Rising Costs Threaten Hockey’s Future as U.S. Tariffs Hit Canadian Gear
The United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian imports of hockey equipment, a move that threatens to push the already steep prices of skates, sticks and custom goalie gear even higher for families across North America.
Custom goalie gear, which previously carried a price tag of $3,300, is now reported to cost more than $3,300 annually, a rise driven by inflation and the new levy, making the sport increasingly unaffordable for many households.
Price ranges for essential items have widened dramatically: hockey sticks now range from $200 to $400, while skates have climbed from $80‑$900 in 2016 to $200‑$1,230 in 2025, with high‑end models reaching the upper limit of the scale.
Economists warn that the cumulative effect of the tariff could add between $50 and $100 to the cost of each piece of equipment, a modest increase that could be decisive for families living on the financial margin and may discourage continued participation.
Although hockey participation in the United States has risen by 7% over the past three years, the sport’s growth could be stalled if price barriers become too great, despite the excitement generated by events such as the Winter Olympics.
The impact extends beyond the rink: more than 550 goods are subject to the tariff, and Canada accounts for 8.5% of U.S. hockey imports, with the majority of sticks sourced from China (74.1%) and Mexico (12.8%).
Industry data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association show a 45.4% increase in hockey equipment spending from 2020 to 2025, reaching $332.9 million, while manufacturers such as Bauer and CCM have initially absorbed tariff costs but are now expected to pass them on to consumers, and Roustan Hockey, the last major Canadian stick maker, remains committed to production.