Identifying Shape: Run to Glide in Ice Hockey

I had the opportunity to speak several weeks ago at the SCAPH conference in Phoenix, Arizona.  My chat was titled: “From Theory to Ice:  Creating a Biomechanical Model for Ice Hockey.”  The challenge for me was taking bits of information (much of which has been published in academia) and mixing it with my practical experience and iPhone App (I currently use Dartfish Express but am in the process of trialing a new ai technology) to create a working model.  I do believe that kinematic analysis on the ice is critical for return to play.  Think about this for a second!  Collecting baseline information re: shape and efficiency on the ice may be the most valid measure for performance.  Validity is a broad concept but narrowly applied.  Validity is context dependent.  Context matters.  Environment matters.  Skill matters. 

 In creating this working model, I relied on simple heuristics involving shape and efficiency (outlined in blue).  Other variables such as limb-length and muscle architecture are important but more difficult to “change” for us as coaches. 

 Shape = Input, Efficiency = Output

Input + Output = Outcome

 Shape

 Here is what I look for (much thanks to Stu McMillan):

• Pelvis (neutral)

• + Shin angle

• Ankles stiff

• Acute trunk segmental angle

• Split of thighs

How should it look (much thanks to Derek Hansen)

Line 1:  Long leaning axis:  Enables coaches to view trunk segmental angle, pelvis, and ankles

Line 2:  Shank:  Enables coaches to view + shin angle and foot strike

Line 3:  Hips:  Enables coaches to view split of thighs

Line 4:  Shoulder:  enables coaches to view obliquity between the hips and shoulders

 We video, measure and catalogue these shapes.  Certainly, no shape is the same, but grossly deviating away from them in the face of injury (after teasing out capacity vs technique issues) may be the future of iterating return to play decisions and improving process outcomes.