Recoil Effect of the Ice Hockey Stick during a Slap Shot

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the “recoil” effect of the ice hockey stick shaft during a stationary slap shot. Nine male adult subjects (four elite and five recreational) were tested. Their performances were evaluated by simultaneously recording stick movement and internal bending from high-speed digital video (1,000 Hz) and puck acceleration from a triaxial accelerometer positioned inside the puck. In addition, an electrical circuit measured blade–puck contact time. Data were analyzed with a one-way MANOVA for several dependent variables, including final puck velocity, puck acceleration, maximum stick shaft bending (angle and distance deflection), stick shaft angular velocities, blade–puck contact time, and corresponding time events. The results indicate the following. First, blade–puck contact time was greater for the elite than for recreational players (38 ± 9 ms and 27 ± 5 ms); however, measures for puck acceleration were essentially the same (63.8 g ± 9.9 and 61.8 g ± 19.5). Two, the elite players were able to generate greater puck velocities (120 ± 18 km/h and 80.3 ± 11.6 km/h). Three, the recoil timing was found to be greater for elite players (59.8% of blade–puck contact).