Ice Hockey Stick Research Articles

Linking the preference in a bilateral asymmetric task with handedness, footedness, and eyedness: The case of ice-hockey.

Most people know whether they are left-handed or right-handed, and usually base this assessment on preferences during one-handed tasks. There are several manual tasks that require the contribution of both hands, in which, in most cases, each hand plays a different role. In this specific case, holding an ice-hockey stick is particularly interesting because the hand placement may have an incidence on the playing style. In this study (n = 854), the main objective was to determine to what extent the way of holding an ice-hockey stick is associated with other lateralized preferences. Amongst the 131 participants reporting a preference for the left hand in unilateral tasks, 70.2% reported a preference for shooting right (placing the right hand in the middle of the stick); and amongst the 583 participants reporting a preference for writing with the right hand, 66.2% reported a preference for shooting left. 140 (16.4%) participants were classified as ambidextrous and 61.4% of them reported a preference for shooting right. This preference on the ice-hockey stick is closely correlated (uncrossed preference) to the way one holds a rake, shovel, or broom, or a golf club, but inversely related to the way one holds an ax and a baseball bat. The link between the way of holding the ice-hockey stick and eyedness or footedness is weak. These results are contrasted with the results reported by Loffing et al. (2014) and reveal the need to clarify the exact nature and requirements of the targeted tasks when studying bilateral asymmetric preferences.

Mechanical properties of hockey sticks: practical introduction to elasticity

An ordinary ice hockey stick is nowadays a sophisticated product made of composite material. In this article, we describe a simple measurement of the mechanical properties of hockey sticks using the three-point flexural test. This experiment can be used to support teaching about elasticity. We show how the properties of a hockey stick change after its repair and how these mechanical properties can be easily modelled using computer software, which can be a first introduction to the finite element method.

Pilot Study of Embedded IMU Sensors and Machine Learning Algorithms for Automated Ice Hockey Stick Fitting

The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of using IMU sensors and machine learning algorithms for the instantaneous fitting of ice hockey sticks. Ten experienced hockey players performed 80 shots using four sticks of differing constructions (i.e., each stick differed in stiffness, blade pattern, or kick point). Custom IMUs were embedded in a pair of hockey gloves to capture resultant linear acceleration and angular velocity of the hands during shooting while an 18-camera optical motion capture system and retroreflective markers were used to identify key shot events and measure puck speed, accuracy, and contact time with the stick blade. MATLAB R2020a’s Machine Learning Toolbox was used to build and evaluate the performance of machine learning algorithms using principal components of the resultant hand kinematic signals using principal components accounting for 95% of the variability and a five-fold cross validation. Fine k-nearest neighbors algorithms were found to be highly accurate, correctly classifying players by optimal stick flex, blade pattern, and kick point with 90–98% accuracy for slap shots and 93–97% accuracy for wrist shots in fractions of a second. Based on these findings, it appears promising that wearable sensors and machine learning algorithms can be used for reliable, rapid, and portable hockey stick fitting.

Effect of ice hockey stick stiffness on performance

Hockey sticks have undergone a dramatic transformation from wood to aluminum to composite in just over the past 20 years. With the introduction of different materials, there has been increasing interest in how the material properties affect shot speed. This study examined the effects of stick stiffness from measured swing motion on puck speed. Stick evaluation involved a six amateur player study, quasi-static stiffness measurement, video motion analysis, and numerical simulation. The effect of stiffness on puck speed was observed to depend on shot type. For shots involving large stick loading, as occurs with a slap shot, puck speed decreased as stick stiffness increased. The trend was consistent with a constant force player model. For shots involving low stick loading, as occurs with a wrist shot, puck speed increased as stick stiffness increased. The trend was consistent with a constant displacement player model. Finite element simulation of the slap shot agreed generally with the results of the player study and was used to find an optimal loading distance (distance that the stick contacts the ice prior to the puck) to be 24 cm.

Field Measurements of Ice Hockey Stick Performance and Player Motion

Hockey sticks have undergone a dramatic transformation from wood to aluminum to composite in just over 10 years. Other than reduced weight, it is not clear what advantage composite materials provide. This study examined the effects of stick stiffness and swing motion on puck speed. Stick evaluation involved a six player field study, quasi-static stiffness measurement, and video motion analysis. The difference in average puck speed between players was greater (32%) than the difference between sticks (14%). No effect of inertia or swing speed was observed on slap shot puck speeds. Prior to puck impact, the stick-ice contact had a large effect on generating puck speed. Swings where the blade bounced on the ice, released energy stored in the stick, resulting in lower puck speeds. Puck speed was sensitive to stick stiffness and depended on the shot motion. Shots employing large player force, such has a slap shot, tended to follow a constant player force model. Shots employing a small player force, such as a wrist shot, tended to follow a constant player motion model.

