The Science of Hockey

Join us as we explore the science behind ice hockey performance, breaking down the unique physical demands of ice hockey. ● We'll analyze the energy systems at play, comparing the contributions of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism to those bursts of speed and power on the ice. ● Discover how muscle glycogen fuels those high-intensity shifts and the importance of maintaining adequate levels throughout the game. ● We'll examine the fascinating interplay of fatigue and recovery, investigating how players cope with the demands of repeated sprints and the impact on performance. ● Uncover the physiological factors like dehydration and hyperthermia that contribute to end-game fatigue and explore strategies for mitigating these effects. ● Finally, we'll look ahead to the future of ice hockey research, including personalized training strategies and nutrition plans based on individual player needs and positional roles. This episode is a must-listen for players, coaches, and anyone fascinated by the science of athletic performance! Main source: Vigh-Larsen JF, Mohr M. The physiology of ice hockey performance: An update. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2024 Jan;34(1):e14284. doi: 10.1111/sms.14284. Epub 2022 Dec 29. PMID: 36517860.

We will tackle the issue of relative age effect (RAE) in Canadian hockey. RAE refers to the over-representation of players born in the first quarter of the year (January-March) in elite hockey, stemming from an advantage in physical development during crucial selection periods. We break down two new studies examining the RAE's impact across different levels of play. ● First, we head to Quebec, analyzing a study of minor hockey players aged 12-17. This study reveals that RAE is present across all competition levels, but surprisingly doesn’t significantly impact young players' attitudes toward sports or physical activity. ○ However, the study uncovers a key difference in perceived competence, with players born in Q1 demonstrating a stronger physical self-concept, especially at competitive levels. ○ We'll analyze the potential reasons for this discrepancy and its impact on player development. ● Next, we shift our focus to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), home to the nation's top junior talent. Our examination of a recent study reveals that RAE remains deeply entrenched at this elite level. ○ We uncover compelling evidence that Q1 players are more likely to outperform their Q4 counterparts in games played and power-play points. ○ This data suggests that despite efforts to address RAE, the bias towards early-born players persists as they progress through the ranks. ● This episode unpacks the possible explanations for the RAE's persistence, exploring the historical emphasis on physicality in hockey and the potential for unconscious bias among coaches and scouts. ○ We'll examine the “physical prototype” in hockey and how evolving trends in the NHL may affect the RAE. ● We’ll also address the long-term implications of the RAE, including the under-representation of late-born talent. ○ We discuss the possibility of a “reversal” effect, where late-born players catch up or even surpass their older peers in later stages of development. ○ The episode explores strategies to mitigate the RAE, such as educating stakeholders, promoting long-term athlete development models, and delaying selection processes. Join us as we shed light on the RAE's impact on Canadian hockey, and discuss strategies for a more equitable and inclusive future for the sport. Main source: Relative Age Effect in Canadian Hockey: Prevalence, Perceived Competence and Performance Jean Lemoyne, Vincent Huard Pelletier, François Trudeau, Simon Grondin Front Sports Act Living. 2021; 3: 622590. Published online 2021 Mar 4. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2021.622590 PMCID: PMC7969529

Do you shoot left or right in hockey? Most people assume it aligns with their dominant hand, but in this episode, we uncover the surprising truth behind the “cross-lateral” preference that dominates the sport.
● We explore a study that found a majority of right-handed people actually prefer to shoot left in hockey and vice-versa for lefties.
● Why does this happen? We examine the unique demands of hockey that require both power and control, and how these influence hand placement on the stick.
● The discussion extends beyond hockey to other sports and activities. Are you a golfer who plays "backwards"? We look at how learning one sport can impact how you perform in another, especially when it comes to hand positioning.
● The episode also challenges the common assumption that our dominant eye dictates our athletic performance. The connection between eye dominance and hand placement in hockey turns out to be surprisingly weak.
● Finally, we consider the implications for coaches and athletes. How can understanding lateral preference improve training and talent identification? Could switching a player to the "off-wing" actually unlock their full potential?
This episode is a fascinating exploration of the often-overlooked role of laterality in sports, revealing the complex interplay between our brains and our bodies.
Main source: Linking the preference in a bilateral asymmetric task with handedness, footedness, and eyedness: The case of ice-hockey
Simon Grondin, Daniel Fortin-Guichard, Charles-Anthony Dubeau, Émie Tétreault
PLoS One. 2024; 19(5): e0294125. Published online 2024 May 23. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294125
PMCID: PMC11115253

For years, coaches have favored bigger, taller players in ice hockey. But does size really translate to better performance on the ice? We'll talk about the importance of assessing skills, game intelligence, and psychological characteristics in addition to physical attributes. Main source was Elite Adolescent Ice Hockey Players: Analyzing Associations between Anthropometry, Fitness, and On-Ice Performance Gaëtan Martini, Jean-François Brunelle, Vincent Lalande, Jean Lemoyne Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug; 19(15): 8952. Published online 2022 Jul 23. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19158952 PMCID: PMC9330307

This episode explores the crucial link between off-ice training and on-ice performance in highly trained teenage hockey players. We break down the surprising connections between general fitness activities like sprinting, agility drills, and standing long jumps, and specific components of skating performance.
● The study analyzed the performance of highly trained teenage hockey players during an off-season evaluation camp.
● Researchers found moderate to large associations between off-ice physical abilities and the mechanical properties of skating, particularly the ability to generate force (F0) and achieve high velocity (V0) on the ice.
● While all off-ice measures contributed to both F0 and V0, specific exercises appeared to translate more directly to particular aspects of skating:
○ Standing long jumps and change-of-direction drills showed a stronger association with F0, which is crucial for powerful acceleration on the ice.
○ 30-meter sprint performance showed a stronger association with V0, highlighting its importance for achieving high skating speeds.
● The study also found interesting differences between male and female players:
○ Female players' off-ice performance correlated more strongly with F0, suggesting they might benefit more from training focused on building force production.
○ Male players, on the other hand, showed a stronger correlation between off-ice performance and V0, indicating the importance of speed-focused training for them.
● This research underscores the importance of general physical preparation for young hockey players and suggests that tailoring off-season training programs to address individual needs and sex-based differences can lead to significant improvements in on-ice performance.
Tune in as we unpack the science behind these findings and discuss practical implications for coaches and athletes aiming to elevate their game through targeted off-ice training.
Main source: Associations between skating mechanical capabilities and off‐ice physical abilities of highly trained teenage ice hockey players
Julien Glaude‐Roy, Julien Ducas, Jean‐François Brunelle, Jean Lemoyne
Eur J Sport Sci. 2024 Oct; 24(10): 1414–1422. Published online 2024 Sep 10. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12184
PMCID: PMC11451559