Jablonka, Dominik, Uthoff, Aaron, Eustace, Steven, Morris, Rhys, Smoliga, Julian Enrik and Augustovicova, Dusana (2026) On-ice and off-ice linear sprint performance across competitive levels in ice hockey players: insights from continuous velocity profiling. Sports, 14 (7).

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Abstract

Linear speed is a key performance determinant in ice hockey, yet no studies have compared
continuous on-ice and off-ice velocity profiles across multiple competitive levels.
This study examined continuous velocity curves and discrete sprint variables during
20 m on-ice (skating) and off-ice (running) sprints across three competitive levels. Sixty
male ice hockey players (A-Team n = 20, U20A n = 20, U20B n = 20) completed maximal
20 m sprints in both conditions using a motorized resistance device. Bayesian analyses
were used to evaluate continuous velocity profiles and discrete variables. Posterior estimates
consistently favored greater off-ice velocity profiles than on-ice velocity profiles
across all groups, particularly during the early portion of the sprint (P(diff) ~85%), although
the practical meaningfulness of these differences remained uncertain. Discrete
sprint variables showed stronger and more consistent practically meaningful differences
(P(diff > SWC) = 66–99%). Between-group comparisons suggested a competitive hierarchy,
with posterior estimates favoring greater velocity values in adults than lower competitivelevel
late adolescents (P(diff) ~87%). Practitioners should consider potential differences
between on-ice and off-ice sprint performance and hierarchical trends across competitive
levels when structuring training and assessment. Continuous velocity profiling may provide
additional insight into velocity-development patterns, whereas discrete metrics may
be more appropriate for routine team-level monitoring.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.3390/sports14070290
Keywords:	ice hockey; linear speed assessment; continuous velocity profiling; Bayesian analysis
Subjects:	Social sciences
Date Deposited:	13 Jul 2026
Dates:	Date Publication status 2 July 2026 Accepted 8 July 2026 Published Online
School, department or research centre:	School of Human and Social Sciences
Keywords:	ice hockey; linear speed assessment; continuous velocity profiling; Bayesian analysis
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/15239

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