Trump’s new tariffs threaten hockey families already squeezed by rising gear costs

American youth hockey is booming — and a fresh round of tariffs could throw cold water on that growth.

U.S. hockey participation has climbed 7% over the past three years, fueled by buzz from the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Winter Olympics. But President Trump’s new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, which include hockey sticks and skates among more than 550 targeted products, are landing at an inconvenient moment for a sport already known for its steep costs.

Consider the Rand family of St. Paul, Minnesota, whose teenage twin boys play hockey — and get pricier to outfit by the season. A goalie helmet that cost $400 in 2022 now sells for $1,000. A chest protector priced at $465 last year runs $900 today.

Custom equipment from brands like Bauer, CCM and True Hockey, much of it still manufactured in Canada, is squarely in the tariffs’ path. Sports & Fitness Industry Association CEO Todd Smith doesn’t mince words about the stakes.

“This has, obviously, the potential to really stunt that growth,” Smith said.

Not everyone is bracing to retreat. Roustan Hockey, Canada’s last major stick factory, is doubling down on its Brantford, Ontario, operations.

“We remain committed to our employees, our customers and our manufacturing operations here in Canada,” founder W. Graeme Roustan said.

Economists caution a full 50% price spike is unlikely, since Canada supplies only a sliver of U.S. hockey imports — but families already stretched thin may still feel the pinch.

Read more:

• The U.S. tariff on Canadian imports could send already soaring hockey gear prices even higher