Complete Hockey Standard Combine
Complete Hockey Standard Combine
The Tests Our combination of on and off-ice tests provide athletes, coaches, and scouts with accurate sport-specific performance metrics that reveal athlete strengths and weaknesses in a tangible, actionable way.
Off-Ice Testing 1.
Height & Weight
The athlete’s Height & Weight measurements are used as a bench mark to monitor growth and development. 2. Hand Grip Strength Right & Left The Hand Grip Strength tests are used to measure the maximal isometric strength of the forearm and hand muscles. This measurement correlates to upper body strength. A handgrip dynamometer is used to take this measurement and the average of two attempts is recorded. 3. Seated Medicine Ball Chest Toss The Seated Medicine Ball Chess Toss is used to evaluate upper body strength and explosive power; athletes have two attempts to throw a 4kg medicine ball as far as possible from a seated position. The best attempt is recorded. 4. Vertical Jump The Vertical Jump is used to assess an athlete’s vertical leg power. After the athlete’s reach height is taken, they will position themselves under the Vertec, jump and touch the highest point possible. Athletes may not move their feet before take-off (i.e. no lead off step). A maximum of two jumps will be allowed. The vertical jump height is determined by the athlete’s jump height minus the reach height.
5. Standing Broad Jump Standing Broad Jump is used to measure horizontal leg power. Athletes must stick the landing (no touch down with hand or additional movement of feet upon landing) or else the jump will be disqualified. The jump distance is measured from the take-off line to the heel of the foot closest to the take-off line. The best jump of two attempts is recorded. 6. 20m Sprint The 20m Sprint is used to measure an athlete’s speed and acceleration. Athletes will start from a stationary position behind the starting gate and run as quickly as possible to the finish line. The athlete’s best time of two attempts is recorded. 7. Pro Agility Pro Agility is used to determine an athlete’s agility and body control. Athletes start facing the lighted gate. Once the light is a solid colour the athlete can start the test. In Pro Agility Right, as seen in the diagram, the athlete sprints to the flags on the left (path 1), touches the line, sprints to the flags on the right (path 2), touches the line and then sprints through the gate (path 3). Pro Agility Left is a mirror image of the Pro Agility Right sequence. Each athlete will have one attempt in each direction Athlete Path for Pro Agility Right and the best time will be recorded.
On-Ice Testing Player Testing There are three phases to the on-ice testing. Phase 1 consists of the 30m Sprints and the Reaction test. It tests an athlete’s linear speed and acceleration, as well as, reaction time and lateral agility. Phase 2 consists of the Weave Agility which demonstrates an athlete’s forward acceleration, agility and ability to maintain speed while performing multi-directional movement. Phase 3 is the Transition Agility test. The transition assesses an athlete’s agility and directional transitions between forwards and backwards skating. These tests are completed with and without the puck to challenge the athlete in fundamentals of skating and puck control. A detailed description and diagrams of each on-ice drill, along with its purpose is included in this section.
1.
30m Sprint
The purpose of the 30m Sprint is to evaluate an athlete’s forward and backward acceleration and speed. In addition, the test is used to determine the athlete’s puck control competency in a linear direction. The four 30m Sprint configurations are; Forward Sprint Forward Sprint with Puck
Backward Sprint Backward Sprint with Puck
Athletes start behind the start gate and when ready sprint through the finish gate. For each configuration one attempt is given. 2. Reaction The Reaction test is to evaluate an athlete’s reaction time to an unplanned change of direction and lateral agility with and without the puck. The skater is required to react to a random visual signal (a red or green light) as indicated by the proceeding gate. Based on the colour indicated, the athlete must either skate around the course flag on the right (red) or left side (green) before proceeding through the next gate. 3. Weave Agility The Weave Agility test is an excellent way to evaluate an athlete’s forward acceleration and ability to maintain speed while performing multi-directional changes. Athletes perform this drill once while controlling a puck and once without a puck. Athletes must sprint up the start lane, weave in and out between the flags, and finish by sprinting down the finish lane through the gate. This test’s layout requires the athletes to manoeuvre tight turns, working their edges while maintaining puck control, forcing them to play “heads up hockey”. 4. Transition Agility The Transition Agility test is used to evaluate an athlete’s agility and directional transitions between forwards and backwards skating. An athlete must be able to change direction quickly while keeping their footwork clean. Athletes get a single attempt at this test with and without a puck. In the transition, athletes follow a figure eight pattern around four flags (refer to the drill layout on the following page).
