The Science of Hockey

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

This episode explores a groundbreaking study on the factors influencing perceived competence in young male hockey players in Quebec, Canada. The study examines how age, early sport specialization, player position, and relative age affect how these athletes view their abilities in hockey, both generally and in specific skill areas. This is the first research to analyze these relationships using a validated questionnaire specifically designed to measure perceived competence in hockey.
Key findings reveal that:
● Older players tend to report lower perceived competence in skating, resilience, and offensive abilities. This could be because as players mature, they gain a more realistic understanding of their skills and face increased competition.
● Contrary to some expectations, early sport specialization is positively associated with all measured aspects of perceived competence, both in hockey and in sports generally. This suggests that the time and effort invested in specialized training may lead to genuine skill development and, consequently, greater confidence. However, the episode also acknowledges potential downsides to early specialization, such as overuse injuries and burnout, emphasizing the need for balanced training environments.
● Defensemen report higher perceived competence in strength and power and tactical abilities, while forwards exhibit higher perceived competence in offensive skills. This aligns with the traditional roles and expectations of each position.
● Players born earlier in the selection year tend to have higher perceived competence in strength and power, tactical abilities, and coachability. This supports the existence of a relative age effect in youth hockey, where those with a physical advantage due to earlier birth dates may receive more opportunities and positive reinforcement.
The episode concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for coaches, sports organizations, and players themselves. It highlights the importance of:
● Providing support and encouragement to older players as their perceived competence may decline.
● Creating sport specialization environments that prioritize long-term athlete development and well-being, mitigating the risks associated with intense training.
● Recognizing the relative age effect and ensuring fair opportunities for players born later in the selection year.
● Encouraging players to try different positions and develop a well-rounded skillset.
By understanding the factors that contribute to perceived competence, we can help young athletes develop a positive self-image and reach their full potential in hockey and beyond.
Main source: Perceived competence in ice hockey and its associations with relative age, early sport specialization, and players’ position
Vincent Huard Pelletier, Jean Lemoyne
Front Psychol. 2024; 15: 1336529. Published online 2024 Jan 25. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336529
PMCID: PMC10850288

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

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

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