Well it is and it isn’t. If your kid is a good player making the AA or AAA teams then yes it’s very expensive. As you drop it gets less expensive. Other reasons are more ice time and dry land training. I don’t think dry land training is necessary for kids under 12. It’s an added expense that isn’t needed. Kids starting out at 5 or 7 or? equipment cost isn’t terrible.
Agreed. House league plus gear and one camp total cost $1500 for the year. AA/AAA level ranges from $6K-$22K annually in my area. Hockey is inexpensive, elite hockey comes with an elite commitment.
Gretzky wasn't exactly rich when he was growing up. I think his dad was lower, middle class. He played on frozen ponds and his dad could make an ice rink in the backyard with just a hose. So, no, it's not a rich man's sport. 4
@@bobzyurunkel -- I find that hard to believe. The frozen surface is always the expensive part for most, but in Canada those come free. Anyone can get a pair of skates a puck and a stick. If you want to get into organized sport, that's where the expense comes. 6
