Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate position-specific (forwards, defenders) reference data for a scientifically evaluated (validity, reliability) ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT). One hundred and four 3rd league professional ice hockey field players (mean ± standard deviations (SD); age: 26.4 ± 5.62 years) volunteered for the investigation. Players were categorized as forwards (n = 64) and defenders (n = 40). Data from the IHCT were collected over six seasons from three 3rd league teams. The IHCT included parameters for load (e.g., 10 m and 30 m skate times, transition and weave agility times with and without a puck, slap and wrist shots on goal) and stress (e.g., lactate, heart rate). The only significant (p < 0.002) difference between forwards and defenders for performance were found for weave agility with puck (p < 0.001). Forwards showed a higher average performance in this parameter than defenders. Differences were also found in weave agility without a puck (p = 0.008), 30 m backward sprinting without puck (p = 0.012) and goals after test (p = 0.030). This study provides position-specific reference data for a valid and reliable ice hockey-specific complex test for the 3rd league. These results may be used by coaches to judge player performance based on position (forwards vs. defenders). Moreover, coaches may use these data to evaluate the effectiveness of the most recent training period. Further research should extend this database to 1st and 2nd league players in order to enhance the scope of the test.
Highlights
Ice hockey is one of the fastest team sports in the world in relation to the player’s speed on the ice, characterized by numerous high-intensity skating intervals and changes of direction (COD) combined with a multitude of body impacts while executing offensive or defensive actions
Some authors report that the use of laboratory off-ice tests does not correlate with on-ice performance [3,5,6,7,8] since important game-relevant motion sequences can only be tested on-ice [1]
This study aimed to provide position-specific reference data for reliable and valid ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT)
Summary
Ice hockey is one of the fastest team sports in the world in relation to the player’s speed on the ice, characterized by numerous high-intensity skating intervals and changes of direction (COD) combined with a multitude of body impacts while executing offensive or defensive actions. With regard to the relationship between off-ice and on-ice performance, research has shown that the two are not uniform [4]. Some authors report that the use of laboratory off-ice tests does not correlate with on-ice performance [3,5,6,7,8] since important game-relevant motion sequences (e.g., skating, COD, puck handling, passing, shots on goal) can only be tested on-ice [1]. Only a few studies have reported testing parameters in regards to match performance [9,10,12,13,14,15,16]. Green et al [14] explored the relationship between off-ice performance (e.g., standing long jump and Wingate) and body composition characteristics to on-ice match performance (e.g., time on-ice, scoring chances, skating performance). Legerlotz et al [9] investigated a repetitive on-ice sprint shuttle test (RISS)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
