'/'C r,.-'i..:'a; ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE IN ICE HOCKEY: THE EFFECT OF SKATE BLADE RADIUS OF HOLLOW

! c:, The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of skate blade radius of hollow (ROH) on anaerobic performance, specifically during the acceleration and stopping phases of an on-ice skating test. Fifteen, male Junior B hockey players (mean age 19 y ± 1.46) were recruited to participate. On-ice testing required each participant to complete an on-ice anaerobic performance test [Reed Repeat Skate (RRS)] on three separate days. During each on-ice test, the participant's skate blades were sharpened to one of three, randomly assigned, ROH values (0.63 cm, 1.27 cm, 1.90 cm). Performance times were recorded during each RRS and used to calculate anaerobic variables [anaerobic power (W), anaerobic capacity (W), and fatigue index (s, %)]. Each RRS was video recorded for the purpose of motion analysis. Video footage was imported into Peak Motus''"'* * to measure kinematic variables of the acceleration and stopping phases. The specific variables calculated fi-om the acceleration phase were: average velocity over 6 m (m/s), average stride length (m), and mean stride rate (strides/s). The specific variable