Belarusian Stand-up Comedian Maksim Kanaval Shares How He Plays Hockey in Poland

In Childhood, He Had to Choose Between Hockey and Studies

Maksim got into hockey at the age of seven. At that time, he lived in Novopolotsk, near an ice arena. One day, coaches came to the school and offered first-graders to try their hand at hockey.

— I came home and told my parents that I wanted to play hockey, — Maksim recalls.

The next six years were closely connected with sports. He trained at Novopolotsk's "Khimik," participated in competitions, and traveled with the team to other cities and countries. It was thanks to hockey that he first traveled abroad — to Poland and Latvia.

But in his teenage years, health problems arose. Maksim dropped out of the usual training process. At the same time, the school curriculum became more complicated, and sports trips required more and more time. He had to choose between studying and a potential sports career. His mother and grandmother believed that education was more important. Maksim listened to them and stopped playing hockey at the age of 13.

However, his interest in the game never disappeared. Sometimes he would come to the rink on Niamiha in Minsk — just to skate. But there was no talk of returning to a team then.

Павялічыць

"I Bought Skates and a Stick and Realized I Could Still Play"

Maksim decided to return to hockey as an adult, after moving to Kyiv. In early 2017, friends suggested playing on a frozen lake.

For this, he bought skates and a stick. Stepping onto the ice, he was surprised to find that the skills acquired in childhood were not lost.

— I realized I was skating well, I could still outplay someone. And I decided that I needed to find an amateur team.

Thus, Maksim joined the Kyiv "White Bears." Initially, he trained twice a week, and then he was invited to participate in the Kyiv Hockey League, where athletes with semi-professional experience also played.

Gradually, hockey once again took an important place in his life. Maksim regularly trained, participated in matches, and enjoyed the game he once had to give up.

Hockey Gear Found on OLX in Warsaw

In 2022, Maksim moved to Poland. His hockey equipment remained in Kyiv, so he couldn't immediately continue training.

Already in Warsaw, he met a Belarusian from Grodno. In conversation, it turned out that both were interested in hockey. The new acquaintance told him about the Warsaw team "Legion." The only remaining issue was the equipment.

— I said that all my gear remained in Kyiv. And he replied: we'll find it on the OLX classifieds website right now.

Павялічыць

The corresponding advertisement was indeed found. The seller was ending his hockey career due to an injury and was selling used equipment for a small sum. Thus, Maksim found himself on the ice again — now in the Polish capital.

Initially, the players of "Legion" simply trained together. Later, the team began participating in official third-league competitions. For two seasons in a row, "Legion" became its champion.

Over time, there were so many players that two squads were formed — "Legion-1" and "Legion-2." In total, they have about 40 people.

In the 2026/2027 season, one of the squads — "Legion-1," for which Maksim plays — is advancing to the second league level. Among the competitors are former professional hockey players.

The first match of the new season is scheduled for October 25.

"We were saved by the fact that a couple of Belarusians already have Polish passports"

Warsaw's "Legion" is a multinational team. About half of its players are Poles. Among the rest, most are Belarusians, but there are also Ukrainians, a Canadian, and a Dane.

Maksim says that from this season, the requirements for teams have changed. If previously the share of Polish players had to be at least half, now, according to him, a majority is required — 50% plus one player.

For "Legion," this could have been a problem, as there are many foreign players on the team.

— We were saved by the fact that a couple of Belarusians already have Polish passports. They are their own, Belarusians, but registered as Poles.

At the same time, Maksim says, there is neither xenophobia nor national division in the team. Players got to know each other through hockey, and over time many became close friends. Hockey players celebrate holidays together, go out into nature, and once even went kayaking in Masuria.

How Much Does It Cost to Play Hockey in Warsaw?

The team trains at the COS Torwar ice arena in Warsaw. Main training sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes Maksim additionally goes on the ice on Saturdays. Championship games can take place on weekends.

The team's coach previously played for Warsaw's "Legia."

Players pay for the opportunity to play hockey themselves. The cost depends on the chosen format: one training session — 60 zlotys (45 rubles), a monthly subscription, which includes 8-9 training sessions — 300 zlotys (230 rubles). The money goes towards ice rental and coach's salary.

To Participate in the League, a License is Required

Simply buying equipment and coming to practice is enough to try yourself in an amateur team. But to participate in official competitions, a license is required.

To obtain it, a hockey player must undergo a medical examination and complete the necessary documents through the Polish Ice Hockey Federation. For this, the sports status of the Belarusian player, including the presence or absence of a professional contract, must be confirmed by the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation.

— Unlike other bodies, the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation responds to inquiries very quickly, — Maksim notes.

"We lost to Białystok — now we don't listen to loud music"

Hockey is not only about training and competitions but also a special "locker room culture." Here, players constantly joke with each other, discuss matches, and adhere to traditions.

One of the most characteristic features of hockey players, according to Maksim, is superstition.

For example, one of his teammates always sits in a specific seat on the bus on the way to a match. He is confident that this helps him play better.

Others have habits related to their gear: some always put on their skates in a specific order, some only bring a certain towel. There are also team superstitions.

— We once listened to loud music in the locker room before a game against Białystok. We lost. And now we never listen to loud music before matches.

Another well-known hockey tradition is not to shave or get haircuts during the playoffs — the decisive stage of the championship when teams compete for victory.

— Playoffs can last several weeks, so all hockey players go around unshaven like that, — Maksim laughs.

Maksim himself also has something he doesn't want to part with — his game number 88. He chose it based on his birth year.

In "Legion," hockey players can choose their own game numbers — the main thing is that they are not taken by other players. However, number 1 is traditionally reserved for the goalkeeper here.

— Not like in Belarus, where only one person plays under the first number, — Maksim laughs, referring to Lukashenka.

After Training, a Festive Table is Set in the Locker Room

During the regular championship, hockey players usually go home after matches. But important victories are always celebrated together.

This was also the case after two won third-league finals. The players gathered at a restaurant and celebrated the end of the season.

Legion also has less formal traditions. Before Christmas or Easter, everyone brings something to the common table. After training, the hockey players bring tables into the locker room and arrange a communal dinner.

For Christmas, Polish players bring opłatki — thin Christmas wafers, which are traditionally shared at the festive table in Poland, exchanging wishes, while Belarusians bring draniki (potato pancakes).

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