 Hagen's career started with Jevnaker in 1992, as 17-year-old.The following three seasons he scored 28 goals in 68 games for Norwegian side Liv/Fossekallen (now known as Hønefoss), followed by a short spell at Start.He made a total of seven appearances for the Kristiansand club, including his debut against Brann on 25 August 1996, scoring two goals (against Moss and Skeid), before moving on by the end of the season as Start was relegated.