ICE HOCKEY STICK MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

The high price of ice hockey sticks is significantly restraining the growth of the global ice hockey stick market. Ice hockey is an expensive sport that requires a considerable initial investment in protective gear and equipment. A high-quality ice hockey stick suitable for competitive play can often retail for well over USD 100, putting the equipment outside of financial reach for many potential new players. This price barrier prevents many from even starting to play the sport and negatively impacts the potential expansion of the player base. The sport overall also has an image of exclusivity due to these equipment costs that dissuades some from participating. Parents may be reluctant to spend hundreds of dollars outfitting their child if the sport does not seem accessible to all economic backgrounds. Without a consistent influx of new and younger players, the market for ice hockey sticks and other gear will struggle to sustain long-term growth. Equipment manufacturers are in a difficult position as well, as dropping prices too far could damage brands or product quality. However, prices that remain extremely high also constrain how many customers they can reach.

 Market Opportunity: Emergence of women ice hockey

The emergence of women's ice hockey provides a tremendous opportunity for growth in the global ice hockey stick market. As participation rates for women's ice hockey continue to rise significantly around the world, especially in North America and northern Europe, the demand for high-quality hockey sticks tailored for women will also rise accordingly. Women's ice hockey has grown immensely in popularity over the past decade alone.