New tariffs imposed by American President Donald Trump include hockey sticks and equipment. The result will be members of USA Hockey paying more to play the game, which could slow the sport's record growth in the USA following double Olympic gold and the PWHL's rise.
American President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on many goods including hockey sticks and equipment from Canada.
The new 50% tariffs, which will take effect August 19, just before many hockey teams and leagues begin to hit the ice, will make ice hockey significantly more expensive for youth and families looking to get into the sport in the United States.
After USA Hockey announced record breaking registration numbers, including reaching 100,000 registrants in women’s and girls hockey for the first time ever, the new cost increases being imposed on American citizens could slow or reverse the growth the sport has experienced.
Hockey, of course, is already one of the most expensive sports to play in North America given the high costs for ice time, equipment, and travel.
For families with a youth in travel hockey, costs typically range from $15,000 to more than $50,000 per season. While registration costs for some clubs are lower than these figures, the cost of equipment, travel, and training quickly pushes numbers well into, or at times above this range.
With nearly annual replacements needed to many equipment items from skates to helmets as youth grow and as youth switch organizations, equipment can already cost in the thousands.
Sticks are another major cost with many already costing between $200 and $400, and players, particularly as they get older, could go through several sticks per season.
Increasing any of those costs by 50% could be prohibitive to families and organizations.
For families looking to enter the sport for the first time who need to purchase all equipment from head to toe, on top of registration and travel costs, hockey may become a luxury option some cannot afford.
With USA winning Olympic gold in both men’s and women’s hockey this year, as well as the 2025 Women’s World Championship gold and 2026 women’s U-18 World Championship gold, popularity for the sport has never been higher.
In particular on the women’s side where the PWHL is entering its fourth season in Boston, New York, and Minnesota, second season in Seattle, and first season in Detroit, San Jose, and Las Vegas, interest and growth for the sport has never been higher.
The newest wave of American tariffs against Canadian goods takes effect August 19.
