The Cost of the Dream: Why Some Parents Spend More Than College Tuition on Hockey in Pursuit of a Scholarship

For many families, hockey is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. Rinks become second homes, tournaments turn into family vacations, and hockey bags permanently occupy the trunk of the car. But for some parents, the commitment to their child’s hockey career goes beyond passion. It becomes an all-consuming financial investment, often exceeding the cost of a four-year post-secondary education.

Many of these parents justify the expense by viewing it as an investment in their child’s future—a chance to secure a scholarship to a prestigious NCAA program or a spot in a professional league. But is this pursuit rational? Why do some parents willingly spend six figures on youth hockey in the hopes of getting a scholarship that, at best, might only cover part of their child’s tuition?

This article explores the psychology behind these decisions, the financial realities, and whether the chase for a hockey scholarship is truly worth the cost.

The Hockey Scholarship Myth vs. Reality

One of the biggest misconceptions in youth hockey is that a scholarship is a realistic financial return on investment (ROI). In reality, very few players receive full-ride scholarships for hockey, and many receive only partial aid.

Limited Full Scholarships

NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs each have a maximum of 18 scholarships per team. However, roster sizes differ slightly—men’s teams typically carry 25 to 30 players, while women’s teams usually have 20 to 25 players. As a result, scholarships are often divided among multiple athletes, making full rides rare.

At the NCAA Division III level, men’s and women’s hockey programs do not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, financial aid is awarded based on academic merit or need.

Additionally, with CHL athletes now eligible to attend American schools after playing in the QMJHL, OHL, or WHL, NCAA roster spots are becoming even more competitive. Schools may prioritize these proven players, whose tuition is covered by their former CHL teams, with any remaining costs supplemented by institutional scholarships.

The Cost vs. The Reward

Let’s break down the numbers:

Youth hockey expenses (over 10+ years): $100,000–$300,000 (or more)
Average NCAA Division I scholarship: $10,000–$25,000 per year
Four-year scholarship value: $40,000–$100,000

For many families, the math doesn’t add up. Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on youth hockey in the hopes of earning a scholarship that covers only a fraction of tuition is, financially speaking, an uphill battle.

Why Do Parents Still Chase the Scholarship Dream?

If the numbers are so lopsided, why do some parents continue to invest so heavily in their child’s hockey career? The reasons are complex and often emotional rather than financial.

1. The Prestige of NCAA Hockey

For many hockey parents, the goal isn’t just about saving money—it’s about status. Playing NCAA hockey, especially at a Division I school, is a badge of honor. It represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and proof that their child is among the best.

The reality is that hockey scholarships, even partial ones, provide validation. They signal that all those early-morning practices, long drives, and weekends spent at tournaments were “worth it.”

2. The Dream of the NHL

While most parents understand that making it to the NHL is a long shot, many still believe their child has a chance. NCAA hockey has become a legitimate pathway to professional hockey, with an increasing number of NHL players coming from the college ranks.

For these families, investing in hockey isn’t just about a scholarship—it’s about positioning their child for an opportunity to play at the highest level. The thought process is:

“If we don’t do everything possible now, will we regret it later?”

3. Social Pressure and Keeping Up with Other Families

In competitive hockey communities, it’s easy for parents to get caught up in an “arms race” of spending. If other families are paying for private skills coaches, nutritionists, and top-tier training programs, it’s hard not to feel pressured to do the same.

Nobody wants to feel like they’re shortchanging their child. When other parents are spending big, it creates a psychological effect:

“If we don’t invest as much as they do, are we putting our child at a disadvantage?”

4. The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

The hockey world thrives on fear-based marketing. Parents are constantly told that if their child doesn’t attend a certain camp, play for a specific team, or get exposure at the right showcase, they’ll be left behind.

This fear leads to spending on:

Private skill coaches
Spring and summer travel teams
Exposure camps
High-end equipment
Strength and conditioning programs

In reality, while some of these investments help, many are unnecessary for long-term development. But the fear of missing out keeps parents opening their wallets.

5. The Sunk Cost Fallacy

The deeper families go into hockey, the harder it is to stop. By the time a player reaches high school, families have already invested thousands of dollars. Quitting now feels like wasting all that money, so they keep going—often doubling down on expenses in hopes of a future payoff.

This psychological trap makes it difficult for families to step back and reassess whether their investment is truly worthwhile.

What Parents and Players Should Consider Instead

If the pursuit of a hockey scholarship often costs more than it saves, what’s a better approach? Here are some key considerations.

1. Focus on Academics First

A strong academic record opens up far more scholarship opportunities than hockey ever will. Players with good grades and high test scores can qualify for merit-based aid, which can be stacked with athletic scholarships.

2. Choose the Right Development Path

Spending more money doesn’t always mean better development. Some of the best NHL players grew up playing in small-town programs with limited resources. Quality coaching, consistent training, and game experience matter more than chasing elite teams.

3. Understand the Importance of Fit

Not every player needs to play NCAA Division I. There are great opportunities in Division III, ACHA (club hockey), and Canadian universities (U SPORTS). Many of these programs offer financial aid packages that, when combined, can rival the value of an athletic scholarship.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Parents should ask themselves:

Are we making decisions based on what’s best for our child, or are we chasing a dream for ourselves?
Is our spending aligned with actual development needs, or are we doing it out of fear?

Being realistic about a player's ceiling helps families make smarter choices about where to invest.

5. Remember That Hockey is Temporary

No matter how much a player loves the game, their hockey career will eventually end. When that day comes, will the financial sacrifices have been worth it?

Investing in personal growth, education, and a well-rounded childhood might be a better long-term strategy than pouring everything into a hockey scholarship chase.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For some families, the pursuit of a hockey scholarship makes sense. If a player is truly elite, and their development aligns with a legitimate opportunity, investing in hockey may provide a return.

But for the vast majority, the chase for a scholarship is an emotional decision, not a financial one. Many families end up spending far more on youth hockey than they ever recoup in scholarship money.

Instead of focusing on hockey as an investment, parents should view it as an experience. If it brings joy, builds character, and provides lifelong memories, then it’ valuable—regardless of whether it leads to a scholarship.

At the end of the day, the real goal should be to help young athletes grow into well-rounded adults, not just hockey players. Whether they play NCAA hockey or just enjoy the game recreationally, the lessons learned along the way will last a lifetime.

Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.

Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.

A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.