Position-Specific Reference Data for an Ice Hockey-Specific Complex Test—An Update and Practical Recommendations

Abstract

Featured Application: Ice hockey is a very fast and complex team sport. Consequently, it is necessary to develop performance diagnostics further, considering complexity and quality criteria (validity, reliability, practicability). The introduced ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) is one of the few tests that meet all criteria. In particular, the continually growing reference database gives the test a unique selling point. The high number of reference data helps coaches and sports scientists in ice hockey practice to interpret and discuss all data quickly and consistently. This real-life data collection aimed to expand an existing reference database regarding an extensively evaluated ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT). One hundred and thirty-eight third-league professional ice hockey field players (mean ± SD; age: 26.4 ± 5.24 years; forwards: n = 94, defenders: n = 44) were investigated. IHCT data were collected over eight seasons from three third-league teams. The IHCT included parameters for the load (e.g., 10 m and 30 m sprint times, transition and weave agility times with and without a puck, slap and wrist shots on goal) and stress (e.g., lactate, heart rate). The only relevant (p < 0.002, ηp2 ≥ 0.10) difference between forwards and defenders for performance was found for 30 m backward sprint without a puck (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.10, d = 0.74). As expected, in this regard, defenders performed better than forwards. Significant differences were also found in 10 m backward sprint without a puck (p = 0.005), weave agility with a puck (p = 0.014), heart rate recovery minute 10 (p = 0.057), and goals after the test (p = 0.041). This study provides expanded position-specific third-league reference data for the IHCT. On this basis, coaches are able to evaluate players’ performance (forwards vs. defenders) and the effect of the training periods. Further research is necessary to extend this database to first- and second-league players in order to enhance the scope of the IHCT.