Lower-body strength gains transfer to ice hockey skating performance in a task-specific manner

This study investigated the transfer effects of lower-body strength gains on ice hockey skating acceleration performance. Elite Finnish U20 male ice hockey players ( n = 22) were randomized to either a knee- or hip-dominant lower-body strength training intervention lasting 8 weeks. Maximal lower-body strength (1RM) and 30-m skating sprint performance were assessed before and after the intervention. Horizontal force–velocity profiling was derived from sprint performance, and split times were analyzed for the initial and final 10 m segments of the sprint. As no significant between-group differences were observed in any outcome measure, the groups were pooled for further analyses. Following the intervention, maximal strength increased significantly, accompanied by improvements in initial 10 m skating performance, theoretical maximal horizontal force ( F 0 ), maximal power output ( P max ), and horizontal force orientation (RF max ). In contrast, theoretical maximal velocity ( V 0 ), observed maximal skating speed, and performance during the final 10 m of the sprint declined. Consequently, no significant change was observed in overall 30 m sprint time. These findings indicate that increases in lower-body strength primarily enhance the force- and power-related qualities underpinning early skating acceleration but do not necessarily improve maximal skating speed. The results highlight the task-specific transfer of strength adaptations to skating performance and provide practical guidance for selecting performance tests and designing training programs in ice hockey.