Quick Answer
To sell used hockey gear in Kingston, take it to Play It Again Sports (500 Gardiners Rd), which buys quality used sports equipment on the spot, or list it on Fliku, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace or VarageSale to get a better price. Sell skates, pads and sticks that are clean and in good shape, bundle outgrown kids' gear by size, and keep damaged helmets out of the sale. Late summer, before the season starts, is the best time to list.
Kingston lives for hockey. With the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs downtown and kids on rinks all winter, a lot of equipment gets used for a season and outgrown the next. That is good news for sellers, because there is steady demand for used gear, especially in kids' sizes. This guide covers where to sell hockey equipment in Kingston, how to price it, what to leave out and how to get a fair return.
Where to Sell Used Hockey Gear in Kingston
| Where | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Play It Again Sports, 500 Gardiners Rd | Buys quality used sports gear, pays on the spot or trade credit; no appointment | Quick, simple sales and trading up |
| Fliku | Free listing, you set the price, buyer picks up | Bundles and higher-value gear |
| Kijiji | Large local audience for hockey equipment, including sticks, goalie gear and skates | Reaching many buyers |
| Facebook Marketplace and local parent groups | Quick local sales, good for kids' bundles | Outgrown youth gear |
| VarageSale | Verified local members buy and sell | Buyers who prefer verified profiles |
Play It Again Sports Kingston says it buys gear all day with no appointment, and you can be paid on the spot or trade up. Expect a store offer to be lower than a private sale, because the store needs a margin. If you have a lot of equipment and want it gone, it is hard to beat for convenience. If you have valuable items, such as a good pair of skates or a goalie set, list those privately and sell the rest to the store.
What Sells Best
Demand is strongest for youth gear, because kids outgrow equipment quickly and parents want to avoid paying full price for something that will fit for one season. Skates, helmets, shin pads, elbow pads, gloves and sticks in common youth sizes move quickly. Adult gear sells well too, especially skates, sticks and goalie equipment in good condition, but the buyer pool is smaller.
- Skates: the most popular item. Clean blades, intact boots and recent sharpening help the price.
- Sticks: sell better when they are straight, with no cracks in the shaft or blade. Note the flex, curve and which hand they are for.
- Protective gear: pads, gloves and pants sell as long as they are clean, free of rips and not smelly.
- Goalie equipment: a smaller but motivated market. Pads, blockers and catchers are priced by brand and condition.
- Bags and accessories: bundle with other items; they rarely sell well alone.
Helmets and Safety Gear: What to Keep Out of the Sale
Health Canada warns that some safety items, including helmets, protect for only one impact. A helmet that has taken a hit, or is cracked or deformed, should not be resold, even if it looks fine. If you are not sure of a helmet's history, keep it out of the sale. When you list one that is in good condition, state its age and that it has not been in an impact, and check that it still has its certification label. Buyers should do the same: look for the label, check for cracks, and make sure it fits properly. For more, see Health Canada's guidance on second-hand products.
How to Price Used Hockey Gear
There is no single price list, because brand, age and condition vary widely. A practical method is to search Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace for the same item and sizes, note what is listed, and price a little lower than the most similar listings to sell faster. A rough guide is a third to half of the retail price for gear in good condition, and less for older or worn items. Premium brands hold value better than entry-level ones.
| Item | Typical condition and size note | Pricing approach |
|---|---|---|
| Youth skates | Clean boots, recent sharpening | Roughly a third to half of retail if in good shape |
| Helmet | Certified, no impacts, not expired | Low price; buyers are cautious |
| Shin pads and elbow pads | No rips, no smell | Low to moderate; sell as a set |
| Stick | No cracks, flex and curve stated | Moderate; premium composite holds value |
| Goalie pads | Good padding, straps intact | Higher; price by brand and age |
| Complete youth bundle | All sizes matched | Better total price than selling piece by piece |
These are rough guides, not fixed prices; always check current listings before you decide. For general advice on pricing, see how to price used items for a fast sale.
