Engaging in physical activities is important to keep your body healthy. An active life leads to a prolonged life span and better life quality, so allotting time for exercise in your schedule is a must. One of the best ways to stay active is to be involved in sports. Some of the most preferred sports include common games like basketball or swimming, but today we’re looking into ice hockey and how much it can cost if you choose to participate.
What is Ice Hockey?
Ice hockey is a team sport played with six people on both teams. The game takes place on an ice rink. Players slide on skates to push the puck and score points. Although the rink is already cold, ice hockey is the preferred sport in many states with cold climates. Northern countries have great ice hockey teams, yet people from nearly every country play.
There are national ice hockey tournaments in many cities, and it has been featured in the Winter Olympics since the 1920s. However, the history of ice hockey goes back to the 19th century, when it was invented in Montreal, Canada.
Let’s look at the possible cost of ice hockey for someone just starting. As fun as it may be, ice hockey can be very pricey. Whether you want to sign up your kid for it or start to play as an adult, the cost of equipment alone may intimidate you. Many other sports don’t require people to spend extreme amounts on gear.
For example, all you need is a pool membership to take up swimming, or just your hands and a ball to take up volleyball. Thus, if you don’t have the budget for expensive equipment, choosing other sports over ice hockey is tempting. Although, for players with a passion for the game, the cost can be worth the rush and joy.
Equipment Cost
The first piece of equipment to talk about is the skates. A good pair of skates are the most important gear for ice hockey. Good skates mean mobility, staying fast, quick maneuvers, and most importantly, keeping your balance. As you might have guessed, they cost more because the skates are so important. Out of all the ice hockey equipment you need, skates usually cost the most.
Although there are different models, shapes, and blade types to choose from, it is not advised to skimp on quality skates to get the best performance. Preferable beginner skates cost between 200-300 dollars. Depending on your physique and conditions, you should consider the best options for you.
Another piece of gear you will need to play with is the stick. Hockey sticks are relatively cheaper in cost when compared to skates, but that does not mean that you should disregard them in your budget. Your skates will be your guide in the ice rink, but your stick will be your weapon. Everything you do to control and slide the puck will be done with the stick, so adapting to yours should be your priority.
Those who want to play ice hockey may have experience with skating, but they most likely won’t know how to control a stick. Countless variations of sticks exist in the market, differing in cost, weight, size, and even curvature. Beginner sticks cost around 120 dollars. Our advice is to try out a bunch of them in the store and pick the one you feel the most comfortable with.
Of course, we must mention the clothes and items you might need. Ice hockey is dangerous, and you should be getting the right protection to play. All ice hockey athletes wear protective body armor, shoulder, knee, and elbow pads, and gloves. Also, most importantly, a helmet protects your head from brain injuries. These items are basically essential if you want to stay safe.
However, there are other smaller items that might be optional depending on your league and the level you play at. Things like mouth guards, stick and sock tape, athletic clothing, and spare pucks. Some ice hockey clubs require these items, but you will be the one to decide if they are worth the cost. Combined with the skates and the stick, all these items will cost you around 1000 dollars. But not to worry, as most of them are one-time purchases or should last you a couple of years.
Membership Cost
One last thing to mention is the club membership cost. Even if you have bought all your ice hockey equipment, unless you have an ice rink in your backyard, you won’t be able to play without signing up for a team or sporting facility. You can sign up for teams and facilities in your area to play with the local people and also train to get better at the game. Some clubs will include training services in the membership, but others may request a fee for sessions which usually cost 10-15 dollars.
Depending on your city or state, you may also need to pay a licensing fee of up to 60 dollars to be able to compete and play with other teams. On top of all these fees, you should also consider insurance because, as we have stated, ice hockey is a dangerous sport. Contact your team to determine if your membership covers the insurance cost.
Conclusion
We have taken a look at all the factors that make up the cost of participating in ice hockey. The listed prices may not be completely accurate, but hopefully, they give you an idea about your budget. Nonetheless, you can still rent equipment if unsure about the cost. Ice hockey is definitely one of the most expensive sports to perform, yet it can be exhilarating when you are passionate about it. Have fun and stay safe!
