Hockey families in the U.S. are feeling the pinch from rising equipment costs. Kelly Rand, whose teenage sons play in Minnesota, says gear prices have skyrocketed. A helmet that cost $400 in 2022 now costs $1,000. The recent 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, imposed by the Trump administration, could add to the burden. Hockey sticks and skates are among the affected items. The tariffs threaten to increase costs even more. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association warns this could impact the sport's growth, despite a 7% rise in participation over the past three years.