The relationship of the male ice hockey players' previous injury zone and type with their ice and land performances

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between male hockey players' past injuries; the affected body part and its type, in comparison to the players' performance on-ice and off-ice. The research was conducted on 50 professional male hockey players, mean age of 23,8±5,3 years. Physical and demographical characteristics of the events were observed and recorded. Subsequently, a survey was conducted in regard to their previously sustained injuries; the affected parts, its types, mechanisms, the time since the occurances and time-loss duration. Ultimately, the players' physical performance was evaluated. Respecting the evaluation of physical performance, the following tests were applied; firstly on-ice, 30m sprint as a speed indicator, broad jump as a leg power indicator, push up as an indicator of power and endurance on upper-extremity, hexagon agility to indicate agility, plank to observe the main muscles, secondly off-ice, 30m sprint test as a speed indicator, and cornering s turn agility to observe the participants' agility. A correlation was found in between the number of push ups and left hand, and right knee injuries. Further correlation was found between push up tests and dislocation type injuries. Among the injury mechanisms, particularly puck injury and cornering s turn agility results, in regarded to excessive usage injury, there was a correlation between 30m sprint and hexagon agility test values. As a result, amongst the performance tests, push up test presents itself as the distinctive one. In addition, a correlation between the assessments observed on-ice, and as an indicator of the core muscle power; plank test was established. Keywords: Ice hockey, physical performance, injury