A hockey gear store in Mountlake Terrace is bracing for impacts after the Trump administration slapped a 50% tariff on a list of Canadian goods following failed
A hockey gear store in Mountlake Terrace is bracing for impacts after the Trump administration slapped a 50% tariff on a list of Canadian goods following failed trade talks between the U.S. and Canada.
Among the impacted goods are hockey sticks, gloves, and other gear. Breakaway Hockey Company, tucked into a corner of Olympicview Arena, gets most of its gear and tools from Canadian vendors.
The small business already dealt with the Trump administration's previous, sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods in early 2025. Some of our vendors raised their prices by 11% or 30%, said part-owner Dan Zinsmeyer.
Over a year later, vendors have kept the heightened prices despite previous tariffs being lifted, which has forced Breakaway Hockey to pass down higher prices to its customers.
"I would prefer our customers get the best bang for their buck," said Zinsmeyer, "but, with tariffs that are going to affect us, it's going to be a challenge."
While the full scope of the new 50% tariff's impact still remains to be seen, Zinsmeyer said tariffs and inflation are piling on to an already expensive sport. And local families are starting to feel it.
Michael Gibbs is an adult hockey player, coaches in two youth leagues, and has an 8-year-old daughter on the ice. He said hockey gear prices have gone up by hundreds of dollars over the past few years, and the news of additional price hikes will likely force many parents to ask some tough questions.
"I think for a lot of hockey families, especially with kids playing, it's 'Are we going to be able to afford to play anymore?'" Gibbs said.
Gibbs also said many of the young athletes he coaches come from single-income families already struggling to afford ice time, travel expenses, and gear. "Those extra, added costs could potentially price them out," he said.
While the current tariff does not include Canadian skates, the skate sharpener and other tools at Breakaway Hockey are from Canada and will be impacted, Zinsmeyer said.
The small business expects to measure direct impacts from the new tariff over the next three months.
Canadian leaders announced Saturday that the country had suspended trade talks with the U.S. and plans to roll out retaliatory tariffs on items like steel, dairy, appliances, paper, and electronics starting Sep. 8.
