Mechanical Characteristics and Skating Performance of Trained Youth Ice Hockey Players at Different Maturation Stages

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the skating force-velocity (F-V) mechanical characteristics of trained youth ice hockey players at different stages of their maturational development. Methods: A total of 52 male trained ice hockey players (14.6 ± 1.4 years) from U13, U15, U17, and U18 competitive teams of the same hockey program were classified into three maturation groups-Pre-, Mid-, and Post-peak height velocity (PHV). Participants performed two 40 m maximal skating efforts while velocity data were collected using a radar device to derive F-V parameters (e.g., theoretical maximal force (F₀), velocity (V₀), power (P_max), and related metrics). The maturation offset was computed using the following formula: Maturity offset = -8.128741 + (0.0070346 · (Chronological age · Sitting height)). Results: Results revealed significant effects of puberty on most performance variables (F_(2,49) = [5.58, 31.72]; p ≤ 0.07; η² = [0.19, 0.56]). Differences in acceleration (0-10 m time) and F₀ improved markedly between Mid- and Post-PHV stages (|d| = [1.38, 1.92]), while V0 and maximal sprint velocity (30-40 m time) improved constantly across maturation stages (|d| = [1.03, 1.99]). Conclusions: This is the first study to provide reference skating F-V profile values across puberty in trained youth male ice hockey players. Coaches and practitioners are encouraged to prioritize acceleration and skating technique early during puberty to maximize velocity development and emphasize strength development after reaching peak height velocity. Conclusions should be considered with care as the Pre-PHV group was small (n = 5) and the used F-V method remains to be validated on ice.