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During the summer of 2022, Hockey Canada faced a reckoning regarding its outright denial of the ways in which gender-based violence is a part of hockey culture. This paper shares data from a study that involved qualitative interviews with semi/professional men's ice hockey players regarding their resistance to the expectations of hypermasculinity in hockey culture. Hypermasculinity is the elevated status of traits that promote violence, stoicism, and aggression and that privileges the locker-room code of silence. Participants spoke about the dangers of playing through pain as well as the precarity of their roles on their teams due to policing strategies that put the team before anything else. The participants were less direct about the ways sexism and misogyny are used as a means to improve team bonding and performance, yet stories of sexism and misogyny were riddled throughout the data. Our analysis brings together Bourdieu's concept of misrecognition to gain understanding as to why sexism remains/ed silent and Freire's conscientization to promote more dialogic encounters to clear the air of sexism in men's ice hockey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There was a burst of creative social scientific investigation into hypermasculine male athletes' violence against women in the 1980s and 1990s, but this interest has seemed to have dried up. Furthermore, the extant literature on this problem is for the most part atheoretical and devoid of sociological ways of knowing. Thus, the main goal of this paper is to highlight the value of applying a modified male peer support theory of male-to-female violence to explain the linkage between playing professional hockey and online and offline variants of woman abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the tenuous balance of Indigenous generosity in hockey spaces with the need for non-Indigenous players and organizers to educate themselves and others, pursue systemic change, and unburden Indigenous players of the heavy lifting of anti-racism. Interviews with five Indigenous elite women's hockey players identify hockey as a potential site of decolonial and anti-racist learning, fueled by the players' love for the game and willingness to expend emotional labor to affect change. Our interviewees express the desire to make hockey safer for future generations of Indigenous players by educating their non-Indigenous teammates, often, in the process, exposing themselves to ignorance, indifference, and racism. The players uniformly argue that education is required for change; however, this paper illustrates that such education is not solely the responsibility of Indigenous participants in the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some studies suggest that elite athletes experience adverse mental health symptoms at rates commensurate with the general population, despite the well-established buffering effects of exercise. Within contact sports, such as ice-hockey, recurrent concussions may be a source of this discrepancy. We compared the point prevalence of various mental health outcomes with other athlete and general population samples, as well as investigated their relationship with concussive events. Methods: We surveyed 648 active ice hockey players from the top two men's tiers and the top women's tier in Swedish elite ice hockey on lifetime concussive events, hazardous alcohol use, problematic social media use, depression, anxiety, and burnout. Results: Hazardous alcohol use was more prevalent among male ice hockey players (29.5% AUDIT-C ≥ 6) compared to other athlete and general population samples, while other mental health symptoms were less common. Female ice hockey players reported higher hazardous alcohol consumption (36.4% AUDIT-C ≥ 4) than another athlete sample and more burnout (19.1%) than the general population. After adjusting for covariates, athletes with 3+ concussive events had 2.1 times the odds of elevated depressive symptoms and 3.5 times the odds of elevated burnout symptoms compared to those with no concussion history. Treating lifetime concussive events as a continuous predictor revealed positive correlations with all outcomes except for hazardous alcohol use. Conclusions: Mental health outcome rates among active elite ice hockey athletes differ from those of other athlete and general population samples, whilst concussive events may be particularly linked to elevated symptoms of depression and burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the associations between force and velocity characteristics of forward skating and off‐ice speed, agility, and power of highly trained teenage ice hockey players. Players attending the Quebec ice hockey federation's off‐season evaluation camp were invited to participate in this study. Final sample consists of 107 highly trained teenage ice hockey players (Males: n = 38; 13.83 ± 0.38 years; Females: n = 69: 14.75 ± 0.90 years). Individual force–velocity profiles (F–V) were determined during a 44 m skating sprint. Off‐ice speed, agility, and power were measured using 30 m sprint, 5‐10‐5 agility, and standing long jump. Associations between F–V mechanical capabilities and off‐ice indicators were analyzed with correlational analyses and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results of pooled data indicate that the three off‐ice measures had moderate associations with F0 and V0 and large associations with Pmax. Associations with Rfmax, Drf, and Sfv were moderate to small. F0 had stronger associations with off‐ice performance in female players while V0 was more important with male players. MANCOVA identified 5‐10‐5 times as the better predictor for F0 while 30 m sprints times better predicted V0. To maximize physical attributes of skating ability, practitioners are encouraged to focus on a general physical preparation for highly trained teenage players. Prioritizing types of exercises that use change of direction or acceleration and linear speed should have distinct effects on F0 and V0 on the ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Ice hockey demands a unique blend of physical fitness and skill, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing on-ice performance. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between off-ice and on-ice performance measures in male, youth, ice hockey players. Methods: Eleven minor hockey players (Age = 9.8 ± 1.1 years) participated in two testing days: (1) off-ice and (2) on-ice assessments. Off-ice assessments included maximal aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, muscular strength (handgrip and single leg squat), muscular endurance (curl-ups and push-ups), muscular power (standing long jump and vertical jump), and 30 m sprinting speed and acceleration. On-ice testing included a 15.2 m maximum speed test, a 6.1 m acceleration test with a continuation into a 47.9 m top speed test, an agility cornering S turn test, and a shot velocity test. Results: Twenty-four out of 33 off-ice variables were significantly correlated with at least one of the 11 on-ice performance variables. From those 24, 10 were included as predictors for at least one of the on-ice performance variables. Each model was composed of either one or two predictors, where the most common predictors were 30 m Run -- Split (6.1 m) Sprint time and 30 m Run -- Total (30 m) Sprint Max speed (included in four out of 11 models each). The prediction formulas R2 and coefficient of variation ranged from 0.63% to 0.96% and 1.2% to 15.3%, respectively. Discussion: Diverse off-ice measures of aerobic fitness, anaerobic power, muscular strength, power, and endurance, and sprinting speed, acceleration, and agility are predictive of on-ice performance. The insights gained from this study contribute to the refinement of assessment protocols, fostering a comprehensive approach to optimizing player performance and potential. Understanding the connection between objective off-ice testing and on-ice performance can support tailored training programs and player development in male youth ice hockey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the question of the lateral preference of the National Hockey League players. The shooting preference, left or right, was analysed as a function of the origin of four groups of players that are from the USA, Canada, Europe, or Russia. The analysis reveals that the players from the USA are more likely to shoot right than players from other countries. Also, compared to defense players from other groups, defense players from the USA have a higher number of shots per game and a higher goal-to-assist ratio. The study also shows that for wingers shooting left, those playing on the right wing have more goals or points per game than those playing on the left wing; and that European forward players have a better differential (+/−) than American and Canadian forward players. The study reveals the influence of the players' origin on the preference in a bimanual asymmetric task and the impact of this preference on ice hockey performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classifying athletes based on estimates of biological maturation (i.e., bio-banding) as a supplement to traditional age grouping has been shown to be a potential tool for enriching player development in team sports; however, bio-banding has not yet been evaluated in ice hockey. The primary aim was to investigate player experiences and coaches' selection preferences in bio-banding versus age-banding in a group of 12-13-year-old (early growth spurt) male elite players (n = 69). We also examined the relationship between somatic maturity, expressed as a % predicted adult height (%PAH), and fitness performance. Bio-banding was assessed using a questionnaire and 29 coaches selected their top players in each game based on age or bio-bands. %PAH correlated with grip strength (r =.57, p>0.001) and jumping power (r =.63, p<0.001), but not with vertical jump height, sprint time or endurance. Players who played against more mature players in bio-bands than in age groups experienced higher demands, while players who played against less mature players were able to utilize their skills to a greater extent. Coaches generally favored later-than-average maturing players who performed better on performance tests and chronologically older players in bio-banding. We conclude that bio-banding in youth ice hockey has some promising effects and warrants further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciencia y Educación (2707-3378) is the property of Duanys Miguel Pena Lopez and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While it is well‐established that a period of interval training performed at near maximal effort, such as speed endurance training (SET), enhances intense exercise performance in well‐trained individuals, less is known about its effect on cardiac morphology and function as well as blood volume. To investigate this, we subjected 12 Under‐20 Danish national team ice hockey players (age 18 ± 1 years, mean ± SD) to 4 weeks of SET, consisting of 6–10 × 20 s skating bouts at maximal effort interspersed by 2 min of recovery conducted three times weekly. This was followed by 4 weeks of regular training (follow‐up). We assessed resting cardiac function and dimensions using transthoracic echocardiography and quantified total blood volume with the carbon monoxide rebreathing technique at three time points: before SET, after SET and after the follow‐up period. After SET, stroke volume had increased by 10 (2–18) mL (mean (95% CI)), left atrial end‐diastolic volume by 10 (3–17) mL, and circumferential strain improved by 0.9%‐points (1.7–0.1) (all P < 0.05). At follow‐up, circumferential strain and left atrial end‐diastolic volume were reverted to baseline levels, while stroke volume remained elevated. Blood volume and morphological parameters for the left ventricle, including mass and end‐diastolic volume, did not change during the study. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that a brief period of SET elicits beneficial central cardiac adaptations in elite ice hockey players independent of changes in blood volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ice hockey players are at high risk for hip and groin injury. Several risk factors have been identified or proposed, including lower hip rotation range of motion (ROM), lower hip adductor strength, lower ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength, and lower pelvic tilt angle. It is not known how these risk factors change acutely with ice hockey participation. Hypothesis: Acute exposure to ice hockey will result in a reduction in ROM, strength, and pelvic tilt angle in competitive male players. Study Design: Controlled cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Risk factors for hip and groin injury, including isometric hip adductor strength at 0° of flexion, the ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength, total hip rotation passive ROM in supine, and the resting pelvic tilt angle, were assessed immediately before, immediately after, and 24 hours after an ice hockey exposure in 42 competitive male ice hockey players. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected to identify the intensity of the exposure. Results: There was a significant decrease in total hip rotation ROM (-7.32°, P < 0.01 (-3.91, -10.70)) and hip adductor strength (-4.41 kg, P < 0.01 (-2.81, -6.00) immediately after the exposure, and a significant decrease in total hip rotation ROM (-18.54°, P < 0.01 (-14.35, -22.73)), hip adductor strength (-6.56 kg, P < 0.01 (-4.58, -8.61)), and the ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength (-0.12, P < 0.01 (-0.21, -0.45)) 24 hours after. There was no significant change in pelvic tilt found in this study immediately after or 24 hours after. There was a moderate relationship between changes in hip adductor strength and changes in the ratio of hip adductor to abductor strength (r = 0.433, P < 0.01). RPE was not significantly correlated to any of the changes observed. Conclusion: Risk factors for hip and groin injury in ice hockey players are modifiable after a single ice hockey exposure. Clinical Relevance: The identified fluctuation of injury risk factors for hip and groin injury in ice hockey players has implications for injury risk profiling, rehabilitation, and return-to-competition decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of research that has explored the differences and similarities in First Nations male and female hockey players' experiences while playing elite hockey in the Canadian mainstream. I used tribal critical race theory, Indigenous feminisms, Indigenous methodologies, and interviews with 10 male and 10 female First Nations elite hockey players to understand the differences and similarities in their experiences of moving away from home to pursue hockey in the mainstream. I produced two main themes: the challenges that the athletes experienced, which included new languages, culture shock, and racism; and the benefits, which were athletic and personal growth and support from their home community. There were important differences between male and female participants, which included the males facing more violent and overt racism than the female players, and the female players needing to travel farther away from home due to a lack of opportunities to play hockey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the diffusion of one sport innovation to forecast a second. Contextualized within the diffusion of innovations theory, this study investigated cumulative business analytics diffusion as an analog for cumulative natural language processing (NLP) diffusion in professional sport. A total of 89 teams of the 123 teams in the Big Four North American men's professional sport leagues contributed: 21 from the National Football League, 23 from the National Basketball Association, 22 from Major League Baseball, and 23 from the National Hockey League. Utilizing an analogous forecasting approach, a discrete derivation of the Bass model was applied to cumulative BA adoption data. Parameters were then extended to predict cumulative NLP adoption. Resulting BA-estimated parameters (p =.0072, q =.3644) determined a close fit to NLP diffusion (root mean square error of approximation = 3.51, mean absolute error = 2.98), thereby validating BA to predict the takeoff and full adoption of NLP. This study illuminates an ongoing and isomorphic process for diffusion of innovations in the professional sport social system and generates a novel application of diffusion of innovations theory to the sport industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We follow workers' performance along an unbalanced panel dataset over multiple years and study how performance varies at the end of fixed-term contracts, in a labour market where some people face a mobility-restricting clause (i.e. a noncompete clause). Focusing on the labour market of the National Hockey League, we analyse players' performance data and contracts with a fixed-effects estimator to address empirical limitations in previous studies. We find that, on average, National Hockey League players' performance does not vary. However, our estimations detect substantially heterogeneous behaviours, depending on tenure, perceived expected performance, and mobility. Only younger players (i.e. restricted free agents) with high expected mobility but low expected performance tend to behave strategically and perform better. Differently, older players (i.e. unrestricted free agents) with high expected mobility tend to underperform, as the option of moving back to European tournaments is more appealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an