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POSITIONAL VARIATIONS IN PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROFILES OF COLLEGIATE WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY ATHLETES

Abstract

Positional differences in on-ice demands among ice hockey players have been linked to variations in physical and performance characteristics, with forwards generally demonstrating higher speed and explosive movements compared to defense players. However, there is a relative lack of literature investigating positional differences in physical attributes and off-ice physiological testing among collegiate women’s hockey players. PURPOSE: To examine the positional differences in anthropometric and physiological profiles of collegiate women’s ice hockey players. METHODS: Twenty-two collegiate women’s ice hockey players (forwards = 13, defense = 9) participated in this study. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Anaerobic performance was evaluated using a Wingate test conducted at 9% body mass resistance. Lower-body power was assessed through countermovement jumps (CMJ) on dual force plates and skater jumps. Testing was conducted within a one-week period with DEXA scans, Wingate testing, and jump testing all occurring on separate days. Independent t-tests (α = 0.05) were performed to compare positional groups (forwards vs. defense) for height and weight, DEXA measures (% body fat, total leg fat-free mass), Wingate variables (absolute and relative peak and mean power, time to peak power, rate of fatigue), CMJ metrics (jump height, peak propulsive power, average relative propulsive power, mRSI), and skater jump total distance. RESULTS: The analyses revealed that there were no significant differences in anthropometrics, body composition measures, countermovement jump metrics, or skater jump distance. During the Wingate test, forwards produced significantly greater relative peak power (p = 0.028) compared to their defensive counterparts (13.4 ± 1.1 W/kg vs. 12.4 ± 0.9 W/kg), while all other Wingate variables were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: The significantly greater relative peak power observed in forwards during the Wingate test reinforces the positional differences in explosive efforts required on-ice. The absence of differences in other metrics suggests that training programs could focus on enhancing position-specific skills while maintaining overall fitness, given the differing on-ice physical demands across positions.

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