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Yes. Both times I visited Canada. It was never searched coming or going. And I've flown, taken a Greyhound, and an Amtrak. Guess I got lucky...
I'm not sure what Zoisite is talking about, people who enjoy hockey routinely will bring their equipment year round. Hockey absolutely is a year round sport for some and most of the Northern US border states/towns have deep hockey cultures of their own and see visitors from both sides taking all kinds of equipment back and forth with absolutely no problem .
And a quick search of rinks in Halifax show several that have summer open skate options.
Emera Oval Facility for an outside rink, Spryfield Lions Rink, and Centennial Arena are all open year round and would be perfect for a pick up game. Don't pay much attention to folks saying otherwise, you'll be fine and have plenty of options to enjoy.
One of the main concern border guards are looking for are people who plan to stay in the country illegally, the op presents the scenario of young man coming to Canada mid summer with all his hockey gear no defined itinerary and no return ticket. your intentions will be interrogated thoroughly.
I can't presume what will happen at the border but it's probably not that big a red flag in and of itself to have an American dude show up with hockey equipment wanting to get a couple of games in (something he might not be able to do back home in the summer) during his trip to Canada.
If the border agent happens to be a hockey fan they might even talk hockey and if the American dude knows his stuff this might get him waved through without much of a second look.
LOL. Yes! I've watched several episodes for all three countries in the Border Security series - for Canada, America and Australia. I'm not enthusiastic about reality shows but that particular series is different, seems very authentic and not rehearsed and I enjoy watching them from time to time. Really interesting and educational and honestly I think the series for Canada is the most interesting of the three series because of the much greater diversity of international travelers from all over the world entering the country.
Seems like all those customs inspectors in all three countries know all the tricks, seen it all, and they're all sharp as tacks, they sure don't miss much. I wonder if they all get sent to Border Security School as part of their training? It's quite stunning the blatant lies and other things some international travelers think they can do or get away with if they pretend ignorance, when it's obvious they aren't ignorant at all.
I can't presume what will happen at the border but it's probably not that big a red flag in and of itself to have an American dude show up with hockey equipment ....
Hockey equipment should not raise a red flag. This is Canada, we love hockey. there are summer hockey camps for all ages and talents, many hosted or sponsored by NHL stars, and so on. The CBSA probably expects hockey equipment at any time of the year.
Heck, the CBSA probably expects winter gear from Americans at any time of the year. When I was in high school, I had a part-time job in a Toronto parking lot. I well remember the American cars in summer, arriving at our lot in downtown Toronto, with people armed with parkas and other cold-weather gear (and sweating buckets in the humid and hot Toronto summer weather), asking, "Where the hell's the snow and cold? This is Canada; it's supposed to be cold!" Yet they were allowed entry into Canada, despite the winter gear that they had in their car.
Just for the record: Toronto in July and August is hot and sticky and muggy and uncomfortable without air conditioning.
Great, but even if they did ask, your answer would not be unusual, and it would be an honest one as well. They can usually tell by if they think something isn't right.
Hope you had/have a great trip.
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It's quite stunning the blatant lies and other things some international travelers think they can do or get away with if they pretend ignorance, when it's obvious they aren't ignorant at all. 
