Hockey Equipment Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Sticks, Protective Gear, Footwear, and Others), By Sports Type (Ice Hockey, Roller Hockey, Field Hockey, and Underwater Hockey), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 13.69 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.98%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 18.32 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Hockey Equipment Market will grow from USD 13.69 Billion in 2025 to USD 18.32 Billion by 2031 at a 4.98% CAGR. Hockey equipment comprises essential performance and protective gear, including helmets, skates, sticks, pads, and goaltending accessories, designed for player safety and efficacy in ice, field, and roller hockey. The market is primarily driven by structured initiatives to increase youth participation rates, the global expansion of professional leagues, and substantial government investments in sports infrastructure and rink development. These foundational drivers are distinct from transient design trends, ensuring sustained industry demand through institutional support and organized development programs.

A significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the high cost of raw materials and manufacturing, which elevates retail prices and limits accessibility for lower-income demographics. Industrial data highlights the crucial link between participation and market stability. According to USA Hockey, in 2024, the organization reported a total of 564,468 registered players for the 2023-24 season, representing a 1.49 percent increase in membership compared to the previous year. This rise in participation underscores a steady demand for equipment despite the financial barriers facing potential new entrants.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in female participation and the development of professional women's leagues are reshaping the hockey equipment landscape by expanding the consumer base and necessitating gender-specific product innovation. The successful launch of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has created a tangible market for specialized performance gear tailored to female biomechanics, moving beyond the traditional approach of resizing male equipment. This demographic shift is evidenced by strong spectator interest which correlates with grassroots adoption; according to the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), May 2024, the league's inaugural regular season attracted a total attendance of 392,259 fans across 72 games. Manufacturers are increasingly responding to this signal by dedicating research and development resources to female protective lines, thereby unlocking a high-growth segment within a mature industry.

The growing influence of professional leagues and international tournaments further solidifies market stability by maintaining high visibility and driving equipment replacement cycles among amateur players who emulate elite athletes. Financial health at the professional level ensures sustained marketing investment and youth development funding, which are critical for equipment sales. According to the National Hockey League (NHL), November 2024, the league generated approximately $6.3 billion in hockey-related revenue during the 2023-24 season, reflecting robust commercial engagement that supports the broader ecosystem. Additionally, global events catalyze interest in non-traditional and established markets alike. According to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), May 2024, the 2024 IIHF World Championship set a new historical attendance record with 797,727 spectators, underscoring the sport's expanding global footprint and its direct positive impact on equipment demand.

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Key Market Challenges

The high cost of raw materials and manufacturing constitutes a significant restraint on the Global Hockey Equipment Market by elevating retail prices and reducing accessibility. As expenses for essential production inputs rise, manufacturers transfer these costs to consumers, pushing the price of helmets, sticks, and skates beyond the reach of lower-income demographics. This economic dynamic creates a high barrier to entry, effectively narrowing the Total Addressable Market (TAM) to affluent households. Consequently, the industry struggles to maximize volume growth, as price sensitivity prevents the conversion of casual interest into active, equipment-purchasing participation.

The severity of this financial barrier is evidenced by the increasing need for subsidized access to the sport. According to Hockey Canada, in 2024, the organization’s foundation supported 3,300 children who were facing financial barriers to register for the 2023-24 season. This data highlights a structural weakness where a portion of demand is contingent upon external aid rather than organic purchasing power. When entry-level costs prohibit new players from joining without financial assistance, the market faces a ceiling on expansion, directly hampered by the affordability gap inherent in the current pricing structure.

Key Market Trends

The widespread adoption of cut-resistant protective fabrics has transitioned from a niche preference to a regulatory necessity following high-profile player safety incidents. This trend involves integrating high-strength fibers like Kevlar into base layers and neck guards to prevent laceration injuries, fundamentally altering the standard protective kit for amateur athletes. Regulatory bodies have catalyzed this shift by implementing strict equipment requirements to mitigate risk. According to USA Hockey, August 2024, a new mandate requiring the use of neck laceration protection for all players under the age of 18 officially went into effect for the 2024-25 season. This regulatory change forces a compulsory replacement cycle and expands the addressable market for protective accessories, compelling manufacturers to increase the production of cut-resistant garments that offer safety without compromising mobility.

