Ice hockey is a team sport played on an ice rink between two teams of skaters that wear a helmet, stick, skates, gloves, neck and chest protection, mouthguard, and leg, shin, and arm pads. Ice hockey equipment makes the game easier to play and protects the players' bodies from bruising and severe fractures. It provides protection for the chest, ribs, abdominal nerve plexus, spine, and shoulders from flying pucks and crashes. It also protects the ginglymoid joint and arm bones from being hit with sticks, skates, or falling. It is usually available in a variety of materials, types, and designs, with customizing choices to match particular needs.
Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market Driving Factors and Challenges
The increasing engagement of persons in recreational sports and fitness activities, as well as the growing number of ice hockey arenas, are among the primary factors driving ice hockey equipment sales around the world. Furthermore, increased awareness about the benefits of participating in activities such as ice hockey, such as boosting attention and balance, aiding weight management, strengthening bones and muscles, and improving mental health, is favouring market expansion. Furthermore, the growing number of ice hockey clubs, organisations, and institutions is driving demand for ice hockey equipment. These clubs are also implementing ice hockey robots to assist players in continually improving their speed and endurance during warm-up and training sessions in various competitions.
The expensive cost of top-tier ice hockey equipment is one of the most significant challenges, which may limit access and participation, particularly among younger and less affluent players. Furthermore, the market is very competitive, with established brands battling against new entries and expanding firms. Manufacturers must strike a balance between affordability and cutting-edge technology while adhering to safety regulations. Furthermore, as environmental concerns grow, the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices adds another layer of complexity. To overcome these challenges while capitalizing on possibilities, the dynamic ice hockey equipment sector demands strategic innovation, clever marketing, and a keen understanding of changing customer preferences.
Impact of COVID-19 on Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market
The global ice hockey equipment sector was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and cancellation of sporting events led in a major decline in ice hockey equipment demand. Because rinks were closed and organized leagues were suspended, both amateur and professional players had fewer opportunity to participate in the sport, resulting in lower sales of hockey equipment such as skates, sticks, protective gear, and apparel.
Lockdowns and restrictions also interrupted manufacturing and supply systems, making it harder to create and distribute equipment. Furthermore, the economic uncertainties caused by the outbreak encouraged customers to cut back on discretionary spending, particularly on sports-related items.
Ice Hockey Equipment Market Key Players:
The market study provides market data by competitive landscape, revenue analysis, market segments and detailed analysis of key market players such as; Bauer Hockey LLC, CCM Hockey AB, Franklin Sports Inc., Garf Skates AG, Sher-Wood Hockey Inc. (Canadian Tire Corporation), STX (Wm T. Burnett & Co. Inc.), True Temper Sport, and Warrior Sports (New Balance Athletics Inc).
Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market Segmentation:
By Product Type: Based on the Product Type, Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market is segmented as; Protective Wear, Sticks, Skates, Others.
By Distribution Channel: Based on the Distribution Channel, Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market is segmented as; Online Retail Stores, Offline Retail Stores.
By End User: Based on the End User, Global Ice Hockey Equipment Market is segmented as; Individual, Institutional, Promotional.
By Region: This research also includes data for Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America, and Latin America.
This study also encompasses various drivers and restraining factors of this market for the forecast period. Various growth opportunities are also discussed in the report.