Elite Adolescent Ice Hockey Players: Analyzing Associations between Anthropometry, Fitness, and On-Ice Performance

Abstract

In the field of ice hockey, body mass and height have always played a role in team selection. This study aims to analyze the associations between anthropometry and multiple dimensions of performance among elite adolescent ice hockey players. Methods: 187 adolescent players (males: n = 80, 13.81 years; females: n = 107, 14.96 years) took part in the study, in Camp 1. Off-ice fitness and on-ice skating tests were performed. Camp 2 consists of on-ice tests and match performance with players selected by coaching staff at Camp 1. Camp 2 data came from official matches performance and a combination of skating tests and intrasquad matches. Hockey Quebec’s selection process consists of going from an entire pool of athletes to a team of twenty-five players, through several camps spread over two years. Correlation analyses were conducted to verify associations between anthropometric measures and performances. Results: In Camp 1, heavier-taller male athletes displayed better performances in most off-ice fitness tests, while heavier female athletes tended to display poorer performance. Camp 2 showed no significant correlations in on-ice tests and match performance. However, some tendencies were observed: heavier male players were less involved in blocked shots, and taller females were more agile. Conclusions: Despite off-ice advantages, the taller-heavier prototype does not translate directly to better performance on the ice among elite adolescent players. Coaches should analyze anthropometric characteristics with caution, and place more focus on match-specific abilities to identify talent.

Cross-Sectional Study of the Anthropometric Profile and Nutrient Status of Elite Female Ice Hockey Players: Differences by Play Position

“…All the female athletes under study were classified and analyzed by positions (defender n = 3, center n = 5, winger n = 5, goalkeeper n = 2) as the objective of the study and due to their specificity of match performance [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…Optimization of body composition promotes optimal performance in ice hockey players [ 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Additional lean body mass contributes to power generation and speed, and reduced fat mass decreases frictional resistance during skating, so it is of great importance to assess body composition with accuracy and precision [ 12 ].…”

“…Additional lean body mass contributes to power generation and speed, and reduced fat mass decreases frictional resistance during skating, so it is of great importance to assess body composition with accuracy and precision [ 12 ]. Indeed, talent identification processes have been developed based on the assessment of anthropometric profiles, which vary according to play position [ 2 , 10 , 11 ]. It seems logical to think that the distribution of roles in the field is based on skills and physical conditions, which in turn are conditioned by anthropometric characteristics [ 10 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…However, unlike other team sports, research on this topic remains scarce among female athletes, focused mainly on males from other sports leagues in other countries, and the results are controversial [ 11 , 15 ]. One of the obstacles facing hockey researchers cross-culturally lies in the fact that Europeans and North Americans play ice hockey in considerably different conditions.…”

“…Several studies have shown that female athletes are at increased risk for macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies [ 3 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. While proper nutrition is a key component of health and performance, female athletes are at an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, eating disorders, and dietary-related health issues compared to their male counterparts.…”