increasing interest in studying creativity in sport, previous research has primarily focused on in-game creative performance and employed research designs neglecting sport participants' perspectives. Hence, this study explored professional athletes' developmental experiences involving creativity. Semistructured retrospective interviews were conducted with eight ice hockey players performing in or retired from the National Hockey League, Kontinental Hockey League, or Swedish Hockey League. Players described 15 modalities of creative actions emerging when playing, practicing, and performing. Based on the players' experiences, creativity led to augmented levels of enjoyment (i.e., elicited passion), development (i.e., enhanced potential), achievement (i.e., enriched in-game qualification), and fulfillment (i.e., extended career progression). Findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of creativity in sport and provide novel insights on the role of creativity in the development and maintenance of expertise in sport and the nature and role of deliberate play and deliberate practice in developing creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice hockey is considered one of the most competitive sports, and it requires physical and mental preparation to perform appropriately under the pressure of a competitive environment. The present study aims to investigate the impact of competitive sports on executive functions such as emotion regulation, inhibitory control, working memory, and competitive attitudes among near-elite ice hockey players. Near-elite athletes have been gathered (N = 67) from the four Hungarian Ice-Hockey Academies. Our results indicated a small positive association between Canadian points and maladaptive emotion regulation and a slight positive correlation between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation and false alarms of the N-back task. The result revealed a significant difference between National and Non-National Team members in maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation regarding hypercompetitive attitude. The result of linear regression revealed that maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation significantly predicts false alarms, indicating that the maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation explains 10% of the variance. In conclusion, we highlight the role of the environment, which affects executive functions and competitive attitudes alongside sports performance. Although the findings were mainly correlational, we can conclude that the nature of competitive ice hockey expects certain behavior for the players indifferent of the situation that could lead to emotion suppression, rumi-nation and other maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. We can also conclude that inadequate emotion regulation might be related to the overstimulation of players, characterized by a hypersensitive state to stimuli. We suggest that practitioners ensure the development of adequate competitive attitudes of players to enable long-term physical and psychological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to verify if a single session on the NeuroTracker has predictive value in talent identification in ice hockey. Methods: Thirty-five male ice hockey players (aged 16-20) from the highest Canadian competition level for that age group participated in the study. A battery of tests (attention, working memory, time reproduction, pattern recognition, temporal equivalence, technical ability, and decision-making) was administered to verify the relation between various cognitive abilities, on-ice performance, and the baseline score on the NeuroTracker, which is claimed to solicit multiple cognitive functions. On-ice performance indicators were game-related statistics: games played, points (mean per game), on-ice goals differential, and draft rank. Results: Results show that the baseline score on the NeuroTracker is not associated with draft ranking, nor is it able to predict which players will perform best based on game-related statistics. However, the NeuroTracker baseline score does correlate with various tests involving working memory and attention. Conclusion: Currently, NeuroTracker is not specific enough to allow talent identification among same-level elite athletes in ice hockey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laterality preferences are intrinsic in most physical activities, and ice hockey is one domain wherein these preferences might influence performance. Biomechanical laterality between dominant and nondominant (or preferred and nonpreferred) limbs is believed to be an advantageous attribute that is linked with skilled performance. Yet little is known about the implications of motor asymmetries for skilled performers in dynamic, time-constrained, team-based activities in an off-ice environment. This can be extended to when player position is considered, notably for those playing in a defensive or an offensive position. In this study, fourteen semi-professional collegiate male ice hockey players (age: 21.87 ± 2.98 years; BMI: 25.26 ± 3.21 kg/m) performed a randomized repeated 15 m sprint-change of direction task. Assessments of lower limb laterality were carried out as participants commenced the 15 m sprint change of direction task in both a right and left foot rear setback position. Biomechanical laterality between right and left rear foot setback positions was inferred by an ActiGraph GTx3 triaxial accelerometer that was located on the participants' spinous process, representing the trunk centre of mass (CoM). Overall, ANOVA results indicated significant differences across all sprint split times between the right and left foot rear setback positions, with times significantly quicker when players commenced in a right rear foot setback position (p < 0.001). ANOVA revealed significant differences in trunk CoM acceleration between in a right and left rear setback position, specifically during the initial 0–10 m sprint split, with offensive players observed to have lesser trunk anteroposterior and vertical CoM acceleration (p = 0.05) and during the final 5 m sprint split (p = 0.002, d = 0.7), despite overall smaller effect sizes seen in the left foot rear setback position. It appears that starting with the foot in a right rear setback position results in quicker 15 m performance times and concurrent lower magnitudes of trunk CoM acceleration. Although we demonstrated that offensive players were quicker and displayed less trunk CoM acceleration, we recommend that future studies use a greater number of participants for inter-limb symmetry in these movement tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Professional ice hockey players may contract irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Aims: To investigate the presence of contact allergy (CA) in professional ice hockey players in Sweden. Methods: Ten teams from the two top leagues were assessed for potential occupational exposure to sensitizers. Exactly 107 players were patch tested with an extended baseline series and a working series, in total 74 test preparations. The CA rates were compared between the ice hockey players and controls from the general population and dermatitis patients. Results: One out of 4 players had at least one contact allergy. The most common sensitizers were Amerchol L 101, nickel and oxidized limonene. CA was as common in the ice hockey players as in dermatitis patients and significantly more common than in the general population. Fragrances and combined sensitizers in cosmetic products (fragrances + preservatives + emulsifier) were significantly more common in ice hockey players compared with the general population. Conclusion: The possible relationship between CA to fragrances and cosmetic products on the one hand and the presence of dermatitis on the other should be explored further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Athletes are susceptible to oral injuries. To reduce the incidence and severity of oral trauma, a custom‐made mouthguard, a device positioned in the mouth to prevent damage to teeth and surrounding structures, is recommended. In field hockey, according to the international rules of this sport, using mouthguards is not mandatory, but it is recommended to wear them at all times while practicing this discipline. We aimed to determine characteristics and differences regarding mouthguard usage among field hockey players from different countries participating in the XII ODESUR Games. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study that included 78 voluntary hockey athletes that met the inclusion criteria. The questionnaire used was validated by Panam Sports, collecting information on the type of mouthguard (custom‐made or prefabricated), and the time of use of the mouthguard (range of 5 years). Results: Of the total number of athletes, 96% used mouthguards, of which 64% were custom‐made type, and 32% were prefabricated (p <.001). Custom‐made mouthguards were used by 100%, 89%, and 64% of athletes in Argentina, Chile, and Peru, respectively, while only 40% of athletes in Paraguay and Uruguay used them. It has also been observed that more than 50% of the individuals have not controlled and replaced their intraoral devices for more than 10 years. Conclusions: Our results reveal a problem with a public health dimension and thus invite the standardization of guidelines with an educational approach to promoting and adopting good sports practices. This report is the first on using mouthguards in high‐performance athletes during an international multisport event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents the case of an ice hockey player diagnosed with a tear in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus at 19 years of age. In addition, we suggest a rehabilitation exercise program that enabled an early return to play for an ice hockey athlete in a university sports league. The patient underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair and was discharged one day after surgery. A three-stage rehabilitation program was developed, as follows: Phase I, the protective phase (reduce inflammation symptoms and restore range of motion to enable weight-bearing); Phase II, the restorative phase (improve the strength of the quadriceps muscle and recover cardiovascular endurance); Phase III, the return to full functional activity (familiarize the patient with sport-specific skills and recover a symmetric functional level on both sides). After completing the 10-week rehabilitation program, the patient returned to play and took part in games 71 and 84 days after surgery. The patient had no meniscus reinjury in the 10 years after surgery while playing in university and professional ice hockey leagues. The functional performance-focused rehabilitation program presented in this case report resulted in an early return to sport and good long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To devise an MRI grading scheme for osseous contusion patterns in elite hockey players for predicting return-to-play (RTP). Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify traumatic lower extremity osseous injuries in professional hockey players. A total of 28 injuries (17 players) were identified over a 10-year period. All had MRIs acquired at ≥ 1.5 T within a mean interval of 2 days from initial injury. MRIs were retrospectively reviewed by 3 musculoskeletal radiologists for osseous contusion pattern, classified as grade 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), or 3 (severe). Grade 3 contusions were further subdivided by the presence or absence of fracture, defined as discrete cortical disruption on MRI or follow-up CT. RTP was calculated from date of injury to next game played based on game log data. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and post hoc unpaired t test. Results: Mean RTP for grade 1, 2, and 3 injuries was 2.8, 4.5, and 20.3 days, respectively. Grade 3 injuries without and with cortical fractures had mean RTP of 18.3 and 21.4 days, respectively. ANOVA analysis between groups achieved statistical significance (p < 0.001). Post hoc t test demonstrated statistically significant differences between grade 3 and grades 1 (p < 0.001) and 2 (p < 0.001) injuries. There was no statistical difference in RTP between grade 3 subgroups without and with fracture (p = 0.327). Conclusion: We propose a novel MRI grading system for assessing severity of osseous contusions and predicting RTP. Clinically, there was no statistically significant difference in RTP between severe osseous contusions and nondisplaced fractures in elite hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hockey and figure skating are iconic Canadian sports, although it would be hard to know this from the dearth of opportunities available for adults to take up these sports or improve their skills. To learn about the factors that shape adult programming in these two sports, semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 experienced Canadian hockey and figure skating coaches who work with adults. The interviews provided insight into some of the structural barriers that adult learners and their coaches face in hockey and figure skating. Participants suggest that while adult learners are an untapped market, a sport system that privileges high-performance and youth development means that few coaches can make working with adults a priority. Coaches receive little training to work with adults, and because adults are at the bottom of the hierarchy in terms of ice allocation, it is often difficult to design programs that meet their needs. The authors call for more explicit attention to adult programming in hockey and figure skating to meet demand and improve experiences for adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review to compare and analyse the bone mineral density of field hockey players of both sexes and of different ages, with other sports and with a sedentary population. The search process was carried out using the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The search ended on 18 March 2024. We selected articles in which a comparison was made of bone mineral density of the whole body, lumbar spine, femoral neck, arms and legs, among field hockey players, and/or with other sports and/or with a sedentary population. The systematic review followed the guidelines described in the 2020 PRISMA statement. The initial search identified 220 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the search was narrowed down to seven articles in total. It was observed that the field hockey group had better bone mineral density values than sedentary population and the low-impact sports population. Basketball players had better whole body and leg bone mineral density values than field hockey players. Causality could not be established due to the cross-sectional nature of the included studies. The better bone mineral density values in field hockey players compared to the sedentary population may be because people who participate in impact sports have a better bone mineral density. The differences in bone mineral density between field hockey and low-impact sports could be related to a lower impact during their practice in these disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that variations in the CD36 gene may affect phenotypes associated with fat metabolism as the CD36 protein facilitates the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria for oxidation. However, no previous study has tested whether variations in the CD36 gene are associated with sports performance. We investigated the genotypic and allelic distribution of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1761667 in the CD36 gene in elite Moroccan athletes (cyclists and hockey players) in comparison with healthy non-athletes of the same ethnic origin. Forty-three Moroccan elite male athletes (nineteen cyclists and twenty-four field hockey players) belonging to the national teams of their respective sports (athlete group) were compared to twenty-eight healthy, active, male university students (control group). Genotyping of the CD36 rs1761667 (G>A) SNP was performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. A chi-square (χ2) test was used to assess the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and to compare allele and genotype frequencies in the "athlete" and "control" groups. The genotypic distribution of the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism was similar in elite athletes (AA: 23.81, AG: 59.52, and GG: 16.67%) and controls (AA: 19.23, AG: 69.23, and GG: 11.54%; χ2 = 0.67, p = 0.71). However, the genotypic distribution of the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism was different between cyclists (AA: 0.00, AG: 72.22, and GG: 27.78%) and hockey players (AA: 41.67, AG: 50.00, and GG: 8.33%; χ2 = 10.69, p = 0.004). Specifically, the frequency of the AA genotype was significantly lower in cyclists than in hockey players (p = 0.02). In terms of allele frequency, a significant difference was found between cyclists versus field hockey players (χ2 = 7.72, p = 0.005). Additionally, there was a predominance of the recessive model in cyclists over field hockey players (OR: 0.00, 95% CI: 0.00–0.35, p = 0.002). Our study shows a significant difference between cyclists and field hockey players in terms of the genotypic and allelic frequency of the SNP rs1761667 of the CD36 gene. This divergence suggests a probable association between genetic variations in the CD36 gene and the type of sport in elite Moroccan athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: In Switzerland, there is little data on injury characteristics in elite ice hockey players aged under 20 years (U20 Elite juniors). This study aimed to determine the injury rate and type of injury in Swiss U20 ice hockey players. (2) Methods: The present study was carried out in a retrospective, non-experimental design using an online questionnaire provided to the 314 elite players of the 12 Swiss U20 Elite ice hockey teams. The injury rate, rate ratios, injury location, type and severity of injury, and injury mechanism were reported. (3) Results: Seventy-three athletes from 11 teams volunteered (response rate = 24%). A total of 30 out of 45 recorded injuries led to time loss in practice and competition. Injury occurred once or twice during the 2019/2020 season. For each player, the injury rate was 0.66 per 1000 practice hours and 2.98 per 1000 competition hours (injury rate ratio = 4.5). The head/neck region was the most common injury location (45.5%). (4) Conclusions: Knowledge of injury characteristics in ice hockey is necessary for meaningful injury management and injury prevention. The results of the present study provide information on the injury rate, location, types, severity, and mechanism in elite Swiss U20 ice hockey players. Most injuries result from contact with another player. More strict sanctioning for irregular behavior and fair play can serve as preventive measures. Further studies should examine different preventive measures such as wearing full-face coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does the arrival of culturally diverse workers affect the work style of incumbent workers? We examine how the large influx of Russian hockey players in the National Hockey League after 1989 affected North American–born players. The Soviet style of hockey was largely based on skilled skating, constant movement, circling, and passing. In contrast, the North American play was more individualistic and linear, with higher emphasis on physical strength and aggressive behavior. Using 50 years of data at the player-game level, we show that (i) the number of penalty minutes per game increases steadily from 1970 to 1989, but decreases thereafter; (ii) although Russian players get systematically fewer penalty minutes in and after 1989, the trend reversal is driven by North American–born players; and (iii) the number of penalty minutes per game of North American–born players decreases systematically with the number of Russian players on their team and on the opposing team. Evidence shows that the hockey style brought about by Russian players was adopted and diffused within and across North American teams and players. This paper was accepted by Lamar Pierce, organizations. Supplemental Material: Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4808. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ice hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as specific on-ice skills. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of individualized interval training on a slide board with training on a cyclo-ergometer, focusing on aerobic capacity and specific fitness in elite ice hockey players. Materials and Methods: Thirty players were randomly divided into an experimental (slide board) and a control (cyclo-ergometer) group. Both groups underwent a 6-week training program with the same intensity and volume. Results: The results showed that both forms of training led to significant improvements in aerobic capacity, as indicated by VO2max and VO2 lactate thresholds. The slide board training group demonstrated higher effect sizes (d = 1.49, 1.62) than the cyclo-ergometer one (0.76, 0.43). Specific on-ice performance tests showed that slide board training resulted in faster skating times (p = 0.0002), suggesting a greater transfer of training effects to on-ice skills. Conclusions: This study highlights the benefits of incorporating slide board interval training into the off-season training regimen of elite ice hockey players. Slide board training improves specific on-ice skills, which are crucial for high-level hockey performance. These findings provide valuable insights for coaches and strength and conditioning specialists working with elite ice hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For 25 years, the Beardy's Blackhawks were Canada's only U18 AAA hockey team located on and operated by a First Nation. The team encouraged young, Indigenous athletes to take pride in their cultural heritage and offered a sense of belonging and acceptance while also providing an opportunity for non-Indigenous players to play in such an environment. In 2019, the Saskatchewan Hockey Association made the decision to eliminate the Blackhawks from the league, describing their removal as a need to address "league concerns" related to billeting and younger player development. The purpose of this article is to analyze differences in how opportunity is understood and experienced by final-roster players (2019/2020 hockey season) and past alumni and, particularly, how it diverged across racial and cultural axes. What is found through semistructured interviews is that the concept of opportunity shifts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous players: Whereas Indigenous players tend to view opportunity in relation to cultural pride, non-Indigenous players view opportunity primarily in relation to future hockey opportunities. We argue that specific elite sporting opportunities that are characterized by Indigenous values are needed for a greater and more diverse range of Indigenous athletes to succeed in elite sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent high-profile incidents involving racism at hockey's highest levels have cast serious concerns regarding the prevalence of racism in the sport. However, limited scholarly literature has examined the prevalence of racism in Canadian hockey across the lesser-known competitive developmental levels (e.g., junior, collegiate, and minor-professional). Employing a critical race framework, we interviewed Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) regarding their experiences with racism in Canadian hockey. The findings reveal that actions that keep BIPOC players on the outside looking in exist at even the sport's youngest levels. The findings also indicate that governing bodies often fail to protect BIPOC players when racist incidents occur. Further research regarding racism in hockey is needed to more fully understand the deleterious impact of racist behavior on the sport and those who play it, and to identify strategies that can promote a more egalitarian opportunity structure than currently exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ice hockey is played by women and men but the arena they play in may differ substantially. Potential differences in general conditions to play the sport may be associated to perceived stress, which has shown to be related to athletic injury in other sports. Therefore, this study aimed to describe and compare general conditions for playing ice hockey, stress levels, and the association between perceived stress and injury occurrence among elite female and male players. Methods: Prior to the 2022–2023 season all female and male players from the top ice hockey leagues in Sweden were invited to an online survey. Players provided information about their general conditions for playing ice hockey and reported perceived stress during the previous season on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10; sum score range 0–40) and current stress on the Single Item Stress Question (SISQ; scale range 1–5). Injuries during the previous season were self-reported on a modified version of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center – Overuse Injury Questionnaire. Results: We received responses from 360 players (170 females and 190 males). Female players more frequently reported additional occupations besides ice hockey and less medical support during games and practices than male players (p <.001). General stress levels were significantly higher among female players (mean PSS score [SD]: 17.4 [5.6] vs 14.1 [5.6], p < 0.001; SISQ median [IQR]: 3 [2–3] vs 2 [1–3], p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between past season injury and perceived stress (PSS score: rho 0.29; SISQ: rho 0.24). This correlation was stronger among males than females (PSS score: 0.38 vs 0.162; SISQ: 0.29 vs 0.16, p's < 0.05). Players with substantial injuries during previous season had higher previous and current stress levels than players without injury, a difference that was largest and statistically significant only among male players. Conclusions: General conditions for playing elite ice hockey are inequal for female and male athletes. Stress levels of elite ice hockey players were comparable to the general population. Experience of severe injuries during the previous season was associated to higher levels of perceived stress. This association is stronger among male players, which may be due to greater economic dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the influence of stick grasping on the performance of elite youth rink hockey players in 10 m linear sprints and 180° change of direction (COD) tasks. Forty-nine rink hockey players (age = 18.40 ± 2.12 year; body mass = 73.52 ± 6.02 kg; height = 1.82 ± 0.07 m; BMI = 23.61 ± 1.69; sports experience = 6.42 ± 1.41 years; 4.89 ± 0.68 years' post-peak height velocity) participated in this cross-sectional study. Measurements included 10 m sprint time and COD 180° performance with and without stick grasping. Results revealed non-significant differences when carrying a stick in the 10 m linear sprint (1.90 s ± 0.08 with stick vs. 1.89 s ± 0.08 without stick; p = 0.71; d = 0.05), neither did COD 180° for the left limb (2.75s ± 0.11 with stick vs. 2.76 s ± 0.11 without stick; p = 0.91; d = 0.02). However, for the right limb, significantly better performance in COD 180° was found when players held the stick (2.72 s ± 0.11 with stick vs. 2.75 s ± 0.09 without stick; p = 0.03; d = 0.32). These findings imply that the distinctive biomechanics and requirements of rink hockey, especially the lateral movements inherent in skating, might alleviate the negative impacts associated with implement grasping observed in other sports. This study highlights that stick grasping did not hinder COD ability and may even have a facilitating effect on certain movements, emphasizing the importance of considering sport-specific biomechanics in rink hockey performance analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological, kinematic, and performance benefits of slide board (SB) training are well established. However, there is limited research investigating the potential effects offered by combining SB training with whole-body vibration (WBV). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of WBV on movement variability (MV) and physiological parameters during an incremental SB skating test. Ten elite ice hockey players (20.4 ± 2.07 years; 1.79 ± 0.05 m; 75.97 ± 5.44 kg; 23.64 ± 1.64 body mass index) participated in this study. An incremental test was conducted on the SB under two conditions, randomized in order: WBV (30 Hz) and non-WBV (0 Hz). The incremental test rhythms were established at 30, 35, 40, and 45 Hz. Participants performed the exercise on the SB at each rhythm for four minutes, for a total of 16 mins. MV, subjective perception of effort (RPE), heart rate (HR), and ergospirometric parameters were assessed. Differences were observed between rhythms in ergospirometric parameters and HR, increasing directly with rhythm (p < 0.05). Regarding differences between conditions, MV was higher when the incremental test was performed with WBV (p < 0.01). The addition of WBV during SB training resulted in a rise in MV without affecting physiological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]