Link: https://theconversation.com/canadas-2026-world-cup-team-reflects-the-countrys-multicultural-identity-in-a-way-hockey-never-has-280329

As Canada co-hosts the 2026 World Cup, its men’s soccer team offers a more diverse and inclusive vision of national identity than the country’s traditional sports have provided.

Hockey is exclusively for rich kids, so ya.

Hockey takes money, and parents willing to wake up at stupid 'o clock.

When did that happen? I believe you, just wondering.

Always.

Need to be able to afford equipment.

The other massive costs of travel and coaching are shared to a lesser extent in football because you can play it anywhere versus hockey needing an ice rink. (Like learning to run vs learning to skate)

I'm pretty sure I wasn't a rich kid when I was forced to do it in the early 80s. I know for sure my single mom wasn't when my brother was big into it in the early 90s, but she made a lot of sacrifices.

I think you'll find that today as well, it's not impossible but it makes it more difficult.

Patrick Kane's parents spent an estimated 250k on their son through his minor career and that ended 20 years ago.

Source: https://montrealgazette.com/sports/the-price-of-nhl-success/

What level did you play at?