Comparison Of Anaerobic Power Between Two Semi-professional Ice Hockey Teams.

Abstract

There are multiple semi-professional leagues aimed at preparing hockey players with varying age and experience. Regardless of these variations, a common lab test used to evaluate on-ice performance is the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) as it mimics a hockey shift characterized by high anaerobic capability. It is possible that WAnT performance may vary depending on the league in which an athlete participates. PURPOSE: To investigate differences in anaerobic power of professional ice hockey players representing two different leagues. METHODS: Participants were 31 members of a team comprised of semi-professional athletes (25.1±3.9 years) or 21 members of a team consisting of major junior athletes (18.3±1.2 years). Anthropometric measures included height (cm) and weight (kg). Body composition (%fat) was estimated via hydrostatic weighing or air displacement plethysmography. Each athlete performed a 30-second WAnT on a Monark Ergometer, with resistance set at 7.5% of body weight. Peak power (PP) and average power (AP) were calculated as absolute power (watts) and relative power (watts/kg). Mean differences in height, weight, %fat, absolute and relative power between the two teams were assessed via an independent samples T-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in anthropometric or percent fat values between teams. In addition, there were no significant differences in absolute PP and AP power between the junior team (absolute PP: 1094±104 watts; absolute AP: 836±71 watts) and the older semi-professional team (absolute PP:1057±158 watts; absolute AP: 785±98 watts). However, the junior team had significantly higher relative PP (relative PP: 12.9±0.7 watts/kg; relative AP 9.8±0.4 watts/kg) compared to the older semi-professional team (relative PP:11.8±1.3 watts/kg; relative AP: 8.9±0.8 watts/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Despite age differences between the teams, there were no significant differences in absolute power production during the WAnT. However, relative power production was significantly greater in the junior team. These results illustrate that WAnT performance may vary between semi-professional and junior teams. These differences should be considered when evaluating the on-ice performance of these athletes via the Wingate test.