MarkovsKnee
Global Moderator
Hyman still had to get to where he is by hard work. Is there a class system in minor hockey? Absolutely. Such is life. Same applies to any sport. Basketball academies, baseball academies...etc. etc.
Hockey is cost prohibitive for many families. But man, have you seen the cost of competitive Dance?
I'm about ready to go broke with one kid in it. Some families have 3+. Insanity!
Yup, I have. My kid was interested in it and/or gymnastics. I put her in gymnastics but it got unaffordable around age 10. Sure Hyman worked hard, but he was also given opportunities that other people simply don't get. But that goes for McDavid and Bedard too. It's not just hockey, but hockey due to its equipment has significantly more financial requirements than say baseball, football or basketball where in a lot of instance equipment is provided.
I believe hockey should go the same route. Kids will still have to buy their own helmet and skates, but all other equipment should be provided. I didn't buy shit to play football. My school gave everything to us. I wore my soccer cleats. I played soccer as a kid too, as a goalie. I bought shoes and shin pads. Gloves were provided. I used my soccer cleats to play baseball too so they were a great investment. I used my dad's old glove until I got my own for birthday or something. Again everything else was provided including uniforms and bats.
In hockey, you need skates, helmets, sticks, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, knee pads, hockey pants, gloves, athletic supporter and cup, mouthguard, and some kind of facial/neck protector. And, kids grow out of all these things. For goalies, it's even worse.
Hockey has really become an upper class privilege sport.
It doesn't take away Hyman's achievement. I don't think anyone expected him to ever become a 50 goal scorer. It helps to play with McDavid.