Layout for Each On-Ice Player Test
Each diagram includes the athlete’s path as well as the direction they will be skating in. To help understand each diagram a legend has been included.
Weave Agility
30m Sprint
Forward Skating Backward Skating
Reaction
Transition
Goalie Testing The goalie testing is organized into three phases. Phase 1 and 2 consist of Long and Short Recovery tests, for both the left and right side. Phase 3 consists of the Y-Drill Reaction Pad Slide and Pro Agility Pad Slide. All tests are completed in full goalie gear, with stick in hand. Sticks must remain tight to the goalie and cannot be used to break the timing gate beams. The combination of tests simulate critical game play movements: challenging shooters, covering angles, reading and reacting, etc. Good scores depend not just on reaction and movement speed but also efficiency and control. Movements must be crisp and clean, while avoiding overreactions. These baseline goalie tests are suitable for assessing goalies of varying styles. 1. Short Recovery The purpose of the Short Recovery test is to evaluate;
lateral crease mobility in both directions movement speed and body control in a tight space transitional speed from upright readiness to butterfly
In the Short Recovery Left to Right, the goalie starts in standing position, with their left pad tight to the left post. The test begins when the coach breaks the start beam at the left. The goalie then swivels to the front centre of the crease, breaking a low beam with a butterfly pad slide. The goalie then executes another butterfly pad slide to their right, and ends by covering the right post tightly in a butterfly position breaking the beam. The Right to Left version is the same, but starts on the right side. One attempt in each direction is allowed. 2. Long Recovery The purpose of the Long Recovery tests is to evaluate:
explosive speed out of the net lateral movement across the crease in both directions positional transition speed between upright and butterfly movement speed and body control over a distance
In the Long Recovery Left to Right, the goalie starts in standing position, with their left skate tight to the left post (the full pad does not have to cover the post tightly). The coach starts the test by breaking the start beam to the goalies left. Upon the initiation of the test the left gate will light, the goalie skates forward breaking the beam by dropping to their pads, squares to face front and immediately butterfly pad slides to the right (across the front of the crease) to break the beam of the right side gate. The Right to Left version is completed in a mirror image of that described above. One attempt in each direction is allowed.
3. Y-Drill Reaction Pad Slide The purpose of the Y-Drill Reaction Pad Slide is to evaluate;
reaction speed total response time multi-directional movement and agility
For the Y-Drill, the goalie starts in standing position with their back to the start gate, just past the top of the crease. In addition, there are two reactive gates set up to the right and left of the goal. When ready the goalie skates backwards breaking the beam initiating the test. This action triggers one of the reaction gates to light at random, thus indicating the goalie must break the beam. Once the beam of the lit gate is broken, the goalie must reset the gates by skating to the top of the crease to break the beam of the start gate. This will trigger the next reaction gate to light and the process is repeated for 6 intervals. Scores are given for left and right movement speed. Goalies have one attempt at this drill. 4. Pro Agility Pad Slide The purpose of the Pro Agility Pad Slide is to evaluate;
leg power stopping ability directional change and lateral movement ability to maintaining low coverage and stick control
Athlete Path for Pro Agility
The athlete path for the Pro Agility Pad Slide, is the same as the one completed for the off-ice pro agility test. The major difference is the orientation in which the goalie must complete the test. Goalies must start the test in a kneeling position, to move to the right or left they may only pushing off with the trailing skate, while the lead pad slides along the ice. For example, as goalie moves left, left pad is flat on the ice in half butterfly position and the momentum is derived from the right skate. The goalie must maintain a front facing position, while travelling laterally. Goalies have one attempt at each drill.
