Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In September 2023, CCM launched a series of smart hockey helmets embedded with sensors that monitor impact, improving player safety

• In November 2023, Bauer introduced a new set of custom-fit hockey skates aimed at enhancing player performance and comfort, reflecting a trend toward personalized sports gear.

In this report, the Ice Hockey Equipment Market has been segmented by Product Type, Price Range, Distribution Channel, End User, and geography.

Ice Hockey Equipment Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Ice Hockey Equipment Market has been segmented by Product Type into Ice Hockey Protective Gear and Accessories, Ice Hockey Skates and Ice Hockey Sticks.

Ice Hockey Protective Gear and Accessories
The demand for ice hockey protective gear and accessories continues to grow due to increasing awareness about player safety and league regulations. This segment includes helmets, pads, gloves, mouthguards, and other protective items. It accounts for approximately 40% of the overall market share, driven by the adoption of advanced protective technologies and materials.

Ice Hockey Skates
Ice hockey skates are a fundamental component of the game, with innovations focusing on lightweight design and enhanced mobility. This segment holds nearly 35% of the market, supported by rising player participation and frequent replacement cycles. The popularity of custom-fitted skates has also contributed to steady demand growth.

Ice Hockey Sticks
The ice hockey sticks segment is gaining traction with the introduction of carbon fiber and composite materials for better performance. Representing around 25% of the market, these sticks are increasingly favored by both amateur and professional players for their durability and flexibility. Technological advancements are further boosting innovation in this segment.

Ice Hockey Equipment Market, Segmentation by Price Range

The Ice Hockey Equipment Market has been segmented by Price Range into Low End, Mid-Range, and High End.

Low End
The low end segment caters primarily to beginners and recreational players seeking affordable ice hockey equipment. These products often use basic materials and offer essential protection, making them suitable for casual gameplay. This segment contributes around 30% to the overall market, with strong demand in community and school-level leagues.

Mid-Range
The mid-range category strikes a balance between performance and price, attracting amateur players and frequent hobbyists. With better materials and enhanced design features, this segment offers value-driven choices and accounts for nearly 45% of the market share. Its growth is supported by increasing brand availability and product customization.

High End
The high end segment is tailored for professional athletes and serious enthusiasts who demand premium performance, durability, and comfort. Featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced composites, this category makes up approximately 25% of the market. Consumers in this segment are often loyal to established brands and willing to invest in top-tier gear.

Ice Hockey Equipment Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Ice Hockey Equipment Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Offline Retail Stores and Online Retail Stores.

Offline Retail Stores
Offline retail stores remain a dominant channel for purchasing ice hockey equipment, especially among players who prefer to physically inspect and try on gear. These stores offer personalized assistance and in-store fitting services. This segment accounts for nearly 60% of the market, benefiting from brand partnerships and localized promotions.

Online Retail Stores
Online retail stores are rapidly gaining traction due to the convenience of home delivery, wider product variety, and attractive discounts. Consumers increasingly rely on e-commerce platforms for competitive pricing and detailed product reviews. This segment contributes about 40% to the market and is projected to grow steadily with rising internet penetration and digital adoption.

Ice Hockey Equipment Market, Segmentation by End User

The Ice Hockey Equipment Market has been segmented by End User into Individual, Institutional, and Promotional.

Individual
The individual segment includes amateur players, enthusiasts, and professionals purchasing ice hockey equipment for personal use. It represents approximately 50% of the market, driven by rising participation in recreational and competitive hockey leagues. Demand is supported by frequent equipment upgrades and growing awareness of safety standards.

Institutional
Institutional buyers such as schools, sports clubs, and training academies account for around 35% of the market. These organizations often purchase in bulk and prioritize durability and standardization. The segment benefits from increasing investment in youth sports infrastructure and organized tournaments.

Promotional
The promotional segment comprises purchases made for branding, sponsorship, or giveaway purposes. It holds a smaller share of about 15% but plays a strategic role in market visibility. Demand here is influenced by marketing campaigns and collaborations between brands and sports events.

Ice Hockey Equipment Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Ice Hockey Equipment Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Ice Hockey Equipment Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America
North America dominates the ice hockey equipment market, accounting for nearly 40% of the global share. The region benefits from a deeply embedded ice hockey culture, advanced training facilities, and the presence of key industry players. The U.S. and Canada drive substantial demand across all product segments.

Europe
Europe holds a significant share of around 25% in the market, supported by strong participation in countries like Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Growth is driven by the popularity of regional leagues and increasing investments in youth training programs and equipment innovation.

Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth, contributing approximately 15% of the market. Rising interest in winter sports and expanding sports infrastructure in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are fueling demand. Government initiatives are also promoting ice hockey at school and collegiate levels.

Middle East and Africa
Though a nascent market, the Middle East and Africa are showing gradual growth, holding around 10% of the share. Emerging interest in winter sports tourism and the development of indoor ice rinks are key drivers. Growth is primarily observed in urban centers with higher disposable incomes.

Latin America
Latin America contributes nearly 10% to the global market, with countries like Argentina and Brazil slowly adopting ice hockey programs. Growth remains modest but steady, supported by promotional activities and grassroots sports development initiatives across select regions.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers:

• Growing popularity of ice hockey
• Rise in participation rates
• Technological advancements
• Influence of professional leagues

• Growing sports retail industry: The global ice hockey equipment market has witnessed steady growth in recent years, fueled by a combination of factors such as increasing participation rates, rising disposable incomes, and growing interest in the sport across various regions. The popularity of ice hockey has been expanding beyond its traditional strongholds in North America and Europe, with emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, contributing to the market's growth. Moreover, the proliferation of professional leagues and tournaments worldwide has bolstered demand for high-quality ice hockey equipment among both amateur and professional players.

  Manufacturers in the ice hockey equipment market are continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs and preferences of players, focusing on aspects such as performance, durability, and safety. Technological advancements have led to the development of lightweight and ergonomic equipment that enhances players' agility and maneuverability on the ice. Additionally, increasing awareness about the importance of protective gear in preventing injuries has spurred demand for advanced helmets, pads, and other safety equipment. With the rise of e-commerce platforms and online retail channels, players and enthusiasts have greater accessibility to a wide range of ice hockey equipment, further driving market growth. Overall, the future outlook for the global ice hockey equipment market remains promising, with sustained investments in product development and marketing expected to fuel continued expansion in the coming years.

Restraints:

• High cost of equipment
• Limited access to ice rinks
• Risk of injuries
• Seasonal nature of the sport

• Competition from other sports: The global ice hockey equipment market has faced increasing competition from other sports in recent years, posing challenges for its growth and market share. Sports such as soccer, basketball, and even emerging activities like eSports have been drawing in more participants and fans, diverting attention and resources away from traditional ice hockey. This trend is particularly notable in regions where ice hockey has traditionally been less popular, such as in parts of Asia and Africa, where other sports like soccer hold sway. As a result, ice hockey equipment manufacturers and retailers have had to innovate their marketing strategies and product offerings to maintain relevance and attract new customers in an increasingly crowded sports landscape.

  The rise of alternative recreational activities and fitness trends has also impacted the ice hockey equipment market. Activities like yoga, cycling, and fitness apps have gained popularity, appealing to a broader demographic and potentially diverting potential ice hockey enthusiasts. This diversification of leisure and fitness options means that ice hockey equipment brands must compete not only with other sports but also with a wide array of lifestyle choices for consumers' discretionary spending and leisure time. To address these challenges, the ice hockey industry may need to focus on promoting the unique qualities and excitement of the sport, investing in grassroots development programs, and exploring new markets to sustain growth in the face of stiff competition.

Opportunities:

• Expansion into emerging markets
• Development of women's ice hockey
• Rising interest in youth leagues
• Emphasis on sustainability

• Online sales and customization: The global ice hockey equipment market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increasing participation rates, growing popularity of the sport in non-traditional markets, and rising consumer disposable income. As the sport gains traction worldwide, demand for ice hockey equipment, including skates, sticks, protective gear, and apparel, continues to surge. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to the development of high-performance equipment, catering to the needs of professional athletes as well as amateur players.

  One notable trend within the ice hockey equipment market is the increasing emphasis on customization and personalization. With players seeking gear that not only fits well but also reflects their individual style and preferences, manufacturers have responded by offering a range of customization options. From personalized jerseys to custom-fit skates and uniquely designed sticks, players now have more choices than ever before. This trend has not only enhanced the overall consumer experience but has also opened up new revenue streams for manufacturers through premium-priced customized products. Furthermore, the growing trend of online sales has made it easier for players to access a wide variety of customized options, driving further growth in the ice hockey equipment market.

Key players in Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market include:

• BAUER Hockey, LLC
• Sher-Wood Hockey Inc.
• Franklin Sports Inc.
• New Balance, Inc.
• Wm T. Burnett & Co., Inc.
• CCM
• TOUR HOCKEY
• American Athletic Shoe

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis