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Rice MS, Warburton DER, Gaytan-Gonzalez A, Jamnik VK, Kaufman K, Warburton DRD, Souster M, Bredin SSD. The relationship between off-ice testing and on-ice performance in male youth Ice hockey players. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1418713. [PMID: 39211914 PMCID: PMC11358090 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1418713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ice hockey demands a unique blend of physical fitness and skill, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing on-ice performance. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between off-ice and on-ice performance measures in male, youth, ice hockey players. Methods Eleven minor hockey players (Age = 9.8 ± 1.1 years) participated in two testing days: (1) off-ice and (2) on-ice assessments. Off-ice assessments included maximal aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, muscular strength (handgrip and single leg squat), muscular endurance (curl-ups and push-ups), muscular power (standing long jump and vertical jump), and 30 m sprinting speed and acceleration. On-ice testing included a 15.2 m maximum speed test, a 6.1 m acceleration test with a continuation into a 47.9 m top speed test, an agility cornering S turn test, and a shot velocity test. Results Twenty-four out of 33 off-ice variables were significantly correlated with at least one of the 11 on-ice performance variables. From those 24, 10 were included as predictors for at least one of the on-ice performance variables. Each model was composed of either one or two predictors, where the most common predictors were 30 m Run - Split (6.1 m) Sprint time and 30 m Run - Total (30 m) Sprint Max speed (included in four out of 11 models each). The prediction formulas R2 and coefficient of variation ranged from 0.63% to 0.96% and 1.2% to 15.3%, respectively. Discussion Diverse off-ice measures of aerobic fitness, anaerobic power, muscular strength, power, and endurance, and sprinting speed, acceleration, and agility are predictive of on-ice performance. The insights gained from this study contribute to the refinement of assessment protocols, fostering a comprehensive approach to optimizing player performance and potential. Understanding the connection between objective off-ice testing and on-ice performance can support tailored training programs and player development in male youth ice hockey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Rice
- Cognitive and Motor Learning (LEARN) Laboratory, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Kinesiology, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
| | - Darren E. R. Warburton
- Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alejandro Gaytan-Gonzalez
- Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Veronica K. Jamnik
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kai Kaufman
- Cognitive and Motor Learning (LEARN) Laboratory, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Michael Souster
- Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shannon S. D. Bredin
- Cognitive and Motor Learning (LEARN) Laboratory, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Roczniok R, Stastny P, Novak D, Opath L, Terbalyan A, Musalek M. The Relation of On-Ice and Off-Ice Performance at Two Different Performance Levels in Youth Ice-Hockey Players. J Hum Kinet 2024; 93:193-203. [PMID: 39132412 PMCID: PMC11307188 DOI: 10.5114/jhk/187238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ice hockey requires two levels of specific agility, involving different abilities, where the level of agility and their constraints might vary by the performance level. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the relationship level between on-ice and off-ice change of directional speed (COD) of youth hockey players at two performance levels. The study was conducted during the hockey season, including U16 elite players (n = 40) and U16 sub-elite players (n = 23). Both groups performed specific on-ice fitness tests (4-m acceleration, 30-m sprint, and 6 x 54-m tests, an on-ice Illinois agility test with and without a puck) and off-ice tests consisting of non-arm swing countermovement jumps (CMJs), broad jumps, and pull-ups. Pearson correlation showed that the acceleration performance of elite players was related to the CMJ (r = -0.46) and the broad jump (r = -0.31). Sub-elite players showed stronger dependence of the 30-m sprint on the CMJ (r = -0.77) and the broad jump (r = -0.43), the relation of pulls ups (r = -0.62) and the CMJ (r = -0.50) to the 6 x 54-m test, yet no association to acceleration. Elite players differ between off-ice and on-ice performance constraints, where their skating sprint is less related to their vertical and horizontal take-off abilities than in sub-elite players. Sub-elite players' off-ice power determines their sprint and repeated sprint performance. COD performance of elite and sub-elite players is based on different conditioning constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roczniok
- Sports Science Institute, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Petr Stastny
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dominik Novak
- Sports Science Institute, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Lukas Opath
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Arts, Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Artur Terbalyan
- Sports Science Institute, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Martin Musalek
- Sports Science Institute, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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Keiner M, Kierot M, Stendahl M, Brauner T, Suchomel TJ. Maximum Strength and Power as Determinants of Match Skating Performance in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:1090-1094. [PMID: 38335067 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Keiner, M, Kierot, M, Stendahl, M, Brauner, T, and Suchomel, TJ. Maximum strength and power as determinants of match skating performance in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1090-1094, 2024-Maximum strength has a strong influence on speed-strength performances such as sprints and jumps. Important for sports practice is whether these findings are also reflected in game performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of maximum strength and power performance on linear on-ice skating performance in testing and during game play. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 24 highly trained male youth ice hockey players participated. Jump performances (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jumps), maximum strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM] squat and isometric trap bar pull [ITBP]), and on-ice linear sprints (15 m [LS15], 30 m [LS30], flying 15 m [FLY15]) were measured. Match performances (among others: peak skating speed) were collected of 4 regular league games using a local positioning system. Correlation coefficient and explained variance were calculated ( ρ ≤ 0.05). Correlations between maximum strength and jump with on-ice linear sprint performance showed 1-35% explained variance. Correlations between "off ice" test (CMJ, relative 1RM) and game data (peak skating speed) showed 22-30% explained variance, respectively, while ITBP and DJ missed significant level. Between linear sprint and game performance showed 15-59% explained variance. In this study, a clear influence of 1RM in squatting and CMJ performance on on-ice linear sprint as well as in-game peak skating speed was observed. These findings show that strength and jumping performance can be valuable tests within a comprehensive test battery and indicate the relevance of strength and jumping tasks within the regular exercise program to improve in-game skating performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Keiner
- Department of Exercise Science, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Martin Kierot
- Department of Exercise Science, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany
- Department of Strength and Conditioning, ZSC/GCK Lions Ice-Hockey, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Stendahl
- Department of Strength and Conditioning, ZSC/GCK Lions Ice-Hockey, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Brauner
- Department of Biomechanics, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany; and
| | - Timothy J Suchomel
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Carroll University, Waukesha, Wisconsin
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Gamble ASD, Thompson KMA, Bigg JL, Pignanelli C, Spriet LL, Burr JF. Investigating the Relevance of Maximal Speed and Acceleration in Varsity-Level Female Ice Hockey Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38503279 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize and compare female ice hockey players' peak skating speed and acceleration ability during linear sprints and gameplay. We also sought to quantify the time spent at various speeds and the frequency of accelerations at different thresholds during games. METHODS Seventeen varsity-level female ice hockey players (20 [1.4] y, 68.9 [4.9] kg, 167.6 [4.7] cm) participated in an on-ice practice session (performing 3 × 40-m linear sprints) and 4 regular-season games while being monitored using a local positioning system. Speed and acceleration were recorded from the sprint and within-game monitoring. Time on ice spent in relative skating speed zones and the frequency of accelerations at different intensities were recorded. RESULTS Players' greatest peak speeds (29.5 [1.3] vs 28.3 [1.1] km/h) and accelerations (4.39 [0.48] vs 3.34 [0.36] m/s2) reached during gameplay were higher than those reached in linear sprinting (both P < .01). Peak in-game values were moderately predicted by linear sprint values for speed (r = .69, P < .01) but not for acceleration (r < .01, P = .95). Players spent little time at near-peak linear sprint speeds (≥80% [22.7 km/h], ∼3% time on ice; ≥90% [25.5 km/h], <1% of time on ice) during gameplay. However, 26% to 35% of accelerations recorded during the 4 games were ≥90% of linear sprint acceleration. CONCLUSIONS Although skating speed may be advantageous in specific game situations, our results suggest that players spend little time at near-maximal speeds while accelerating frequently during games. This warrants further investigation of direction changes, skating transitions, repeated sprints, and other determinant variables potentially related to on-ice success and the implementation of training strategies to improve repeated acceleration or qualities beyond maximal skating speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S D Gamble
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences and the Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kyle M A Thompson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica L Bigg
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Christopher Pignanelli
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence L Spriet
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jamie F Burr
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Kierot M, Stendahl M, Warneke K, Wirth K, Konrad A, Brauner T, Keiner M. Maximum strength and power as determinants of on-ice sprint performance in elite U16 to adult ice hockey players. Biol Sport 2024; 41:245-252. [PMID: 38188105 PMCID: PMC10765453 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.129470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In ice hockey, speed strength is one of the major physical key performance indicators, which is significantly influenced by maximum strength. The objective of this study was to evaluate the age-dependent relationship of off-ice maximum strength and vertical jump performance with on-ice linear sprint performance, considering age and performance level. Ninety-one male youth and adult professional ice hockey players (age: 19.3 ± 5.49 years) were recruited and divided into four age groups: under 16, 18, 21 years old and professional elite players (Pro) (i.e., > 21 years). They were tested in maximal isometric strength, squat jump (loaded and unloaded), countermovement jump and on-ice sprint performance (15 m and 30 m linear sprint; 15 m flying linear sprint). Statistical analysis revealed that on-ice sprint performance correlated with isometric strength performance (r = |0.34|-|0.63|) and with off-ice jump performance (r = |0.61|-|0.77|) without an influence of age group or performance level. However, performance differed between age groups and performance level, the largest differences being found between the youngest age group (U16) and the Pro group (g = 0.966-3.281). The present study shows that maximum strength influences on-ice sprint performances in ice hockey players, as well as performance differences between age groups and professional players. Strength and jumping performance should therefore be included in regular performance testing in ice hockey. Since performance differences are observed for almost all strength and speed-strength performances of the youth teams to the Pros, training of these variables is strongly recommended to improve in the transition phase from junior to elite level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kierot
- Department of Exercise Science, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany
- Department of Strength and Conditioning, ZSC/GCK Lions Ice-Hockey, Zürich, Swiss
| | - Mattia Stendahl
- Department of Strength and Conditioning, ZSC/GCK Lions Ice-Hockey, Zürich, Swiss
| | - Konstantin Warneke
- Institute for Exercise, Sport and Health, Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wirth
- Faculty of Training and Sports Science, University of Applied Science Wiener Neustadt, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Torsten Brauner
- Department of Biomechanics, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Michael Keiner
- Department of Exercise Science, German University of Health & Sport, Ismaning, Germany
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Bournival M, Martini G, Trudeau F, Lemoyne J. The science and art of testing in ice hockey: a systematic review of twenty years of research. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1252093. [PMID: 37841888 PMCID: PMC10569309 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1252093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ice hockey is a complex sport requiring multiple athletic and technical attributes. Considering the variety of tests developed, on-ice testing protocols have been created to measure the physiological and mechanical attributes associated with performance. To our knowledge, a lack of technical resources exists to help stakeholders opt for on-ice protocols from among those developed. It becomes crucial for researchers and practitioners to select relevant and context-specific procedures. This systematic review of the literature outlines an inventory of the on-ice tests that have been used in the domain of ice hockey research over the last twenty years, and summarize protocols mostly used in major athletic components. Methods A search was performed on three databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus) by following the PRISMA guidelines. Specific keywords were selected to find publications using on-ice testing protocols in the methodology. Four aspects of athletic attributes were used to categorize the protocols: aerobic capacity, acceleration-speed, agility-change of direction and ability to repeat skating sprints. Analyses were conducted regarding four categories of observations: population under study, on-ice reported test(s), outcomes measures and main findings. Results A total of 107 articles were included, resulting in 55 on-ice tests related to the on-ice assessments of four major athletic components: aerobic capacity (n = 7), acceleration-speed (n = 6), agility and change of direction (n = 23) and repeated skating sprint ability (n = 19). Testing in male and older cohorts (≥16 years old) predominates, with a primary focus on the competitive amateur level. The selected tests were mainly designed for assessing on-ice physiological responses and fitness (n = 38), talent identification-team selection (n = 19), efficiency of interventions (n = 17) and validation purposes (n = 16). Conclusion A prevalence of on-ice skating tests to assess the ability to repeat intense efforts, agility, acceleration and speed components exists, which are relevant and linked to match requirement. The wealth of on-ice tests used in the literature reflects the need to adapt the on-ice evaluation process to the population, constraints, and goals. This review is a valid toolbox and can benefit for researchers and practitioners interested in testing hockey players from different levels, with a variety of aims and needs, by helping them to select the relevant procedures to their environment and practice context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bournival
- Laboratoire de recherche sur le hockey UQTR, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Gaëtan Martini
- Laboratoire de recherche sur le hockey UQTR, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - François Trudeau
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Jean Lemoyne
- Laboratoire de recherche sur le hockey UQTR, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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Lower Limb Skeletal Robustness Determines the Change of Directional Speed Performance in Youth Ice Hockey. J Hum Kinet 2023; 85:75-85. [PMID: 36643831 PMCID: PMC9808801 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2022-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The factors that influence the on-ice change of directional speed (COD) of ice hockey players remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine which off-ice and anthropometric variables determine hockey COD with and without a puck. Thirty-two elite ice hockey players (age: 17.64 ± 1.02 years, body height: 180 ± 7.5 cm, body mass: 76.4 ± 7.8 kg) performed squat jumps, broad jumps, countermovement jumps, and pull-ups and were assessed on agility office and on-ice, with and without a puck. Anthropometric characteristics were determined according to the modified somatotype method. A moderate correlation (r = 0.59-0.6) was observed among all agility tests, between on-ice agility with a puck and lower limb skeletal robustness (r = 0.45), and between on-ice agility with a puck and sit-and-reach scores (r = -0.50). Agility without a puck correlated with squat jump height (r = -0.36). Multiple regression analysis indicated that off-ice agility (β = 0.51) and skeletal robustness of the lower limbs (β = 0.35) determined (R2 = 0.41) on-ice agility with a puck. Players' COD was assessed by Illinois tests of agility off-ice and on-ice, with and without a puck; each of these tests moderately predicted the others, but differed in their physical constraints. Players with higher skeletal robustness used more strength and power to achieve COD performance, while players with lower skeletal robustness used techniques and skills to achieve COD, resulting in superior COD performance with a puck compared to stronger athletes. CODs with and without a puck are discrete skills requiring different abilities.
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