The effects of a hockey-specific training program on performance of Bantam players.

Few studies have attempted to identify the effects of training on performance measures related to ice hockey. The present study was designed to examine the effects of a 7-week hockey-specific training program on the on- and off-ice test performance scores of 14- and 15-year-old (Bantam) hockey players. Pre- and post-training tests of percent fat (ultrasound), center of gravity location, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and on-ice tests of top speed, acceleration, and concerning ability were completed on 28 male subjects (16 in a training group, 12 in a control group of summer league participants). The training group showed significant improvements (p less than .01) in percent fat, top speed, acceleration, and cornering test performance whereas only percent fat was significantly improved for the control group. The results suggest that performance on tests related to ice hockey can be improved by training specifically for hockey but that performance is not affected by summer league play alone.