blundluntman
Registered User
- Jul 30, 2016
- 2,687
- 2,874
I don't say this to be contrarian or edgy by any means; just a curious topic I think is worth discussing. As nearly all of us are willing to admit, the game today is likely more skilled than it's ever been. Players look faster and more skilled with a better shot arsenal; goaltenders also appear more athletic and technically sound. While some would argue this is because of the evolution of athletes and a greater pool in talent, I'd argue that the increase in skill/speed is a result of better equipment. If you compare the skates, pads, and composite sticks of today to those of the past, it's easy to see how much of a difference that makes. While some would say this has made the game better, is it also possible it's potentially resulted in a decrease in the overall talent pool?
Just hear me out, if you've never gone online and tried to purchase equipment such as skates, sticks and pads, you'd likely be pretty shocked at how expensive things are. I've seen wooden sticks online for as low as $40 while also seeing composite sticks for as much as $300. I've seen some pretty cheap older skates around the $50 range while seeing current skates go for $300. Although the prices may not be completely accurate, you can see where I'm going here. The sport has arguably priced out a decent percentage of the population from participating/developing at the same level of those from a higher class background. This is especially true when you factor in how much it is to rent ice time at a local facility or hire a skills trainer. Many cite this as a reason the game isn't as popular as cheaper sports like soccer or basketball. It makes me wonder how many kids from lower-class backgrounds with as much talent as the all time greats can't afford to play the game and decide to focus on something else.
TLDR: This isn't a post meant to argue that "the previous generation was more talented than today", more of a post meant to make you ask yourself "What if the next Gretzky can't even afford to play hockey anymore"? Even if you do believe that Crosby/McDavid are better than Gretzky/Lemieux/Orr/Howe, do you think it's possible there's a guy out there better than all 6 who can't afford to play?
I'm just thinking out loud here and any input is more than welcome.
Just hear me out, if you've never gone online and tried to purchase equipment such as skates, sticks and pads, you'd likely be pretty shocked at how expensive things are. I've seen wooden sticks online for as low as $40 while also seeing composite sticks for as much as $300. I've seen some pretty cheap older skates around the $50 range while seeing current skates go for $300. Although the prices may not be completely accurate, you can see where I'm going here. The sport has arguably priced out a decent percentage of the population from participating/developing at the same level of those from a higher class background. This is especially true when you factor in how much it is to rent ice time at a local facility or hire a skills trainer. Many cite this as a reason the game isn't as popular as cheaper sports like soccer or basketball. It makes me wonder how many kids from lower-class backgrounds with as much talent as the all time greats can't afford to play the game and decide to focus on something else.
TLDR: This isn't a post meant to argue that "the previous generation was more talented than today", more of a post meant to make you ask yourself "What if the next Gretzky can't even afford to play hockey anymore"? Even if you do believe that Crosby/McDavid are better than Gretzky/Lemieux/Orr/Howe, do you think it's possible there's a guy out there better than all 6 who can't afford to play?
I'm just thinking out loud here and any input is more than welcome.