I had played hockey at a decent level. At least my name registers on hockeydb.com. Their are a couple of points that I will weigh in on.
The NHL combine to me is time wasted. I would much rather see all of those players on the ice at the same time. If each team wants to test players physically in groups or as individuals they should get the chance. Only two stats should matter from the combine. Height and weight just as a baseline to have one person(s)
measure them to get even numbers across the board. This is the question that I always ask in my head. Is it better to see a kid with a low level of fitness who has lots of room to grow. Or is it better to see a kid who is a physical freak who is clearly dedicated but may be maxed out. The combine favors the kids who are in better shape but when you look at the results years later the kids who were at or near the top are rarely ever the best players from the draft.
That running test is a joke. Sure hockey players usually play a minute at max per shift but they have great leg strength. To me running is more of a mental sport than a physical sport. The reason as to why I say that is because people run/jog and the reason as to why they stop is because their mind tells them that they can not go any further. Sure their lungs or legs may be burning but they are still capable of keep going. We have all seen those clips of long distance runners who just collapse because their bodies can not physically go any further. Hockey players are great at getting a second and third wind. Running two miles is the same. You can start off and speed up in intervals.
Hockey players are in great shape just not in areas that make them look like beasts. Go work out a gym, see how many people there compliment you by saying 'you have really good hip flexors'. That never happens. Hockey players are in great shape core down. They work on their legs and more less isolate the smaller muscles to personalize their bodies physic to the muscles used more in their sport. If you look at players upper bodies they could leave a lot to be desired. You rarely ever hear of players lifting during season. Other than upper body for shot strength (shot speed is more repetition and technique over pure strength though) and the actual hitting and pushing part of the game. Some players can carry a little extra upper body weight and it will not effect their game.
One of my all time favorite athlete quotes was from the pitcher David Wells. A reporter asked him how often he worked out on his arms for pitch strength. He said something to the effect of that he never works out. You can pull a muscle but you can't pull fat.
The NHL combine to me is time wasted. I would much rather see all of those players on the ice at the same time. If each team wants to test players physically in groups or as individuals they should get the chance. Only two stats should matter from the combine. Height and weight just as a baseline to have one person(s)
measure them to get even numbers across the board. This is the question that I always ask in my head. Is it better to see a kid with a low level of fitness who has lots of room to grow. Or is it better to see a kid who is a physical freak who is clearly dedicated but may be maxed out. The combine favors the kids who are in better shape but when you look at the results years later the kids who were at or near the top are rarely ever the best players from the draft.
That running test is a joke. Sure hockey players usually play a minute at max per shift but they have great leg strength. To me running is more of a mental sport than a physical sport. The reason as to why I say that is because people run/jog and the reason as to why they stop is because their mind tells them that they can not go any further. Sure their lungs or legs may be burning but they are still capable of keep going. We have all seen those clips of long distance runners who just collapse because their bodies can not physically go any further. Hockey players are great at getting a second and third wind. Running two miles is the same. You can start off and speed up in intervals.
Hockey players are in great shape just not in areas that make them look like beasts. Go work out a gym, see how many people there compliment you by saying 'you have really good hip flexors'. That never happens. Hockey players are in great shape core down. They work on their legs and more less isolate the smaller muscles to personalize their bodies physic to the muscles used more in their sport. If you look at players upper bodies they could leave a lot to be desired. You rarely ever hear of players lifting during season. Other than upper body for shot strength (shot speed is more repetition and technique over pure strength though) and the actual hitting and pushing part of the game. Some players can carry a little extra upper body weight and it will not effect their game.
One of my all time favorite athlete quotes was from the pitcher David Wells. A reporter asked him how often he worked out on his arms for pitch strength. He said something to the effect of that he never works out. You can pull a muscle but you can't pull fat.