Dynamic strain profile of the ice hockey stick: comparisons of player calibre and stick shaft stiffness

The goal of this research was to develop a method to quantify the dynamic strain profile (DSP) of an ice hockey stick shaft and assess the potential influence of player skill and stick shaft stiffness on DSP during slap (SS) and wrist shots (WS). Seventeen adult males performed shots with two different stick stiffness’ on synthetic ice. Subjects were subdivided as high (HC) and low calibre (LC). Dependent measures included strain measures from five strain gauge pairs along the shaft length recorded at 10 kHz. In general, this approach was sufficiently sensitive to clearly distinguish between shot types (strains SS > WS), player calibre (strains HC > LC) and stick models (strain flex77 > flex102) as well as to identify within stick deflection differences along the shaft. This strain based analysis has a time and spatial resolution undetected by common motion capture based systems.

아이스하키 리스트 샷(Wrist shot) 동작의 상지 협응 형태

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between the segments of the body and to qualitatively analyze coordination pattern of joints and segments during Wrist Shot movement in Ice Hockey, By the utilization the three dimensional anatomical angle cinematography, the angles of individual joint and segment according to Wrist shot in ice hockey. The subjects of this study were five professional ice hockey players. The reflective makers were attached on anatomical boundary line of body. For the movement analysis three dimensional cinematographical method(APAS) was used and for the calculation of the kinematic variables a self developed program was used with the LabVIEW 6.1 graphical programming(Johnson, 1999) program. By using Eular`s equations the three dimensional anatomical Cardan angles of the joint and ice hockey stick were defined. The used coordination variables were angle vs. angle plots. The three dimensional anatomical angular displacement and coordination pattern of trunk and Upper limb(shoulder-elbow-wrist linked system) showed important role in Wrist shot. the most important role is coordination pattern of trunk and shoulder joint and is followed by shoulder and elbow joints, in addition the movement of elbow/wrist joints showed least to the Wrist shot. this study result showed flexion-extension, adduction-abduction and internal-external rotation of trunk are important role of power and shooting direction coordination of upper Limb pattern of Wrist Shot movement in Ice Hockey.

Predictors of scoring accuracy: ice hockey wrist shot mechanics

The purpose of this study was to identify the stationary “wrist shot” technique (movement patterns) of the ice hockey stick that corresponds to the accuracy of puck trajectory. A total of 25 subjects participated in this study, ranging from high to low caliber players. Each performed ten successful wrist shots at four targets (two top corners, two bottom corners). Performances were evaluated by recording the movements of the stick’s shaft and blade and of the puck with a 3D motion capture system at 240 Hz. Kinematics of the shaft and blade of the hockey stick were examined using a multiple regression analysis to predict accuracy scores. In general, the results indicated that accuracy corresponded to release parameters (both puck release orientation and velocity), shaft bending and change in blade orientations; though, parameter weighting differed substantially for top versus bottom targets. Future studies are warranted to identify the whole body kinematic patterns associated with the hockey stick kinematics.

아이스하키 스위프 샷(Sweep shot) 동작의 상지의 협응 형태

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between the segments of the body and to qualitatively analyze coordination pattern of joints and segments during Sweep Shot movement in Ice Hockey, by utilizing coordination variables was angle vs. angle plots. By the utilization the three dimensional anatomical angle cinematography, the angles of individual joint and segment according to sweep shot in ice hockey. The subjects of this study were five professional ice hockey players. The reflective makers were attached on anatomical boundary line of body. For the movement analysis three dimensional cinematographical method(APAS) was used and for the calculation of the kinematic variables a self developed program was used with the LabVIEW 6.1 graphical programming(Johnson, 1999) program. By using Eular's equations the three dimensional anatomical Cardan angles of the joint and ice hockey stick were defined. The three dimensional anatomical angular displacement and coordination pattern of trunk and Upper limb(shoulder-elbow, elbow-wrist linked system) showed important role of sweep shot in ice hockey. As the result of this paper, for the successful movement of sweep shot in ice hockey, it is most important role of coordination pattern of trunk-shoulder, shoulder-elbow and elbow-wrist. specially turnk movememt as a proximal segment. Coordination pattern of Upper Limb(upperarm-forearm-hand) of Sweep Shot movement in Ice Hockey that utilizes coordination variables seems to be one of useful research direction to understand basic control mechanisms of Ice hockey sweep shooting linked system skill. this study result showed flexion-extension, adduction-abduction and internal-external rotation of trunk are important role of power and shooting direction coordination pattern of upper Limb of Sweep Shot movement in Ice Hockey.

