Multiple off-ice performance variables predict onice skating performance in male and female division III ice hockey players

The purpose of this study was to determine if off-ice perfor-mance variables could predict on-ice skating performance in division iii collegiate hockey players. both men (n = 15) and women (n = 11) hockey players (age = 20.5 ± 1.4 years) partici-pated in the study. the skating tests were agility cornering s-turn,6.10 m acceleration,44.80 m speed,modified repeat skate,and 15.20 m full speed. off-ice variables assessed were years of playing experience,height,weight and percent body fat and off-ice performance variables included vertical jump (vj),40-yd dash (36.58m),1-rm squat,pro-agility,wingate peak power and peak power percentage drop (% drop),and 1.5 mile (2.4km) run. results indicated that 40-yd dash (36.58m),vj,1.5 mile (2.4km) run,and % drop were significant predictors of skating performance for repeat skate (slowest,fastest,and average time) and 44.80 m speed time,respectively. four predictive equations were derived from multiple regression analyses: 1) slowest repeat skate time = 2.362 + (1.68 x 40-yd dash time) + (0.005 x 1.5 mile run),2) fastest repeat skate time = 9.762 - (0.089 x vj) - (0.998 x 40-yd dash time),3) average repeat skate time = 7.770 + (1.041 x 40-yd dash time) - (0.63 x vj) + (0.003 x 1.5 mile time),and 4) 47.85 m speed test = 7.707 - (0.050 x vj) - (0.01 x % drop). it was concluded that selected off-ice tests could be used to predict on-ice performance regarding speed and recov-ery ability in division iii male and female hockey players. © journal of sports science and medicine.