Recognized for revolutionizing the hockey gear market with affordable, high-performance products for all athletes.
KYC Sports Ltd has cemented its place as one of Canada’s leading sports equipment brands with its recent recognition as the Best Emerging Hockey Gear Brand in Canada for 2025. In just two years, the company has disrupted the traditional hockey gear market by providing elite-level products at a fraction of the cost of many top brands. What began in 2023 as a small pro-stock stick distributor has quickly expanded into a global powerhouse, offering performance gear to athletes of all levels without breaking the bank. KYC’s commitment to accessibility, performance, and community has garnered widespread acclaim, setting them apart as an industry innovator.
The Origin Story: Built by Players, for Players
Founded by hockey enthusiasts who were frustrated by the high cost of competitive equipment, KYC Sports started with a simple mission: to make high-quality gear accessible to all. The company was born out of the founders’ personal experiences with the financial barriers that many athletes face, particularly in the hockey world. “We built KYC because we were tired of seeing good players priced out of the game,” says James Mailman, Owner and Founder of KYC Sports Ltd. “Everyone deserves a stick they can trust without needing a second job to afford it.”
Award-Winning Innovation and Performance
KYC Sports’ success is rooted in its ability to blend innovation with affordability. The company has revolutionized the hockey equipment landscape with its flagship product series, including the Skyline Pro, and Phantom X Pro hockey sticks. Made with high-end carbon fiber materials, these sticks provide elite-level performance, durability, and flexibility, while retailing for nearly half the price of similar offerings from larger brands. This commitment to quality at an accessible price point has earned KYC widespread praise, positioning them as the go-to brand for athletes who want pro-level gear without the inflated cost.
Custom Gear for Every Player
One of the standout features of KYC Sports is their commitment to customization. Unlike most brands, which reserve custom options for professionals or high-level athletes, KYC makes fully personalized sticks available to all players, from youth athletes to seasoned professionals. Players can choose from a range of options including flex, curve, grip, and graphics, tailoring their gear to meet their unique needs. This focus on custom-fit equipment ensures that every player has access to tools that enhance their performance.
A Player-First Philosophy
At the heart of KYC Sports is its player-first philosophy, which prioritizes the needs of athletes over corporate profits. This approach has been instrumental in shaping the company’s product offerings, which are designed with direct input from athletes at all levels, from university captains to youth players. The company’s direct-to-consumer business model cuts out middlemen, ensuring that prices remain fair and accessible. For KYC, it’s not just about selling gear, it’s about creating a community where athletes can thrive, regardless of their financial situation.
Empowering Communities and Supporting Inclusivity
KYC’s rapid growth has not come at the expense of its commitment to community involvement. The company actively supports grassroots hockey programs, local dealers, and underserved communities by offering exclusive discounts and marketing support. This focus on inclusivity is reflected in KYC’s work with women’s hockey programs and marginalized communities, where they strive to break down financial barriers and create opportunities for players who might otherwise be excluded from the sport.
“From our first batch of pro-stock sticks to the development of custom gear, we are always looking for ways to make hockey more accessible,” says Mailman. “Our success lies in how much we can give back to the community and ensure that every athlete has the chance to play.”
Sustainability at the Core
As part of their ongoing commitment to innovation, KYC Sports is also exploring sustainable practices. The company is investigating eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to minimize their environmental impact while still delivering high-performance products. This focus on sustainability is not only good for the planet but also reflects KYC’s forward-thinking approach to the future of the sport.
Celebrating a Bright Future
As KYC Sports continues to grow globally, its focus remains firmly on the athlete, with an eye toward expanding access to high-performance equipment for players at all levels. With a focus on community engagement, cutting-edge design, and affordability, KYC has positioned itself as a leader in the sports equipment industry.
“We’re proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time, but this is just the beginning,” says Mailman. “We’re not just creating gear, we’re changing the game for athletes everywhere.”
KYC’s success story is a testament to what can happen when players take the lead, combining their passion for the sport with an unwavering commitment to accessibility and performance. With the Best Emerging Hockey Gear Brand award under its belt, KYC Sports is poised to continue its upward trajectory, reshaping the landscape of hockey equipment for years to come.
