By: Haley Taylor
Ice hockey began in 1834 and has long and rich history, specifically in North America. Hockey has changed significantly since its inception; the perception of who can play hockey has changed and it is a problem. Hockey was once known as a working-class sport. It was not unusual that men in that time period would go to work and then come home and lace them up to play on the local pond. Everyone had a pair of skates; everyone was able to get their hands on a stick. It was (and arguably still is) the great Canadian pastime.
There has been a shift in how hockey is played, consumed, and taught as time has gone on. National Hockey League games are now filmed for national television, hockey has now spread throughout the world, and the highest paid player in the NHL is making over 10 million dollars a year. Like a pyramid, what happens at the top eventually trickles down to the bottom. The bottom in hockey’s case is minor hockey. Minor hockey could be compared to rec football or AA basketball in the states; it is divided by ages and its normally how kids learn the basics of hockey and teamwork. Enrollment for minor hockey has reached all-time lows in the last couple of years because it is just too expensive and time consuming to sign up.
The estimated cost of sports gear for youth hockey increases as the child plays because kids are growing so fast, they constantly need to replace their equipment. The average paid of skates could range from one hundred to three hundred dollars depending on the brand and size. Youth/junior hockey sticks range from seventy-five to one hundred and twenty-five dollars; helmets are at least fifty dollars and could go up to one hundred and fifty. These three items are the bare minimum for playing, not to mention pads, practice jerseys, and the enrollment fees themselves. University of Alabama hockey player, Brian Seybold, knows this firsthand.
“It cost a lot of money. It was a bit more difficult because I am from Florida, and despite having two NHL teams, hockey is not common. I know my parents have sacrificed a lot for me to be able to do this,” said Seybold.
This fundamental problem has rooted itself and grew into multiple issues for the sport. The cost of hockey could also have something do to with the clear diversity problem hockey has. If a sport is already not seen as open to different racial backgrounds, on top of not being accommodating to every socio-economic class, you have the same flaw that hockey has. All you need to beginning playing basketball is a ball, same with football.
Sean Fitz-Gerald, author of Before the Light Go Out, writes about the changing face of youth hockey by visiting multiple hockey towns in Canada. He even speaks on his own experience with having a child in youth hockey and hardships it could bring.
“There’s a lot of personal challenges that comes with balancing it all. A job, family life, and making sure they (the kids) are taken care of. I wanted to write it to maybe shine a light on how things could be better,” said Fitz-Gerald.
Accessibility is the key to growing anything. Access to time, and money; people inside of hockey have tried to make hockey a sport that anyone can play. Players often donate money or gear to local hockey clubs to help the kids. Organizations hold nights to showcase the talent near their cities. Making hockey a sport for everyone is going to have to be a joint effort from everyone involved.
Unfinished Business 