The Science of Hockey

This episode dives into a study combining helmet sensors and video to reveal when and how head impacts occur in men’s university hockey. Learn why glass hits are more common than boards, how few penalties are called, and what this means for player safety and concussion prevention.
Discover the hidden patterns of head impacts in men’s hockey. We unpack the circumstances, severity, and overlooked hits that don’t get penalized—givi...

This episode explores why elite ice hockey players use dietary supplements to manage weight and boost performance, despite the risks of contamination and unintentional doping. Learn how team culture, trust in coaches, and sponsorships shape supplement habits on and off the ice.
Discover the real motivations behind dietary supplement use in elite ice hockey. From protein shakes and creatine to anti-doping risks, this episode reve...

This episode explores how elite ice hockey players rely on painkillers and hypnotics to manage injuries and sleep. Discover how team culture, macho attitudes, and deep trust in medical staff shape medication use—and the risks it poses for health and anti-doping compliance.
Dive into a mixed-method study on the use of medications in elite ice hockey. From NSAIDs to sleeping pills, learn how high training loads, late games, and te...

This episode dives into a study comparing low back pain across pro ice hockey, football, and floorball players. Learn why hockey players have a 2.18-times greater risk of back pain, what factors contribute to it, and how prevention can protect careers.
Explore the hidden burden of low back pain in professional athletes. We break down why ice hockey players are most affected, what movements and conditions increase risk, and how t...

This episode explores how wearable sensors measure body impacts in elite hockey players. Learn how video analysis confirms the accuracy of sensor-detected collisions and what it means for player safety and injury prevention.
Discover the science behind wearable impact sensors in ice hockey. We examine how well these sensors track body contact, from checks to falls, and their role in improving injury monitoring and player protect...

Explore the interplay of cognitive and motor skills in elite ice hockey players. This episode delves into how multitasking affects performance and compares dual-task costs across open- and closed-skill sports, shedding light on training and talent identification.
Discover how elite athletes manage dual-task demands that combine speed and focus. Learn about the differences in cognitive-motor performance between hockey players and...

Explore the effects of wearing surgical face masks on youth hockey performance during intense exercise. This episode examines whether masks impact oxygen levels, heart rate, or skating ability, and the surprising results reveal practical insights for safe play.
Can face masks be worn without affecting performance in youth hockey? This episode dives into a study showing minimal impact on exercise metrics, including muscle oxygena...

This episode explores the psychological effects of concussions on hockey players, focusing on how injuries disrupt and reshape their identity. Learn about the challenges of mental illness, stigma, and the journey toward recovery and reconstruction.
Dive into the interplay between concussions and mental health in hockey. From depression and isolation to biographical reconstruction, this episode uncovers how players navigate the e...

Explore the physiological and positional demands of professional ice hockey. This episode examines acceleration, deceleration, and heart rate data to uncover how defensemen and forwards manage performance and fatigue during games.
Dive into the science behind professional hockey gameplay. Learn how positional roles and game periods influence acceleration, recovery, and energy demands, revealing new insights into player performan...

Explore the epidemiology of injuries in Swiss professional ice hockey players, focusing on traumatic and overuse injury patterns. This episode highlights the prevalence of hip/groin issues, concussions, and the role of game dynamics in player safety.
Dive into a study on injuries in Swiss pro hockey. Learn about the high rates of hip/groin injuries, concussions, and other trauma, along with the challenges of managing overuse inj...

This episode explores the relationship between sprinting mechanics, anaerobic capacity, and repeated-sprint ability in adolescent hockey players. Learn how force-velocity profiles differ by gender and how they influence training strategies.
Dive into a study on sprint mechanics and anaerobic performance in youth ice hockey. Discover how force and speed capacities vary between male and female players and their implications for of...

Explore the determinants of fast attack performance in elite women’s ice hockey. This episode examines how shooting zones, one-timers, and second-period strategies separate winning teams from losing ones at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Discover how fast attack tactics impact game outcomes in women’s ice hockey. Learn why shooting performance, tactical zones, and effective one-timers are pivotal to offensive success at the h...

This episode delves into the injury landscape of NCAA women’s ice hockey from 2014 to 2019. Learn about the most common injuries, like concussions and strains, and how competition and practice differ in injury rates and risk factors.
Explore the epidemiology of injuries in women’s collegiate ice hockey. From head injuries to hip and groin strains, this episode unpacks key trends, prevention strategies, and the implications for p...

This episode explores the prevalence and impact of injuries and illnesses among junior male elite ice hockey players in Norway. Learn about acute injuries, overuse issues, and the factors influencing player health during a demanding season.
Dive into a year-long study tracking health problems in junior elite hockey players. From hip and knee overuse injuries to acute game-time incidents, discover how these challenges affect trai...

This episode explores how dynamic social norms can enhance sportspersonship, learning, and enjoyment in youth ice hockey. Discover how parents' attitudes influence players’ on-ice behavior and overall well-being.
Dive into a study on promoting positive values in youth hockey through evolving social norms. Learn how emphasizing fun, learning, and teamwork impacts parental motivation, player behavior, and psychological health....

Explore how ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning and wearable sensors are revolutionizing ice hockey analytics. This episode covers advanced player tracking, activity recognition, and the integration of machine learning in the game.
Dive into the future of ice hockey with innovative UWB systems and AI-powered analytics. Learn how stick-mounted sensors and precise player localization provide actionable insights for coaches and player...

Explore the groundbreaking effects of carbohydrate mouth-rinsing on male ice hockey players. This episode examines how rinsing improves high-intensity skating and sprint performance during overtime periods, offering a new edge for athletes.
Discover how carbohydrate mouth-rinsing enhances on-ice performance during overtime. Learn about its impact on skating speed, high-intensity distance, and perceived effort, providing a simple...

Explore the effects of caffeinated chewing gum on elite ice hockey players dealing with jet lag. This episode dives into how caffeine impacts off-ice explosiveness and why it might not translate to on-ice performance.
Discover how jet lag and caffeine interact in elite hockey. This episode examines the effects of caffeinated gum on off-ice jump height, on-ice agility, and endurance, offering surprising insights for players and c...

This episode explores mental health and well-being among players in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Learn about the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep issues, and how psychological flexibility and social support play a critical role in player wellness.
Dive into a groundbreaking study on mental health in elite women’s ice hockey. From the challenges of dual careers to the impact of injuries, discover the factors inf...