Plenty of poor people play hockey, it's not crew.
You seriously think that all the European and Canadian players come from well off homes?
Canadian? Absolutely. I actually read an article from a reputable source about people being priced out of hockey. The costs to play are astronomical. Equipment, ice fees, camps, league fees, team fees, hotel costs when you play in tournaments. Then the league wants you to buy extra crap that has nothing to do with hockey like sweatsuits, shirts, etc.
Though I know anecdotal evidence is no proof, I only ever played with rich kids, went to camp with rich kids, played against rich kids, and was rich myself. But I am an American
Now Hockey Canada has instituted programs to try and get lower income kids to play, as has the NHL in America. The article was written when it just started.
No idea about Europe though.