The Tests Our combination of on and off-ice tests provide athletes, coaches, and scouts with accurate sport-specific performance metrics that reveal athlete strengths and weaknesses in a tangible, actionable way.
Off-Ice Testing 1.
Height & Weight
The athlete’s Height & Weight measurements are used as a bench mark to monitor growth and development. 2. Hand Grip Strength Right & Left The Hand Grip Strength tests are used to measure the maximal isometric strength of the forearm and hand muscles. This measurement correlates to upper body strength. A handgrip dynamometer is used to take this measurement and the average of two attempts is recorded. 3. Seated Medicine Ball Chest Toss The Seated Medicine Ball Chess Toss is used to evaluate upper body strength and explosive power; athletes have two attempts to throw a 4kg medicine ball as far as possible from a seated position. The best attempt is recorded. 4. Vertical Jump The Vertical Jump is used to assess an athlete’s vertical leg power. After the athlete’s reach height is taken, they will position themselves under the Vertec, jump and touch the highest point possible. Athletes may not move their feet before take-off (i.e. no lead off step). A maximum of two jumps will be allowed. The vertical jump height is determined by the athlete’s jump height minus the reach height.
5. Standing Broad Jump Standing Broad Jump is used to measure horizontal leg power. Athletes must stick the landing (no touch down with hand or additional movement of feet upon landing) or else the jump will be disqualified. The jump distance is measured from the take-off line to the heel of the foot closest to the take-off line. The best jump of two attempts is recorded. 6. 20m Sprint The 20m Sprint is used to measure an athlete’s speed and acceleration. Athletes will start from a stationary position behind the starting gate and run as quickly as possible to the finish line. The athlete’s best time of two attempts is recorded. 7. Pro Agility Pro Agility is used to determine an athlete’s agility and body control. Athletes start facing the lighted gate. Once the light is a solid colour the athlete can start the test. In Pro Agility Right, as seen in the diagram, the athlete sprints to the flags on the left (path 1), touches the line, sprints to the flags on the right (path 2), touches the line and then sprints through the gate (path 3). Pro Agility Left is a mirror image of the Pro Agility Right sequence. Each athlete will have one attempt in each direction Athlete Path for Pro Agility Right and the best time will be recorded.
On-Ice Testing Player Testing There are three phases to the on-ice testing. Phase 1 consists of the 30m Sprints and the Reaction test. It tests an athlete’s linear speed and acceleration, as well as, reaction time and lateral agility. Phase 2 consists of the Weave Agility which demonstrates an athlete’s forward acceleration, agility and ability to maintain speed while performing multi-directional movement. Phase 3 is the Transition Agility test. The transition assesses an athlete’s agility and directional transitions between forwards and backwards skating. These tests are completed with and without the puck to challenge the athlete in fundamentals of skating and puck control. A detailed description and diagrams of each on-ice drill, along with its purpose is included in this section.
1.
30m Sprint
The purpose of the 30m Sprint is to evaluate an athlete’s forward and backward acceleration and speed. In addition, the test is used to determine the athlete’s puck control competency in a linear direction. The four 30m Sprint configurations are; Forward Sprint Forward Sprint with Puck
Backward Sprint Backward Sprint with Puck
Athletes start behind the start gate and when ready sprint through the finish gate. For each configuration one attempt is given. 2. Reaction The Reaction test is to evaluate an athlete’s reaction time to an unplanned change of direction and lateral agility with and without the puck. The skater is required to react to a random visual signal (a red or green light) as indicated by the proceeding gate. Based on the colour indicated, the athlete must either skate around the course flag on the right (red) or left side (green) before proceeding through the next gate. 3. Weave Agility The Weave Agility test is an excellent way to evaluate an athlete’s forward acceleration and ability to maintain speed while performing multi-directional changes. Athletes perform this drill once while controlling a puck and once without a puck. Athletes must sprint up the start lane, weave in and out between the flags, and finish by sprinting down the finish lane through the gate. This test’s layout requires the athletes to manoeuvre tight turns, working their edges while maintaining puck control, forcing them to play “heads up hockey”. 4. Transition Agility The Transition Agility test is used to evaluate an athlete’s agility and directional transitions between forwards and backwards skating. An athlete must be able to change direction quickly while keeping their footwork clean. Athletes get a single attempt at this test with and without a puck. In the transition, athletes follow a figure eight pattern around four flags (refer to the drill layout on the following page).
