Two hockey kids a dog and a mortgage - Cutting costs
May 13, 2002

Story By: The HockeyLink.Ca Staff

If you've been blessed with a hockey kid or maybe two, you've also inherited some big time costs. "Why couldn't they have just chosen soccer?" says hockey mom, Betty Davis. As the cost of putting children through Canadian hockey programs continues to rise, more and more hockey moms and dads can't help but shake their heads in dismay.

The HockeyLink.Ca team helps breaks down the costs of hockey and has a few suggestions to put some dollars back in your pocket.

Equipment costs can easily exceed the thousand dollar range, not to mention the all important net minders. "The average skate goes for about $200" says Canadian Tire associate Jeff Furlay. "Looking ahead is the key" reiterates Furlay, it may be far more cost efficient in purchasing better quality equipment today, in hopes of use by the up and coming or for potential resale. "Nowadays kids are growing faster than ever" says Furlay, so it's not uncommon to find equipment that has a lot of life left.

Team registration costs have also seen a steady increase with the average, depending on level, at about $800 for a full season of play. When registering with a team or organization it is important to research what's included in that sum. You may learn the essentials, jerseys and socks are extra or to the contrary helmets and gloves are supplied. It is not uncommon to find varying degrees amongst organizations, finding out beforehand could put some money back in your pocket.

Entrance costs, tournaments, skate sharpening, and after the game goodies also add up to a hefty sum almost equaling the cost of registration. These on-going costs are often overlooked as they are spent in smaller weekly denominations. Many hockey parents are often astound to find they've slowly spent hundreds frivolously. Bringing a beverage and snack from home after each game or practice can easily save you about $5 per session. Properly maintained skates will also save on skate sharpening costs and lengthen the actual life of the blade.

The math is simple, it all add ups. Following a few of the above money saving tips could easily save you in excess of $500 per season. These are just a few common and simple examples to get the puck rolling towards re-building that bank roll. Know go ahead and splurge on yourself a little. Hey, we said a little!