Contribution of psychological characteristics to talent identification in ice-hockey

Talent identification and selection are crucial for the success of elite sport organizations. Scouts and managers generally select the most promising young athletes based on their current performances, physiological characteristics, and gut feelings. However, psychological characteristics (including perceptual-cognitive and self-regulation abilities) might still be overlooked by selectors. This study aimed at verifying the relationship between psychological characteristics and performance in elite ice-hockey. Eighty-eight youth elite ice-hockey players (forwards and defensemen) eligible for a Major Junior selection draft participated in the study. They were measured at 15 years old on perceptual-cognitive skills (decision-making and anticipation with eye-tracking at a temporal occlusion task) and self-regulated learning abilities (self-reported questionnaire). In addition, their current (draft rank and scouts' subjective appreciation) and future (points, games played, differential for the following four years) performances were recorded. Multiple linear regression models showed that the scouts' subjective appreciation was the best predictor of current and future performance. However, when scouts' appreciation is removed from the models or when positions are analyzed separately, self-regulated learning abilities (effort, planning and reflection subscales) and decision-making could add to the prediction. Overall, this study shows that psychological characteristics could help scouts in the talent identification and selection process, but measuring these characteristics cannot replace their judgment.