Anthropometric Data

As hockey prep camps get under way, many players will undergo fitness tests such as vertical jump, Wingate, RHIET, etc. So too, anthropometrics are collected for evaluation. While the latter may be helpful as historical and comparative data, the value of anthropometrics in terms of performance may be limited. For example, a recently published paper in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reported on samples of elite adolescent players and found in one particular camp heavier-taller males scored higher in off-ice tests however the opposite was found in heavier females (Martini, Brunelle, Lalande & Lemoyne, 2022). 

Anthropometric data should be evaluated with contextual consideration and with more precise metrics such as body composition. Most importantly, on-ice abilities should take precedence as part of a holistic evaluation of talent identification. 

Good luck to all over the next few weeks!