Will work for hockey

So, I am a part of a facebook group devoted to hockey equipment. I hypothesized that maybe we should share some of our gear instead of hording it in our closets. I got a lot or erroneous responses. But one response got me. One kid said he worked for his gear, so it was his.
That is right. People shouldn't get things for free. It hurts there character. It breaks there will. But, I would love to see more kids and adults playing.
Another person said he is glad hockey is expensive because it gives hockey a better class of person. I couldn't believe that. His logic is based on his assumption that everyone who is poor will act like Mike Vick and Gilbert Arenas. It kills me when people can be so blatantly ignorant.
Hockey has a good class of people because it takes so much work to get good at it. It is not natural and easy to ice skate. It takes a lot of work to master any of hockeys varied skills. That work put in helps to create character. That character shows up in the athletes who reach the top levels in spite of great odds.
I just wish more people were enjoying this game.