Get Your Gear Ready to Sell
Hockey gear selling checklist
- Wash and air out all pads and gloves, and deodorize the bag
- Check skates for rust, loose rivets and dull blades, and get them sharpened if needed
- Photograph each piece in daylight, including the size label and any wear
- Note the size, brand, age and side (left or right) for every item
- Bundle youth gear by size to attract parents
- Keep any damaged or impacted helmet out of the sale
- Meet in a public place and let the buyer try the gear on
When to Sell
Demand peaks in late summer and early fall, when teams are forming and kids need new gear for the season. List in August and September for the best response. A second smaller window is in the new year, when some players switch teams or move up a level. If you are selling goalie or adult gear, the timing matters less, but late summer is still strong.
Youth Sizing: Why Parents Buy Used
Kids' hockey equipment is sized by age, height or weight, and the sizing changes with each brand. A child can move up a size in a single season, which is why so much gear is barely used. For sellers, that means two things: state the size clearly in your listing, and say what age or height range it fits. "Youth medium, fits roughly ages 8 to 10" is more useful than "kids' size". Include the size on the label in a close-up photo, because parents will compare it against what their child wears now.
Buyers also care about growth room. A parent buying used skates wants to know the boot size and width, how many times they have been sharpened and whether the boot still has support. If you are selling skates, loosen the laces, put a clear photo of the inside, and say how long they were used.
Selling Skates: What Buyers Look For
Skates are the most scrutinized item in any hockey bundle. Buyers will check the boot for soft spots and cracks, the blade for rust and nicks, the runner or holder for damage and the eyelets and laces for wear. Take photos of the sole, the heel, the blade from the side and underneath, and the inside of the boot. Mention the brand, model, size and whether they are worn by a left- or right-footed player; this matters for fit and sharpening.
If the blades are dull, get them sharpened before you list or reduce the price to account for it. A fresh sharpening costs a few dollars and makes the pair look cared for. If the skates are old, say so; honesty gets you better reviews and fewer returns.
Selling Goalie Equipment
Goalie gear is a smaller market, but buyers are motivated. A player who needs a full set often does not want to pay for new equipment, particularly for a youth player who will grow out of it. Sell pads, blockers, catchers and masks in clear sets where possible, with the size, brand and age. Photograph the straps, the face of the pads and the inside of the catcher, and be honest about padding wear. Mention if the set has been refitted or repaired.
Goalie masks and helmets fall under the same safety guidance as other helmets: if one has taken a hard hit or is cracked, do not sell it. A well-kept set from a recent season, with all straps and padding intact, can sell for a solid share of its retail price.
Negotiating and Meeting Buyers
Parents and players often expect a bit of haggling. Price a little above your minimum, and offer a bundle discount if someone takes several items. For meetups, choose a public, well-lit location such as a rink parking lot or a store, and let the buyer try on the gear, if appropriate. Skates and protective gear should be tried on, so allow time. For larger sales, accept cash or a confirmed e-transfer. Our guide to safe meetup spots in Kingston lists good places.
Selling hockey gear in Kingston?
List it free on Fliku and reach local parents and players. No fees.
List Your Hockey Gear on FlikuFrequently Asked Questions
Where can I sell used hockey equipment in Kingston, Ontario?
You can sell used hockey equipment in Kingston at Play It Again Sports (500 Gardiners Rd), which buys quality used gear, or privately on Fliku, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace and VarageSale. Private sales usually pay more, while the store is faster and simpler.
Does Play It Again Sports buy hockey gear in Kingston?
Yes. Play It Again Sports Kingston says it buys and sells quality used sports and fitness equipment, including hockey gear, and that you can be paid on the spot or trade up for other gear. Call ahead or check the store's website for what it is currently buying.
Can I sell a used hockey helmet?
Only if it is in good condition and has not been in an impact. Health Canada says some safety items, including helmets, protect for only one impact, so a cracked, deformed or previously hit helmet should not be resold. If in doubt, keep it out of the sale.
How much is used hockey gear worth?
It depends on brand, age and condition, but a rough guide is a third to half of retail for gear in good shape, and less for older or worn items. Check current Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace listings for the same item and size, and price slightly below the closest matches to sell faster.
When is the best time to sell hockey equipment in Kingston?
Late summer and early fall, roughly August to September, when teams are forming and kids need gear for the new season. A smaller second window is in January, when some players move up or change teams.
