Associations between skating mechanical capabilities and off-ice physical abilities of highly trained teenage ice hockey players

Abstract

This study examines the associations between force and velocity characteristics of forward skating and off-ice speed, agility, and power of highly trained teenage ice hockey players. Players attending the Quebec ice hockey federation's off-season evaluation camp were invited to participate in this study. Final sample consists of 107 highly trained teenage ice hockey players (Males: n = 38; 13.83 ± 0.38 years; Females: n = 69: 14.75 ± 0.90 years). Individual force–velocity profiles (F–V) were determined during a 44 m skating sprint. Off-ice speed, agility, and power were measured using 30 m sprint, 5-10-5 agility, and standing long jump. Associations between F–V mechanical capabilities and off-ice indicators were analyzed with correlational analyses and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results of pooled data indicate that the three off-ice measures had moderate associations with F₀ and V₀ and large associations with P_max. Associations with Rf_max, D_rf, and S_fv were moderate to small. F₀ had stronger associations with off-ice performance in female players while V₀ was more important with male players. MANCOVA identified 5-10-5 times as the better predictor for F₀ while 30 m sprints times better predicted V_0. To maximize physical attributes of skating ability, practitioners are encouraged to focus on a general physical preparation for highly trained teenage players. Prioritizing types of exercises that use change of direction or acceleration and linear speed should have distinct effects on F₀ and V₀ on the ice.