아이스하키 스위프 샷(Sweep shot) 동작의 3차원 운동학적 분석

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between the segments of the body, the three dimensional anatomical angle according to sweep shot in ice hockey. The subjects of this study were five professional ice hockey players. The reflective makers were attached on anatomical boundary line of body. For the movement analysis three dimensional cinematographical method(APAS) was used and for the calculation of the kinematic variables a self developed program was used with the LabVIEW 6.1 graphical programming(Johnson, 1999) program. By using Eular's equations the three dimensional anatomical Cardan angles of the joint and ice hockey stick were defined. 1. In three dimensional linear velocity of blade the Y axis showed maximum linear velocity almost impact, the X axis(horizontal direction) and the Z axis(vertical direction) maximum linear velocity of blade did not show at impact but after impact this will resulted influence upon hitting puck. 2. The resultant linear velocity of each segment of right arm showed maximum resultant linear velocity at impact. It could be suggest that the right arm swing patterns is kind of push-like movement. therefore the upper arm is the most important role in the right arm swing. 3. The three dimensional anatomical angular displacement of trunk in flexion-extension showed flexion all around the wrist shot. The angular displacement of trunk in internal-external rotation showed internal rotation angle at the backswing top and and increased the angle after the impact. while there is no significant adduction-abduction. 4. The three dimensional anatomical angular displacement of trunk showed most important role in wrist shot. and is follwed by shoulder joints, in addition the movement of elbow/wrist joints showed least to the shot. this study result showed upperlimb of left is more important role than upperlimb of right.

Recoil Effect of the Ice Hockey Stick during a Slap Shot

The purpose of this study was to examine the "recoil" effect of the ice hockey stick shaft during a stationary slap shot. Nine male adult subjects (four elite and five recreational) were tested. Their performances were evaluated by simultaneously recording stick movement and internal bending from high-speed digital video (1,000 Hz) and puck acceleration from a triaxial accelerometer positioned inside the puck. In addition, an electrical circuit measured blade-puck contact time. Data were analyzed with a one-way MANOVA for several dependent variables, including final puck velocity, puck acceleration, maximum stick shaft bending (angle and distance deflection), stick shaft angular velocities, blade-puck contact time, and corresponding time events. The results indicate the following. First, blade-puck contact time was greater for the elite than for recreational players (38 +/- 9 ms and 27 +/- 5 ms); however, measures for puck acceleration were essentially the same (63.8 g +/- 9.9 and 61.8 g +/- 19.5). Two, the elite players were able to generate greater puck velocities (120 +/- 18 km/h and 80.3 +/- 11.6 km/h). Three, the recoil timing was found to be reater for elite players (59.8% of blade-puck contact).

A6 アイスホッケー用センサ・スティックの開発 : 各手作用力測定用スティックの製作およびキャリブレーション(動作解析2・他)

A6 アイスホッケー用センサ・スティックの開発 : 各手作用力測定用スティックの製作およびキャリブレーション(動作解析2・他)

The influence of impact object characteristics on impact force and force absorption by mouthguard material.

Most impact force and impact energy absorption tests for mouthguards have used a steel ball in a drop-ball or the pendulum device. However, in reality most sports-related trauma is caused by objects other than the steel ball, e.g. various sized balls, hockey puck, or bat or stick. Also, the elasticity, the velocity and the mass of the object could change the degree and the extent of injuries. In this study, we attempted to measure the impact force from actual sports equipment in order to clarify the exact mechanism of dental-related sports injuries and the protective effects of mouthguards. The present study was conducted using the pendulum impact device and load cell. Impact objects were removable. Seven mobile impact objects were selected for testing: a steel ball, baseball, softball, field hockey ball, ice hockey puck, cricket ball, and wooden baseball bat. The mouthguard material used in this study was a 3-mm-thick Drufosoft (Dreve-Dentamid GmbH, Unna, Germany), and test samples were made of the one-layer type. The peak transmitted forces without mouthguard ranged from the smallest (ice hockey stick, 46.9 kgf) to the biggest (steel ball, 481.6 kgf). The peak transmitted forces were smaller when the mouthguard was attached than without it for all impact materials but the effect was significantly influenced by the object type. The steel ball showed the biggest (62.1%) absorption ability while the wooden bat showed the second biggest (38.3%). The other balls or the puck showed from 0.6 to 6.0% absorbency. These results show that it is important to test the effectiveness of mouthguards on specific types of sports equipment. In future, we may select different materials and mouthguard designs suitable for specific sports.

Dental injuries in ice hockey games and training.

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, cause, and nature of maxillofacial and dental injuries in ice hockey games and training and also evaluate the use and the effect of dental or facial guards. Maxillofacial and dental ice hockey injuries in Finland were studied during years 1991 and 1992. Material was gathered from the insurance company that had practically all the ice hockey licenses in those years. The material consisted of 479 injured ice hockey players who suffered from 650 separate injuries. The most common dental injury was a noncomplicated crown fracture, which accounted for 43.5% of all maxillofacial or dental injuries. Of these noncomplicated crown fractures, almost 70% occurred in the games. The most common cause of accidents was a blow from the ice hockey stick. The stick as a cause of injury was approximately 3 times as common in the games than in training. Only 10% of injured players wore some kind of protective guard. A mandatory use of mouthguards and face masks or tightened rules for protection to decrease the high number of maxillofacial and dental injuries in the ice hockey games should be considered.

Ice hockey stick : Drolet, D., Burchmore, W. and Drolet, L. (Inclasco Corporation Ltd, Canada) US Pat 4 684 130 (4 August 1987)

Ice hockey stick : Drolet, D., Burchmore, W. and Drolet, L. (Inclasco Corporation Ltd, Canada) US Pat 4 684 130 (4 August 1987)