F-25 Free Communication/Poster - Mitochondrial and Metabolic Responses

Abstract

It has been shown that professional ice hockey players have changed physically and physiologically over the last 20-30 years. These characteristics may differ from players within the Canadian university system despite both groups of players evolving through similar minor and junior hockey leagues. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare various anthropometric and fitness parameters between professional and varsity ice hockey players. METHODS: Convenient samples from both a National Hockey League team and a Canadian Interuniversity Sport team were assessed at a similar time, immediately prior to the beginning of their respective leagues. Each player from both teams was assessed using the same equipment and protocols. A statistical comparison was made between the whole team including goaltenders and between forwards and defense. RESULTS:There were significant differences between the professional and varsity players in age (Varsity vs. Pro: 23±2 vs. 28±5 yrs.); body mass (85.9±6.0 vs. 93.7±7.1 kg); combined hand grip strength (128±18 vs. 144±13 kg); vertical jump height leg power (5543±555 vs. 6230± 637 w); absolute peak 5s anaerobic power (1261±115 vs. 1438±139 w), relative peak 5s anaerobic power (14.7±0.6 vs.15.3±0.7 w×kg-1); upper body power (4.5±0.4 vs.6.2±0.6 m); and, relative VO2max (55.1±4.8 vs. 51.4±3.5 ml×kg-1×min-1). However, the varsity defense was not different from the Pro defense for grip strength and the varsity forwards did not differ from Pro forwards for relative peak 5s anaerobic power. CONCLUSIONS: There were various physical and physiological differences between professional and varsity ice hockey players. In general, pro players were older, heavier and stronger with greater leg power and anaerobic fitness than varsity players. However, varsity ice hockey players had superior relative aerobic fitness which may have been partly due to their significantly lower body mass.