A Comparison of On-Ice External Load Measures Between Subelite and Elite Female Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Douglas, AS, Rotondi, MA, Baker, J, Jamnik, VK, and Macpherson, AK. A comparison of on-ice external load measures between subelite and elite female ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1978-1983, 2022-This study quantified and examined differences in measures of on-ice external load for subelite and elite female ice hockey players. External load variables were collected from subelite (N = 21) and elite (N = 24) athletes using Catapult S5 monitors during the preseason. A total of 574 data files were analyzed from training and competition during the training camp. Significant differences between groups were found across all variables. Differences in training between the 2 groups ranged from trivial (forwards PlayerLoad, p = 0.03, effect-size [ES] = 0.18) to large (forwards Explosive Efforts [EEs], p < 0.001, ES = 1.64; defense EEs, p < 0.001, ES = 1.40). Match comparisons yielded similar results, with differences ranging from small (defense Low Skating Load [SL], p = 0.05, ES = 0.49; Medium SL, p = 0.04, ES = 0.52) to very large (forwards PlayerLoad, p < 0.001. ES = 2.25; PlayerLoad·min-1, p < 0.001, ES = 2.66; EEs, p < 0.001, ES = 2.03; Medium SL, p < 0.001, ES = 2.31; SL·min-1, p < 0.001, ES = 2.67), respectively. The differences in external load measures of intensity demonstrate the need to alter training programs of subelite ice athletes to ensure they can meet the demands of elite ice hockey. As athletes advance along the development pathway, considerable focus of their off-ice training should be to improve qualities that enhance their ability to perform high-intensity on-ice movements.

Tracking In-Match Movement Demands Using Local Positioning System in World-Class Men's Ice Hockey.

Douglas, AS and Kennedy, CR. Tracking in-match movement demands using local positioning system in world-class men's ice hockey. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 639-646, 2020-While the global positioning system has been used in field sports for a decade, local positioning systems are newly available in indoor sports for the tracking of velocity and distance during competition. World-class male ice hockey players (n = 20) were monitored during 5 international matches. Speed and distance outputs were analyzed to determine the differences between positions, periods, and in-shift demands. Defense had a difference between forwards at distances covered at very slow (p < 0.001), slow (p < 0.001), and moderate (p < 0.001) speed. Forwards were found to cover a greater distance at very fast speed (p = 0.001) and sprint speed (p < 0.001). Defense had a decrease in skating distance at very fast (p < 0.001) and sprint skating speeds (p = 0.02). Forwards had an increase in very slow skating (p = 0.02) and a decrease in sprint skating distance (p = 0.02). Game situational differences were found for defense and forwards in average speeds for defense (p < 0.001) and forwards (p < 0.001). Local positioning systems data have the potential to accurately inform coaches of the position-specific demands of game situations and the training needs by position. Specifically, forwards performed more high-intensity skating than defensemen, whereas powerplay and penalty kill situations offered specific demands for the 2 positional groups. Finally, the intensity of skating was reduced in the third period for both defensemen and forwards. Further research can evaluate whether this is related to tactical decisions, or the metabolic cost of ice hockey.