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Will trade war with Canada raise prices on hockey equipment?

In late August, a 50% tariff on Canadian hockey equipment took effect after trade talks stalled, escalating the trade war that began when President Donald Trump started his second term in 2025.
The White House specifically mentioned hockey sticks in its tariff announcement, though economist King Banaian at St. Cloud State University suggested this may be a negotiating tactic rather than punitive intent.
Youth and high school hockey families already face steep costs—fully outfitting a youth goalie runs up to $2,000, while high school gear can exceed $5,000, with Josh Arnold of Moorhead paying $3,000 for leg pads and gloves alone.
Adam Krinsky, assistant athletics director at the University of St. Thomas, acknowledged increased pressure from equipment supplier CCM as the school develops contingencies; Krinsky said 'Things change so much, so you have to have a Plan A, a Plan B and a Plan C.'
High-End equipment from Canada faces the steepest tariff impact, though retailers like Pure Hockey report prices remain unchanged so far; parents like Beverly Schmitz expressed dismay, with Schmitz saying 'Ugh, great. Just what I need' upon learning hockey sticks were targeted.

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