Delve into the findings from a study on injuries in Swiss U20 elite ice hockey. From head and neck injuries to game-time risks, we discuss the data and its implications for player safety and training.
This episode dives into injury rates, severity, and prevention strategies for young athletes in high-intensity competition.
Main source: Analysis of Injuries in the Swiss U20 Elite Ice Hockey Season 2019/2020—A Retrospective Survey
Jonas Ruff, Jan Taeymans, Angela Blasimann, Slavko Rogan
Sports (Basel) 2024 Apr; 12(4): 88. Published online 2024 Mar 25. doi: 10.3390/sports12040088
PMCID: PMC11054159

Unpack the science behind ice hockey injuries and innovations. This episode explores the most influential research, including concussions, hip injuries, and player safety advancements.
Discover the groundbreaking research shaping ice hockey safety and performance. This episode focuses on the most cited studies since 2000, with a spotlight on concussion research and prevention.
Main source: The Most Cited and Influential Publications Relating to Ice Hockey Since 2000 Focus Primarily on Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Jamie F. Dulle, M. Lane Moore, Joseph C. Brinkman, Jordan R. Pollock, Donald L. Dulle, Anna S. Jenkins, Anikar Chhabra
Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2023 Jun; 5(3): e613–e622. Published online 2023 Apr 18. doi: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.02.014
PMCID: PMC10300535

Explore the connection between early hockey specialization and long-term hip and groin dysfunction. Learn why diversifying early athletic experiences might be key to sustainable success.
This episode dives into the risks of early sport specialization in ice hockey, exploring how year-round training impacts hip and groin health. Discover insights from collegiate athletes and expert findings.
Main source: Early Sport Specialization and Subjective Hip and Groin Dysfunction in Collegiate Ice Hockey Athletes
Marisa Sheppard, Jim Nicknair, John Goetschius
J Athl Train. 2020 Mar; 55(3): 232–237. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0375-19
PMCID: PMC7093925

The world of professional sports is incredibly competitive, but did you know your birth month could impact your chances of success? This phenomenon, called the Relative Age Effect, is especially prevalent in hockey. Join us as we explore how this bias favors early-born players in junior leagues, but intriguingly, seems to reverse in the NHL, where late bloomers often outperform their older counterparts. We'll examine cutting-edge data analytics that reveal this fascinating trend and discuss its implications for player development and talent identification.
Highlights:
● The concept of the Relative Age Effect and its presence in hockey
● The surprising reversal of the effect in the NHL
● The use of data analytics in the study
● The relevance for player development and talent identification
Main source: The Relative Age Effect in Ice Hockey: Analysis of Its Presence, Its Fading and of a Reversal Effect among Junior and Professional Leagues
Jean Lemoyne, François Trudeau, Simon Grondin
J Hum Kinet. 2023 Apr; 87: 119–131. Published online 2023 Apr 20. doi: 10.5114/jhk/161573
PMCID: PMC10203842

This episode explores the complex relationship between off-ice and on-ice fitness tests and actual game performance in hockey. Examining a scoping review of scientific literature, we uncover which physical attributes are most frequently tested and discuss the predictive power of these tests for identifying talent and measuring in-game success. We also analyze research gaps in the field, highlighting areas like women's hockey, youth development and the use of advanced analytics for a more comprehensive understanding of performance. Tune in to learn how fitness testing is evolving to bridge the gap between the training ground and the rink.
Main source: Associations between Testing and Game Performance in Ice Hockey: A Scoping Review
Vincent Huard Pelletier, Julien Glaude-Roy, André-Philipe Daigle, Jean-François Brunelle, Antoine Bissonnette, Jean Lemoyne
Sports (Basel) 2021 Sep; 9(9): 117. Published online 2021 Aug 26. doi: 10.3390/sports9090117
PMCID: PMC8473052

Want to skate faster and dominate on the ice? Join us as we explore the science behind strength training for hockey players. In this episode, we break down a fascinating study that examines the link between off-ice strength and power and on-ice sprint performance. Discover why strength training should be a key part of any hockey player's regimen, and learn how to maximize your potential on the ice, no matter your age or skill level. Plus, we'll share actionable tips for incorporating effective strength and jumping exercises into your training.
Key takeaways from the study highlighted in this episode:
● On-ice sprint performance is significantly influenced by maximum strength and vertical jump performance.
● Both younger and older players benefit from strength training, but there are significant performance differences between age groups and skill levels.
● The study found strong correlations between off-ice strength training and on-ice sprint performance, regardless of age or skill level.
● The research suggests that maximum strength training, such as isometric trap bar pulls, can enhance a hockey player's speed and agility on the ice.
● The findings underscore the importance of incorporating strength and jumping exercises into regular training for hockey players of all ages.
Main source: Maximum strength and power as determinants of on-ice sprint performance in elite U16 to adult ice hockey players
Martin Kierot, Mattia Stendahl, Konstantin Warneke, Klaus Wirth, Andreas Konrad, Torsten Brauner, Michael Keiner
Biol Sport. 2024 Jan; 41(1): 245–252. Published online 2023 Aug 8. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.129470
PMCID: PMC10765453

Do your off-ice workouts actually make you a better hockey player? This week, we break down a fascinating study that examines the relationship between fitness tests, on-ice skills, and actual game performance. We'll explore which off-ice exercises translate to the rink, the importance of on-ice testing, and what this means for coaches and players looking to optimize performance.
Main source: Functional Performance Tests, On-Ice Testing and Game Performance in Elite Junior Ice Hockey Players
André-Philippe Daigle, Steve Bélanger, Jean-François Brunelle, Prof. Jean Lemoyne
J Hum Kinet. 2022 Aug; 83: 245–256. Published online 2022 Sep 8. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2022-000076
PMCID: PMC9465767

Does your birth month affect your chances of success in hockey? We take a look at the relative age effect, a phenomenon where athletes born earlier in the year have an advantage over those born later. We'll discuss a new study that examined the relative age effect in elite and non-elite hockey players in Canada and whether it impacts their perceived competence.
Main source: Early Sport Specialization and Relative Age Effect: Prevalence and Influence on Perceived Competence in Ice Hockey Players
Vincent Huard Pelletier, Jean Lemoyne
Sports (Basel) 2022 Apr; 10(4): 62. Published online 2022 Apr 18. doi: 10.3390/sports10040062
PMCID: PMC9028802