By: 369 Sports & Entertainment
At only 19 years old, Tanirkhan Alpysbayev has already experienced what many hockey players spend a lifetime chasing. From representing his country on the international stage to adapting to a new continent, and evolving his game at an elite level, has all been a part of his lifelong journey in the competitive world of hockey.
But his journey didn’t begin under bright lights or in packed arenas. It started much earlier, with a simple moment on the ice.
“The first time I stepped on the ice was when I was three years old,” Alpysbayev recalls. “After that, I immediately wanted to start playing hockey.” Early connection to the game was the moment that shaped everything that followed.
Like many young players, Alpysbayev didn’t begin with a clear path. His transition into the most demanding position on the ice came almost by chance.
“At one point they asked who wanted to try playing goalie. I decided to try it, and I liked it right away, so I stayed at that position.” That quick decision is something that defined Tanirkhan as a player down the line. One built on composure, responsibility, and mental strength.
Growing up in Kazakhstan, Alpysbayev was part of a hockey system that was rapidly evolving.
“When I was growing up, hockey in Kazakhstan was developing very quickly,” he explains. “I played in the Barys academy, where we had great training conditions.” His development in the Barys Astana system played a major role in shaping his foundation for the big milestones in the future.
“Playing in the Barys system has always been prestigious,” he says. “The club has a KHL team, and for young players it’s a big motivation to one day reach that level.”
Provided with access to high-class coaching and improving infrastructure, such as a modern arena built during his early years, Tanirkhan Alpysbaev was developing in an environment designed to make strong players.
“All the coaches I worked with played an important role in my development,” he adds. “They helped me grow not only as a player, but also as a person.”
Same as for any athlete, for Tanirkhan, one of the most defining parts of his journey has been wearing his country’s jersey.
“Playing for the Kazakhstan national team is always a special feeling,” he says. “When you put on the national team jersey, you realize that you’re representing your whole country.”
He vividly recalls his first major international experience.
“I especially remember my first World Championship in Finland when we played in the top division. The atmosphere before and during the tournament will always stay in my memory.”
Competing at events like the IIHF U18 World Championship Division I Group A and the IIHF U20 World Championship Division I Group A, Alpysbayev helped Kazakhstan earn both bronze and silver medals.
“Those medals mean a lot to me. You could say they were my first big international achievements,” he says. “But I still believe that even in that division our team is capable of fighting for first place.”
Little did Tanirkhan know those milestones were only the beginning of his arrival on the international stage. The move to North America marked one of the most important steps in Alpysbaev’s career. With the support of 369 Sports & Entertainment, Tanirkhan was able to undergo a successful transition from Kazakhstan to the United States and step into a completely new level of competition.
Alpysbaev had to sacrifice and adjust not only to the new conditions on the ice but off the ice as well.
“The most difficult thing for me was definitely the English language,” he says. “When you want to talk with your teammates but can’t always fully understand them or express yourself, it can be a little difficult.”
Luckily, he had the right support system in place, which made the process of transition smoother, and allowed him to focus on his development and performance.
It was not hard to notice all the differences on the ice for Tanirkhan as well. “Hockey in the U.S. is faster, mostly because of the smaller ice rinks,” Alpysbayev explains. “The game here is also more physical and requires strong physical preparation.”
As time went by, he was able to adapt and his performance reflected that growth. “Yes, my statistics improved a lot this season,” he says. “I think it’s because I’ve gotten more used to the American style of hockey. And of course, a lot of credit goes to my teammates as well.”
The combination of adaptation, opportunity, and support, provided by 369 Sports & Entertainment, has allowed Alpysbayev to take a clear step forward in his development.
With all of this success abroad, Alpysbaev’s connection to home and family remains strong and essential. “I try to stay in touch with my family every day,” he says. “Sometimes it’s difficult because of the time difference, but I still try to call or at least text them every day.”
That daily effort to keep up the connections provides balance and serves as a reminder of where the journey began.
Playing hockey is as much mental as it is physical, and Alpysbayev approaches it with composure.
“After I allow a goal, I try to forget about it right away and keep playing like nothing happened.” Before games, his approach remains simple and controlled. “I don’t really have any special rituals before games. I just try to stay calm and prepare the same way I normally do.”
At just 19 years old, Tanirkhan Alpysbaev is still building his path, however, the direction remains clear.
From early development in Kazakhstan, to the international stage, to adapting in North America with the support of 369 Sports & Entertainment, his journey reflects both discipline and ambition. Of course, his next steps are still ahead, one thing is certain: Tanirkhan Alpysbaev is not just chasing the next level, he is steadily earning his place in the world of big hockey.