Layout for Each On-Ice Player Test
Each diagram includes the athlete’s path as well as the direction they will be skating in. To help understand each diagram a legend has been included.
Weave Agility
30m Sprint
Forward Skating Backward Skating
Reaction
Transition
Goalie Testing The goalie testing is organized into three phases. Phase 1 and 2 consist of Long and Short Recovery tests, for both the left and right side. Phase 3 consists of the Y-Drill Reaction Pad Slide and Pro Agility Pad Slide. All tests are completed in full goalie gear, with stick in hand. Sticks must remain tight to the goalie and cannot be used to break the timing gate beams. The combination of tests simulate critical game play movements: challenging shooters, covering angles, reading and reacting, etc. Good scores depend not just on reaction and movement speed but also efficiency and control. Movements must be crisp and clean, while avoiding overreactions. These baseline goalie tests are suitable for assessing goalies of varying styles. 1. Short Recovery The purpose of the Short Recovery test is to evaluate;
lateral crease mobility in both directions movement speed and body control in a tight space transitional speed from upright readiness to butterfly
In the Short Recovery Left to Right, the goalie starts in standing position, with their left pad tight to the left post. The test begins when the coach breaks the start beam at the left. The goalie then swivels to the front centre of the crease, breaking a low beam with a butterfly pad slide. The goalie then executes another butterfly pad slide to their right, and ends by covering the right post tightly in a butterfly position breaking the beam. The Right to Left version is the same, but starts on the right side. One attempt in each direction is allowed. 2. Long Recovery The purpose of the Long Recovery tests is to evaluate:
explosive speed out of the net lateral movement across the crease in both directions positional transition speed between upright and butterfly movement speed and body control over a distance
In the Long Recovery Left to Right, the goalie starts in standing position, with their left skate tight to the left post (the full pad does not have to cover the post tightly). The coach starts the test by breaking the start beam to the goalies left. Upon the initiation of the test the left gate will light, the goalie skates forward breaking the beam by dropping to their pads, squares to face front and immediately butterfly pad slides to the right (across the front of the crease) to break the beam of the right side gate. The Right to Left version is completed in a mirror image of that described above. One attempt in each direction is allowed.
3. Y-Drill Reaction Pad Slide The purpose of the Y-Drill Reaction Pad Slide is to evaluate;
reaction speed total response time multi-directional movement and agility
For the Y-Drill, the goalie starts in standing position with their back to the start gate, just past the top of the crease. In addition, there are two reactive gates set up to the right and left of the goal. When ready the goalie skates backwards breaking the beam initiating the test. This action triggers one of the reaction gates to light at random, thus indicating the goalie must break the beam. Once the beam of the lit gate is broken, the goalie must reset the gates by skating to the top of the crease to break the beam of the start gate. This will trigger the next reaction gate to light and the process is repeated for 6 intervals. Scores are given for left and right movement speed. Goalies have one attempt at this drill. 4. Pro Agility Pad Slide The purpose of the Pro Agility Pad Slide is to evaluate;
leg power stopping ability directional change and lateral movement ability to maintaining low coverage and stick control
Athlete Path for Pro Agility
The athlete path for the Pro Agility Pad Slide, is the same as the one completed for the off-ice pro agility test. The major difference is the orientation in which the goalie must complete the test. Goalies must start the test in a kneeling position, to move to the right or left they may only pushing off with the trailing skate, while the lead pad slides along the ice. For example, as goalie moves left, left pad is flat on the ice in half butterfly position and the momentum is derived from the right skate. The goalie must maintain a front facing position, while travelling laterally. Goalies have one attempt at each drill.
