it was B but we made A I was scared but during A I scored 48 goals.

[@abbyreid6275]

hey could you please do a video on inline skates

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+Abby Reid We're working on more inline content ;)

[@Abbovic7]

I want to atleast make it to my country’s pro league, SHL (Sweden)

[@abbyreid6275]

great stuff good video could you please do a shout out to Izzybate because she broke her shoulder after hockey on Friday and would be much appreciated and also she's a big fan of you guys

[@Oceliveth]

I just wanna play hockey, but I can't ice skate. My life so goin great

[@torragg8635]

+[-YD/GD-] Oceliveth Look into deck hockey... all you need to do is run.

[@Oceliveth]

+Torragg I lay street hockey a lot

[@torragg8635]

[-YD/GD-] Oceliveth Can you rollerblade?

[@crazybeavers6265]

GD Oceliveth same lol, same.

[@Oceliveth]

I know Im a bit late, but no I cant rollerblade, but I am currently getting skating lessons.

[@katieshapland3618]

Can you make a video on how to prepare for tryouts? I am trying to make a U14 AA premier team in the upcoming season. What I really need to work on is my skating so is there anything I can do off ice that will make me a faster skater and have better edge work?

[@calvinkapllani4198]

+hkygirl8 buy roller blades with mars blades and go to every free skate or public skate that you can go to

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+hkygirl8 This is a great idea! We'll see what we can do.

[@nhlclips345]

Education matters more. To become a pro player , in any professional league.

[@mariamaiorino8215]

i wish he just talked about school too

[@jacobbissen9827]

they had to put clips of the avalanche defeting my favorite nhl team

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

Haha sorry.

[@xdwyer6684]

pleasr hel guts is there a chance of me being able to move on with hockey if im 16 almost 17 in January and never played before i really wanna play but my parents are telling me its a stupid idea and a waste of money i try to forget about it but every time I look at hockey i get excited and wanna play

[@adammiles1759]

x Dwyer you can learn to play hockey pretty well, but definitely not pro. Sorry

[@Dcastrro]

Is it too late to start hockey at 15 with no experience. I am wanting to play but I don't know if it's worth playing if I will not be able to compete at the level most kids my age are playing at.

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+Daniel Castro Never to late!

[@dontsubscribe4414]

I started at 17

[@Dcastrro]

+Suzuki2strokeMX should I take like a skating class or something, that's my main issue. I can't skate

[@canadiansniper9117]

just start off with pawn and if you want to play competitive then do extra practice it is definetelly not to late

[@BoomBox5168]

I am currently in your situation and i have 2 stages until i can apply for teams, to be fair being on the ice with my own skates and a stick in my hands is enough even though i would like to make a team at some point. If its something you want to do i say go for it :D

[@braedenlehr7333]

I'm fourteen and a pretty good goalie. And something clicked yesterday I know that I want to be a pro hockey player. Is it to late for me?

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

Nothing is impossible buddy. Work hard and treat others with respect, you never know where it will get you.

[@mechoxl4073]

Braeden Lehr its a bit late for canada junior leagues, but second chance will be getting scouted to american ncaa colleges

[@jesseabbruzzo8768]

I play bantam BB s can I make it anywhere?

[@Minecrafter-ld8wk]

Jesse Abbruzzo No

[@robertball2547]

Minecrafter101 lmfao shut up bro, kids prob better than you. Go back to playing mine craft

[@user-yi5di6cu8x]

Minecrafter101 you play Minecraft...... don't talk

[@jugroopshergill953]

Jack Jack yo can I ask u guys something

[@liammonaghan4785]

Jugroop Shergill sure

[@michaeleast4979]

I play peewee A and I have 2 goals and 7 assists in 13 games do I have a chance?

[@user-yi5di6cu8x]

Electric Wild work hard and you'll get there

[@liammonaghan4785]

Nico East work hard dude i made my high schools varsity team this year as an 8th grader and it was the best comp I’ve played

[@Hockey101Careyprice]

I wish I could I’m good but I’m small

[@tomhockey7317]

i don’t believe this! who cares that you are small. small players such as martin st louis, theoren fleury, johnny gaudreau etc. changed the game. never give up!

