The majority of research evaluating the predictive accuracy of off-ice testing has concentrated on measures of anaerobic performance. For this reason, it is important for coaches or athletes to track off-season improvement due to training, and off-ice testing may be a more economical choice compared to on-ice testing (Farlinger et al., 2007). Off-ice testing can assist in identifying issues with skill or conditioning that can be improved through training (Bracko and George, 2001).
Understanding the nature of these relationships is important for coaches evaluating and selecting players from all skill levels. Therefore, research dedicated to establish which off-ice tests are best and most specific at ascertaining this information is needed.Ī relationship between on-ice performance and off-ice testing modalities has been suggested in previous work however, the strength of relationship for certain off-ice tests remains unclear (Behm et al., 2005 Bracko and George, 2001 Burr et al., 2007 2008 Farlinger et al., 2007 Hermiston et al., 1979). For coaches, gaining an understanding of an individual player’s overall capacity and development of these energy systems can be done through on-ice testing and possibly through select off-ice tests that may be more specific to evaluating the energetics of skating. Thus, maximizing both energy systems is essential for on-ice skating performance.
Anaerobic conditioning is needed due to demands of high power output during play however, recovery between shifts is affected by aerobic conditioning (Montgomery, 1988).
Ice hockey is a dynamic sport that requires athletes to perform at a high intensity for 30-60 sec shifts interspersed with 2-3 min rest periods (Montgomery, 1988). It was concluded that selected off-ice tests could be used to predict on-ice performance regarding speed and recovery ability in Division III male and female hockey players. Results indicated that 40-yd dash (36.58m), VJ, 1.5 mile (2.4km) run, and % drop were significant predictors of skating performance for repeat skate (slowest, fastest, and average time) and 44.80 m speed time, respectively. Off-ice variables assessed were years of playing experience, height, weight and percent body fat and off-ice performance variables included vertical jump (VJ), 40-yd dash (36.58m), 1-RM squat, pro-agility, Wingate peak power and peak power percentage drop (% drop), and 1.5 mile (2.4km) run.
The skating tests were agility cornering S-turn, 6.10 m acceleration, 44.80 m speed, modified repeat skate, and 15.20 m full speed. Both men (n = 15) and women (n = 11) hockey players (age = 20.5 ± 1.4 years) participated in the study.
The purpose of this study was to determine if off-ice performance variables could predict on-ice skating performance in Division III collegiate hockey players.