Effects of Finnish and Canadian training models on on-ice and off-ice speed performance in U9 ice hockey players

Abstract

Speed development is a key component of performance enhancement in youth ice hockey training systems. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Finnish and Canadian training models on the development of speed abilities in U9 ice hockey players. METHODS: Twenty-two players were evenly assigned to two performance-balanced groups that completed either the Finnish training model (n = 11) or the Canadian training model (n = 11) focused on speed development. Training effectiveness was evaluated using recommended skating tests of the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation performed on ice (36 m forward and backward, 3 × 6 m, Y test, two lengths) and off-ice running tests (30 m, 3 × 6 m, standing long jump, 200 m, Y test). Baseline and post-intervention assessments were performed. Owing to the characteristics of the data distribution, non-parametric tests of statistical significance (W, U) and effect size (r) were applied. RESULTS: At baseline, both groups demonstrated comparable levels of motor performance across all variables (p > .05). Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in both groups in all on-ice skating speed tests (p < .01), reflecting the effectiveness of the applied on-ice training stimuli. Improvements were also recorded in several off-ice tests (p < .01). However, no positive changes were found in selected off-ice running tests. In the Finnish model group, performance in the 30 m and 200 m runs remained unchanged (p > .05), whereas in the Canadian model group, performance in the 200 m run significantly declined (p < .01). When comparing the magnitude of changes between groups, significantly greater improvements were observed in favor of the Canadian model across most variables (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Both training models proved to be effective in enhancing specific on-ice speed performance in U9 ice hockey players. However, when comparing the magnitude of performance changes, significantly greater improvements were observed in the Canadian model.