This episode explores how wearable sensors measure body impacts in elite hockey players. Learn how video analysis confirms the accuracy of sensor-detected collisions and what it means for player safety and injury prevention.
Discover the science behind wearable impact sensors in ice hockey. We examine how well these sensors track body contact, from checks to falls, and their role in improving injury monitoring and player protection.
Main source: Video corroboration of player incurred impacts using trunk worn sensors among national ice-hockey team members
Aaron Pilotti-Riley, Davor Stojanov, Muhammad Sohaib Arif, Stephen J. McGregor
PLoS One. 2019; 14(6): e0218235. Published online 2019 Jun 24. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218235
PMCID: PMC6590802

Explore the interplay of cognitive and motor skills in elite ice hockey players. This episode delves into how multitasking affects performance and compares dual-task costs across open- and closed-skill sports, shedding light on training and talent identification.
Discover how elite athletes manage dual-task demands that combine speed and focus. Learn about the differences in cognitive-motor performance between hockey players and athletes in other sports, and why multitasking is a key to success on the ice.
Main source: Dual-task costs in speed tasks: a comparison between elite ice hockey, open-skill and closed-skill sports athletes
Mark Brinkbäumer, Christian Kupper, Lukas Reichert, Karen Zentgraf
Front Psychol. 2024; 15: 1357312. Published online 2024 Jul 15. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1357312
PMCID: PMC11284104

Explore the effects of wearing surgical face masks on youth hockey performance during intense exercise. This episode examines whether masks impact oxygen levels, heart rate, or skating ability, and the surprising results reveal practical insights for safe play.
Can face masks be worn without affecting performance in youth hockey? This episode dives into a study showing minimal impact on exercise metrics, including muscle oxygenation and power output, providing reassurance for safe mask use in sports.
Main source: Wearing a Surgical Face Mask Has Minimal Effect on Performance and Physiological Measures during High-Intensity Exercise in Youth Ice-Hockey Players: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Keely A. Shaw, Scotty Butcher, Jong Bum Ko, Abdi Absher, Julianne Gordon, Cody Tkachuk, Gordon A. Zello, Philip D. Chilibeck
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct; 18(20): 10766. Published online 2021 Oct 14. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182010766
PMCID: PMC8535201

This episode explores the psychological effects of concussions on hockey players, focusing on how injuries disrupt and reshape their identity. Learn about the challenges of mental illness, stigma, and the journey toward recovery and reconstruction.
Dive into the interplay between concussions and mental health in hockey. From depression and isolation to biographical reconstruction, this episode uncovers how players navigate the emotional and social impacts of their injuries.
Main source: Understanding the psychiatric effects of concussion on constructed identity in hockey players: Implications for health professionals
Ryan Todd, Shree Bhalerao, Michael T. Vu, Sophie Soklaridis, Michael D. Cusimano
PLoS One. 2018; 13(2): e0192125. Published online 2018 Feb 21. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192125
PMCID: PMC5821444

Explore the physiological and positional demands of professional ice hockey. This episode examines acceleration, deceleration, and heart rate data to uncover how defensemen and forwards manage performance and fatigue during games.
Dive into the science behind professional hockey gameplay. Learn how positional roles and game periods influence acceleration, recovery, and energy demands, revealing new insights into player performance.
Main source: Game Demands of a Professional Ice Hockey Team with Special Emphasis on Fatigue Development and Playing Position
Vincenzo Rago, Adrian Muschinsky, Kasper Deylami, Jeppe F. Vigh-Larsen, Magni Mohr
J Hum Kinet. 2022 Oct; 84: 195–205. Published online 2022 Nov 8. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2022-000078
PMCID: PMC9679183

Explore the epidemiology of injuries in Swiss professional ice hockey players, focusing on traumatic and overuse injury patterns. This episode highlights the prevalence of hip/groin issues, concussions, and the role of game dynamics in player safety.
Dive into a study on injuries in Swiss pro hockey. Learn about the high rates of hip/groin injuries, concussions, and other trauma, along with the challenges of managing overuse injuries during intense competition.
Main source: Epidemiology of Traumatic and Overuse Injuries in Swiss Professional Male Ice Hockey Players
Romana Brunner, Mario Bizzini, Karin Niedermann, Nicola A. Maffiuletti
Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Oct; 8(10): 2325967120964720. Published online 2020 Oct 19. doi: 10.1177/2325967120964720
PMCID: PMC7592329

This episode explores the relationship between sprinting mechanics, anaerobic capacity, and repeated-sprint ability in adolescent hockey players. Learn how force-velocity profiles differ by gender and how they influence training strategies.
Dive into a study on sprint mechanics and anaerobic performance in youth ice hockey. Discover how force and speed capacities vary between male and female players and their implications for off-season training.
Main source: Exploring associations between sprinting mechanical capabilities, anaerobic capacity, and repeated-sprint ability of adolescent ice hockey players
Julien Glaude-Roy, Philippe Pharand, Jean-François Brunelle, Jean Lemoyne
Front Sports Act Living. 2023; 5: 1258497. Published online 2023 Dec 12. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1258497
PMCID: PMC10788422

Explore the determinants of fast attack performance in elite women’s ice hockey. This episode examines how shooting zones, one-timers, and second-period strategies separate winning teams from losing ones at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Discover how fast attack tactics impact game outcomes in women’s ice hockey. Learn why shooting performance, tactical zones, and effective one-timers are pivotal to offensive success at the highest level of competition.
Main source: Determinants of fast attack performance on match outcome in the elite women’s ice hockey
Naiyuan Tian, Gang Xu
PLoS One. 2024; 19(7): e0306469. Published online 2024 Jul 5. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306469
PMCID: PMC11226076

This episode delves into the injury landscape of NCAA women’s ice hockey from 2014 to 2019. Learn about the most common injuries, like concussions and strains, and how competition and practice differ in injury rates and risk factors.
Explore the epidemiology of injuries in women’s collegiate ice hockey. From head injuries to hip and groin strains, this episode unpacks key trends, prevention strategies, and the implications for player safety at the collegiate level.
Main source: Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Ice Hockey: 2014–2015 Through 2018–2019
Avinash Chandran, Aliza K. Nedimyer, Adrian J. Boltz, Hannah J. Robison, Christy L. Collins, Sarah N. Morris
J Athl Train. 2021 Jul; 56(7): 695–702. Published online 2021 Jul 19. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-546-20
PMCID: PMC8293872

This episode explores the prevalence and impact of injuries and illnesses among junior male elite ice hockey players in Norway. Learn about acute injuries, overuse issues, and the factors influencing player health during a demanding season.
Dive into a year-long study tracking health problems in junior elite hockey players. From hip and knee overuse injuries to acute game-time incidents, discover how these challenges affect training, performance, and long-term player development.
Main source: Prevalence and Burden of Self-Reported Health Problems in Junior Male Elite Ice Hockey Players: A 44-Week Prospective Cohort Study
Anine Nordstrøm, Roald Bahr, Ben Clarsen, Ove Talsnes
Am J Sports Med. 2021 Oct; 49(12): 3379–3385. Published online 2021 Aug 16. doi: 10.1177/03635465211032979
PMCID: PMC8485253

This episode explores how dynamic social norms can enhance sportspersonship, learning, and enjoyment in youth ice hockey. Discover how parents' attitudes influence players’ on-ice behavior and overall well-being.
Dive into a study on promoting positive values in youth hockey through evolving social norms. Learn how emphasizing fun, learning, and teamwork impacts parental motivation, player behavior, and psychological health.
Main source: The Role of Dynamic Social Norms in Promoting the Internalization of Sportspersonship Behaviors and Values and Psychological Well-Being in Ice Hockey
Catherine E. Amiot, Frederik Skerlj
Front Psychol. 2021; 12: 744797. Published online 2021 Nov 3. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.744797
PMCID: PMC8595139

Explore how ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning and wearable sensors are revolutionizing ice hockey analytics. This episode covers advanced player tracking, activity recognition, and the integration of machine learning in the game.
Dive into the future of ice hockey with innovative UWB systems and AI-powered analytics. Learn how stick-mounted sensors and precise player localization provide actionable insights for coaches and players alike.
Main source: Ultra-Wideband Indoor Positioning and IMU-Based Activity Recognition for Ice Hockey Analytics
Robbe Vleugels, Ben Van Herbruggen, Jaron Fontaine, Eli De Poorter
Sensors (Basel) 2021 Jul; 21(14): 4650. Published online 2021 Jul 7. doi: 10.3390/s21144650
PMCID: PMC8309498

Explore the groundbreaking effects of carbohydrate mouth-rinsing on male ice hockey players. This episode examines how rinsing improves high-intensity skating and sprint performance during overtime periods, offering a new edge for athletes.
Discover how carbohydrate mouth-rinsing enhances on-ice performance during overtime. Learn about its impact on skating speed, high-intensity distance, and perceived effort, providing a simple but effective tool for hockey players.
Main source: Carbohydrate Mouth-Rinsing Improves Overtime Physical Performance in Male Ice Hockey Players During On-Ice Scrimmages
Danielle L. E. Nyman, Alexander S. D. Gamble, Jessica L. Bigg, Logan A. Boyd, Alexander J. Vanderheyden, Lawrence L. Spriet
Front Nutr. 2022; 9: 792708. Published online 2022 Feb 10. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.792708
PMCID: PMC8868824

Explore the effects of caffeinated chewing gum on elite ice hockey players dealing with jet lag. This episode dives into how caffeine impacts off-ice explosiveness and why it might not translate to on-ice performance.
Discover how jet lag and caffeine interact in elite hockey. This episode examines the effects of caffeinated gum on off-ice jump height, on-ice agility, and endurance, offering surprising insights for players and coaches.
Main source: Effects of Caffeinated Chewing Gum on Ice Hockey Performance after Jet Lag Intervention: Double-Blind Crossover Trial
Ming-Tsang Tsai, Yi-Jie Shiu, Chien-Chang Ho, Che-Hsiu Chen, Chih-Hui Chiu
Nutrients. 2024 Sep; 16(18): 3151. Published online 2024 Sep 18. doi: 10.3390/nu16183151
PMCID: PMC11434913

This episode explores mental health and well-being among players in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Learn about the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep issues, and how psychological flexibility and social support play a critical role in player wellness.
Dive into a groundbreaking study on mental health in elite women’s ice hockey. From the challenges of dual careers to the impact of injuries, discover the factors influencing mental well-being and the steps needed to foster a healthier sports culture.
Main source: Skating on thin ice? Mental health and well-being in women’s ice hockey
Hanna Johansson, Julia S Malmborg, Johan Ekengren, John Lind, Andreas Ivarsson
BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2023; 9(4): e001746. Published online 2023 Nov 20. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001746
PMCID: PMC10661067

Explore how off-ice agility drills contribute to on-ice skating performance for adolescent hockey players. This episode dives into a groundbreaking study comparing the effectiveness of on-ice and off-ice agility training, offering insights for player development.
Uncover the science behind agility training for youth hockey players. Learn how combining on-ice and off-ice drills improves reactive agility and weaving performance, and why a hybrid approach is key to success.
Main source: Off-Ice Agility Provide Motor Transfer to On-Ice Skating Performance and Agility in Adolescent Ice Hockey Players
Dominik Novák, Patrycja Lipinska, Robert Roczniok, Michal Spieszny, Petr Stastny
J Sports Sci Med. 2019 Dec; 18(4): 680–694. Published online 2019 Nov 19.
PMCID: PMC6873137

Dive into a study examining how ice hockey upper-body pads impact mobility and comfort. Explore the trade-offs between range of motion, comfort, and safety, and how design improvements could reshape player performance.
This episode reveals how hockey pads affect player movement during both static and dynamic tasks. Learn about the impact of different designs on comfort and mobility, and what it means for innovation in protective gear.
Main source: Quantifying the effects of ice hockey upper body pads on mobility and comfort
Yiwei Wu, Yanfei Shen, Yinsheng Tian, Qi Chen, Lixin Sun
iScience. 2024 Jan 19; 27(1): 108606. Published online 2023 Nov 30. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108606
PMCID: PMC10758976

This episode dives into the dietary habits of young male ice hockey players aged 10–13 during an intense hockey camp. Learn how macronutrient intake, hydration, and vitamin D levels impact performance and growth in young athletes.
Explore the nutritional needs of youth ice hockey players during high-intensity training. This episode covers energy demands, protein intake, and the role of proper hydration for optimal performance and health.
Main source: Dietary Intake of Young Male Ice Hockey Players 10–13 Years of Age during a Week-Long Hockey Camp
Tyler F. Vermeulen, Stephanie M. Boville, Alexander S. D. Gamble, Jessica L. Bigg, Devin G. McCarthy, Gregory S. Eskedjian, Lawrence L. Spriet
Nutrients. 2022 Jul; 14(14): 2978. Published online 2022 Jul 21. doi: 10.3390/nu14142978
PMCID: PMC9320286

Discover the link between functional movement patterns, spinal posture, and musculoskeletal pain in elite ice hockey players. Learn how asymmetries and specific movement deficits may influence injury risks and performance.
This episode explores the impact of posture and functional movement on elite ice hockey athletes. Uncover insights into spinal curvatures, movement asymmetries, and strategies to prevent injuries on and off the ice.
Main source: Functional Movement Patterns, Spinal Posture and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Elite Ice Hockey Players: A Cross Sectional Study
Małgorzata Grabara, Anna Bieniec
J Hum Kinet. 2023 Apr; 87: 59–70. Published online 2023 Apr 20. doi: 10.5114/jhk/161548
PMCID: PMC10203833

This episode dives into a study on rest intervals during repeated sprint skating for hockey players. Discover how recovery time affects speed, heart rate, and perceived exertion for forwards and defensemen.
Explore the impact of 2-minute versus 3-minute rest intervals on sprint performance in ice hockey. Learn how recovery affects speed, fatigue, and player roles like forwards and defensemen.
Main source: The Effects of Two Different Rest Intervals on the Repeated Skating Ability of Ice Hockey Forwards and Defensemen
Jakub Baron, Subir Gupta, Anna Bieniec, Grzegorz Klich, Tomasz Gabrys, Andrzej Szymon Swinarew, Karel Svatora, Prof. Arkadiusz Stanula
J Hum Kinet. 2022 Oct; 84: 216–223. Published online 2022 Nov 8. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2022-0102
PMCID: PMC9679177