Simultaneously, the industry is witnessing a shift toward sustainable and bio-based manufacturing materials to address the significant environmental footprint of disposable composite equipment. Manufacturers are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional carbon fiber and petroleum-based resins, which are difficult to recycle and contribute heavily to landfill mass. This move is driven by both consumer demand for eco-friendly products and the operational necessity to reduce waste in the product lifecycle. According to Titan Battlegear, July 2024, in the 'Environmental Impact of Advanced Hockey Gear Materials' article, approximately 2.1 million broken hockey sticks are discarded annually, creating a substantial waste management challenge. In response, brands are developing equipment using recycled composites and biodegradable materials, thereby differentiating their product lines while mitigating the long-term ecological impact of the sport’s reliance on synthetic performance gear.

Segmental Insights

The online segment is currently recognized as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the global hockey equipment market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by the increasing strategic shift of major manufacturers toward direct-to-consumer digital models, which allows for broader market reach. Consumers utilize these platforms to access a comprehensive inventory of specialized gear, including composite sticks and protective padding, often unavailable in physical retail outlets. Furthermore, improved logistics and favorable return policies have significantly enhanced consumer confidence in purchasing size-dependent equipment through digital storefronts.

Regional Insights

North America maintains the leading position in the global hockey equipment market due to the extensive popularity of ice hockey across the United States and Canada. This regional dominance is supported by the widespread influence of the National Hockey League, which drives high participation rates and fan engagement. Furthermore, active promotion by governing bodies such as Hockey Canada and USA Hockey ensures a steady influx of new players, sustaining demand for protective gear and sticks. The established sports infrastructure and consumer purchasing power in these nations further solidify the region's market control.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Sherwood Hockey collaborated with the lifestyle brand October's Very Own to release a comprehensive hockey-inspired collection. The product line featured apparel items such as jerseys, hoodies, and track pants, as well as performance equipment including gloves, sticks, and pucks. The design incorporated a distinctive black-and-gold color palette and the partner brand's signature owl logo alongside the equipment manufacturer's branding. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between traditional sports equipment and urban fashion, targeting a broader consumer base that values both on-ice functionality and streetwear aesthetics in their athletic gear.
• In October 2024, Bauer Hockey announced an expansion of its long-standing partnership with Hockey Canada, becoming the organization's official team apparel partner. Under the new agreement, the company committed to outfitting Canada's national men's, women's, and para hockey teams with branded off-ice apparel. The collaboration also involved the development of a lifestyle clothing collection for fans and the future release of official replica jerseys. This strategic move built upon the company's existing role as the official equipment provider, ensuring a comprehensive brand presence across both performance gear and teamwear for the national association's athletes and supporters.
• In July 2024, Bauer Hockey launched the Supreme Shadow skates, which were engineered to support players who prioritize powerful strides. The equipment featured the "Powerfly" holder and a "Carbon Connect" outsole, reported to be stiffer than previous models to optimize energy transfer on the ice. Additionally, the skates included an "Ergo Connect" toe cap designed to improve the integration between the toe and the boot for increased responsiveness. This product release aimed to provide a customized fit through the use of thermoformable "12K Carbon Curv" composite materials, catering to the rigorous performance needs of professional and competitive athletes.
• In June 2024, CCM Hockey introduced the Tacks XF Pro skates, a new addition to its equipment lineup designed specifically for power skaters. The skates utilized a one-piece boot construction with a "FORS" composite material, intended to improve the weight-to-stiffness ratio for better energy transfer during play. The product also incorporated ADPT memory foam padding and a redesigned heel area to enhance fit and stability. This launch targeted elite players seeking to maximize efficiency in their stride and was part of the company's strategy to update its high-performance offerings with improved materials and ergonomic design features.

Key Market Players

• Adidas AG
• Gryphon Hockey Ltd
• TK Sports GmbH
• ATLAS Hockey
• Kookaburra Sport Pty Ltd
• Bauer Hockey, LLC
• Warrior Sports, Inc.
• INA International Ltd
• Osaka Hockey Europe NV
• Sport Maska Inc.

By Type	By Sports Type	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Sticks Protective Gear Footwear Others	Ice Hockey Roller Hockey Field Hockey Underwater Hockey	Online and Offline	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Hockey Equipment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Hockey Equipment Market, By Type:

• Sticks
• Protective Gear
• Footwear
• Others

• Hockey Equipment Market, By Sports Type:

• Ice Hockey
• Roller Hockey
• Field Hockey
• Underwater Hockey

• Hockey Equipment Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Online and Offline

• Hockey Equipment Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE