Effect of Off-Season Training on Canadian University Female Ice Hockey Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of off-season training on the off-ice fitness, on-ice fitness, and skating performance of Canadian Female University ice hockey players. 12 returning players ranging in age from 19–23 years old volunteered for this study:TableOff-ice tests included: body mass, height, 40 yard dash, ball throw, vertical jump, vertical jump peak and average power (Johnson & Bahamonde, 1996), predicted VO2 (Leger 20-m shuttle run), post-run rating of perceived exertion, sit & reach flexibility, and push-ups and sit-ups/minute. On-ice fitness was measured using a Modified Repeat Sprint Skate Test (3 sprints), from which Σ of 3 sprints, drop-off time (Slowest Sprint - Fastest Sprint), post-sprint rating of perceived exertion, anaerobic power & capacity (Sargeant & Watson, 1986), pre-sprint heart rate, post-sprint heart rate, and post-sprint 3–4 minute recovery heart rate were calculated. On-ice performance skating tests included: acceleration (6-m), agility, and speed (47.85-m). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, to determine significant differences between post-season and pre-season test scores. Experiment-wise error was adjusted using the Bonferroni technique. With Bonferroni correction (p < .0022), only the Σ of 3 repeats changed significantly from post to pre-season (players skated slower in pre-season). At an uncorrected p < .05 level, height and push-ups/minute increased. Pre-sprint heart rate increased. Skating acceleration improved but skating agility decreased. The results can be interpreted two ways: 1) the off-season training was of sufficient intensity, duration and frequency to maintain fitness and skating ability or, 2) the off-season training was not of sufficient intensity, duration and frequency to improve fitness or skating ability.