Development of physiological, anthropometric and psychological parameters in adolescent ice hockey players

Purpose: One of the most critical periods in a player’s development is adolescence when major competitions and hormonal changes occur. However, very few studies have investigated ice hockey-related performances during this period and whether players’ perceptions of competence also evolve. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the progression of players’ different anthropometric, physiological, and psychological attributes as a function of their pubertal status and team selection during a competitive ice hockey season. Methods: Forty male (M age ± SD = 13.81 ± 0.41 years) and 38 female (M age ± SD = 14.97 ± 0.92 years) players were monitored as part of a selection process for a national team between July 2021 and January 2023. Participants completed off-ice and on-ice fitness tests three and two times, respectively, and filled out the Self-Perceived Ice Hockey Competence Scale twice. Results: players further along in their pubertal development are stronger and more powerful, but perceptions of competence remain stable over the same period, regardless of selection or pubertal status. Conclusion: The study allows us to better understand the evolution of actual and perceived competence during a key period in high-level ice hockey development and to differentiate the progress of youngsters selected or not for a provincial team.