[@deeznutz6595]

I have an advantage I am homeschooled so I practice all day

[@liammonaghan4785]

What team do you play for

[@liammonaghan4785]

what team you play for

[@liammonaghan4785]

what team do you play for

[@iamskillz8831]

Guys I play peweee eastern junior prospects league and have 48 goals 26 assists in 42 games do I have a chance

[@conorheniff8495]

KZbin Vthorin29 ur so young u can’t tell when ur a pewee

[@liammonaghan4785]

I am skillz I’m playing in that league next year but I’m playing up as a u16 but I’m 13 If i play you I’m in east coast thunder

[@leobukalov3568]

#real

[@cellybigtime1833]

I'm 15 and play AAA HOCKEY I THINK I MIGHT HAVE A SHOT AT THE NHL If I do my name is TARAN DOSANJH remember that name

[@sianovalle6410]

Mcdavid 97 goodluck bro

[@mylesd.j.standish7956]

Focus on the short term, don't get sidetracked by the NHL. Focus on getting into the CHL first and foremost, then working hard from there.

[@keemleex5189]

Nobody will know your name!

[@cellybigtime1833]

Myles Standish ya man

[@cellybigtime1833]

Siano Valle thx

[@danielbengtsson3737]

Tip nr.1. Stick whit the prosses. 👍👍

[@Sti-me9zj]

I feel the same way to of how negative people are in my life telling I will never make it to the NHL same with coach's to I am 15 years old and feel you

[@hannahvandzura6814]

Same, but don't listen to them. Who's life is it? Your's. Who can say what you can and can't do? You. Nobody should be telling you what you can and can't do.

[@degardonewborn8279]

i met him

[@dennisd3454]

DeGardo Newborn how?

[@degardonewborn8279]

majoe B.A.D.T he used to play for the Binghamton Senators and he came to an event and that's how I met him

[@Thosewithnonames]

This seems like a lot of work and training. Personally I think that you could have saved a lot of time by just becoming friends with Chiarelli instead. This way you wouldn't even have to be good, and you'd still be in the league while getting massively overpaid with a no movement clause.

[@annacitko6462]

Who's that hockey player?

[@downtoearthpeople]

Dude his name is posted all over this video page. It's Greg Mauldin!

[@hando88]

How to make the NHL? Genetics....any questions?

[@gamingpalace2]

Hockey Nazi if you are 5'11 you are fine, just get to muscle training.

[@Barry_the_dog]

Wrong

[@aidanrogers4733]

I put synthetic ice in my basement and am on it all the time

[@rorytaylor6888]

aidan rogers great bro keep working at it

[@liammonaghan4785]

Same

[@ktg5713]

For my futrue son

[@newmaj1482]

can you make a living out of hockey in the Uk??

[@HockeyTutorialOfficial]

+MajorInk5615 We have multiple pro leagues here so aside from the pro players there are coaches, hockey retailers, strength and conditioning trainers etc. There are so many avenues for making a living out of hockey in practically any country with a professional team including the UK. Our full time occupation has been Hockeytutorial for over 3 years now.

[@mirage2nr771]

+Hockey Tutorial I know you're from UK, but I have the same question for France :) Are the 1st league players professionals ? Do they earn a living out of the sport ? And second one : Unfortunately I'm already 20, I started playing a month ago, and I want to make my way up to a pro league sooooo badly ... But can I reasonably hope something like this ? I mean in few years of course ! I really want to train as much as I can, "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful", and this is the case ! Finally : How to make people believe in you when you're a rookie in the game ? Thank you so much for your videos !! :)

[@gongonsola]

+Mirage2NR I dont really wanna be the one who breaks your dream by saying this but...I live in Sweden and hockey here is super big but from what I've heard it's even too late for me who started 1 year ago when I was 16. The people associated with real hockey and not those who I've played with at public games all say that you have to start at around 5-9 years old. Because only the skating required takes some years alone. Then after that you have to understand the game and have the stick handling skills. But just like me I recommend you to find it enough to be playing with friends and at public pick up games or maybe an amateur team.

[@mirage2nr771]

+gongonsola Thx for your answer ! Of course I already enjoy playing :P Let's say I'll try my best, as the level in France (I think ?) is lower than in Sweden ? still good luck for you ;)