The science and art of testing in ice hockey: a systematic review of twenty years of research

Abstract

IntroductionIce hockey is a complex sport requiring multiple athletic and technical attributes. Considering the variety of tests developed, on-ice testing protocols have been created to measure the physiological and mechanical attributes associated with performance. To our knowledge, a lack of technical resources exists to help stakeholders opt for on-ice protocols from among those developed. It becomes crucial for researchers and practitioners to select relevant and context-specific procedures. This systematic review of the literature outlines an inventory of the on-ice tests that have been used in the domain of ice hockey research over the last twenty years, and summarize protocols mostly used in major athletic components.MethodsA search was performed on three databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus) by following the PRISMA guidelines. Specific keywords were selected to find publications using on-ice testing protocols in the methodology. Four aspects of athletic attributes were used to categorize the protocols: aerobic capacity, acceleration-speed, agility-change of direction and ability to repeat skating sprints. Analyses were conducted regarding four categories of observations: population under study, on-ice reported test(s), outcomes measures and main findings.ResultsA total of 107 articles were included, resulting in 55 on-ice tests related to the on-ice assessments of four major athletic components: aerobic capacity (n = 7), acceleration-speed (n = 6), agility and change of direction (n = 23) and repeated skating sprint ability (n = 19). Testing in male and older cohorts (≥16 years old) predominates, with a primary focus on the competitive amateur level. The selected tests were mainly designed for assessing on-ice physiological responses and fitness (n = 38), talent identification-team selection (n = 19), efficiency of interventions (n = 17) and validation purposes (n = 16).ConclusionA prevalence of on-ice skating tests to assess the ability to repeat intense efforts, agility, acceleration and speed components exists, which are relevant and linked to match requirement. The wealth of on-ice tests used in the literature reflects the need to adapt the on-ice evaluation process to the population, constraints, and goals. This review is a valid toolbox and can benefit for researchers and practitioners interested in testing hockey players from different levels, with a variety of aims and needs, by helping them to select the relevant procedures to their environment and practice context.

Effects of Adding Mechanical Vibration and a Stick on Acceleration and Movement Variability during a Slide-Board Skating Exercise: Differences between the Dominant and Non-Dominant Legs

“…Some authors propose that off-ice tests have limited utility [11]. Test batteries are extensively described [43], but their weak predictive validity, particularly due to potential lack of specificity to on-ice demands, has been demonstrated [44]. Similarly, training protocols often involve running drills without stick carrying, forgetting potential technical adaptations resulting from equipment limitations in a real match scenario [45].…”

Interaction of Skating Agility Tests and Postural Stability in Hockey Players

“…In the literature, postural stability is characterized by maintaining balance and control over your body during movement, thanks to which we are able to adequately react to the situation during the game, such as: contact with an opponent (Bournival et al 2023).…”

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“…Postural stability is an integral part of this preparation. Postural stability is related to the ability to maintain balance and control of the body during movement and to respond correctly to various influences from the external environment, such as: contact with opponents or sudden changes of direction in the game [1,2,3].…”