Shane Doan Speaks on Affordability Issue of Hockey in Canada

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of playing hockey understands deeply the benefits of the game and its culture. Hockey is the perfect place for kids and adults alike to learn the value of teamwork, accountability, hard work, and most of all: fun.

There is a reason that so many folks who grow up playing hockey become lifers in the game, whether in the form of playing, coaching or parenting. Similarly, however, everyone who has ever played hockey has felt the same burden; playing hockey is insanely expensive. Between the cost of equipment, travel, and ice-time, the barrier to entry for the sport is unacceptably high.

Which yields a big problem for Canadian hockey. NHL legend and Hockey Canada executive Shane Doan joined the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast to discuss the issue, proposing a way forward for turning the situation around.

The expense of playing hockey is not native to Canada, and neither are Doan's solutions. Given that hockey is the national sport of Canada, though, a greater sense of urgency is expected. Although, the taxpayers' sentiment about government subsidies for sport is another issue altogether.

Co-Host Paul Bissonnette raised a great question. Can Hockey Canada - given the dire consequences of recent events - afford not to solve this problem? The threat of other countries supplanting Canada's hockey hegemony is very real.

For example, of the NHL's leading 20 point scorers so far this season, just 5 are Canadian; by contrast, 4 are American, 4 are Swedish, 3 are Russian, 2 are Finnish, and Germany and Czechia each have one representative. The parity of the NHL - and by extension, international hockey - has never been greater, with new superstars emerging from smaller countries each year.

How dire the issue of affordability really is can only be felt by parents footing the bills. Regardless, this problem coupled with Hockey Canada's ongoing investigations - regarding things like sexual assault and other indiscretions - have resulted in a decline in registrations. Which, if left unchecked, could be devastating to Canada's proud hockey heritage.

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