KALAMAZO, Mich. (WZMQ) – It’s one of the most expensive youth sports in America. And it could get even more expensive as the US and Canada’s trade war heats up. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on nearly $20 billion worth of US goods took effect Tuesday. Effectively making youth hockey more expensive for US kids.
“But to the point now, where Canada said, okay, essentially, gonna retaliate, and we’re gonna put tariffs on everything that you’ve put tariffs on us,” said Wayne State University professor Jeff Rightmer.
The US put 50% tariffs on Canadian goods last month, meaning tariffs from both countries are now piling on, hitting hundreds of different items, including steel, cheese, clothing, makeup, and hockey equipment, taking an already expensive sport. When it comes to skates, sticks, and travel. Driving up prices even more. Kalamazoo Optimus Hockey Association board president Chris Buckley used to play. He’s now a proud parent, so he knows how expensive this sport has become.
“Trying to outfit a kid from skates through all their pads and sticks, and everything you’re looking at probably close to a $1000. I hate to think if my son breaks a stick this season. What that will do to my checkbook,” said Buckley.
This stick here costs nearly $400. Buckley says some parents choose to rent. But ultimately, kids need the equipment; they can’t play without it.
“I would hope that it doesn’t hurt the local hockey shops in town. But my feeling is more. Parents may try to go online and try to find deals online,” said Buckley.
Wayne State University Prof. Jeff Rightmer hopes. Both countries can get back to negotiating. “The longer it goes on, the worse it gets for everybody,” said Rightmer.
