Draft:NHL draft combine
{{Mdy|date=May 2024}}
History
In 1994, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau held the first draft combine with 77 forwards, 49 defencemen, and 6 goaltenders.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/the-evolution-of-the-nhl-draft-combine/|title=The evolution of the NHL Draft Combine|last=Joyce|first=Gare|publisher=Rogers Media|date=June 4, 2015|website=Sportsnet.ca|accessdate=May 10, 2024}} It was hosted in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, near Toronto.{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Matt |date=2015-06-08 |title=Questions Begin at Third Draft Slot as Top Prospects Perform at Combine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/08/sports/hockey/questions-begin-at-third-draft-slot-as-top-prospects-perform-at-combine.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In Mississauga, combine events were held in a hotel and the International Centre conference center, with fitness tests taking place in the ballroom and interviews being held in hotel rooms.{{Cite web |last=Sapurji |first=Sunaya |title=How prospects prepare for the NHL Draft Combine and what it's like to take the dreaded VO2 Max test |url=https://theathletic.com/1005104/2019/06/03/how-prospects-prepare-for-the-nhl-draft-combine-and-what-its-like-to-take-the-dreaded-vo2-max-test/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Godin |first=Marc Antoine |title=How the NHL combine has entered the information age like never before |url=https://theathletic.com/379313/2018/06/04/how-the-nhl-combine-has-entered-the-information-age-like-never-before/ |accessdate=May 10, 2024 |website=The Athletic |language=en}} Early draft combines received little media attention.
In 2015, the combine moved to First Niagara Center and Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York, United States, after the Buffalo Sabres submitted a bid in 2014.{{Cite web |last=Vogl |first=John |date=2014-06-01 |title=HarborCenter hopes to land NHL Scouting Combine |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/harborcenter-hopes-to-land-nhl-scouting-combine/article_bf540e95-c7a3-5392-8872-0302c4a389ac.html |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Buffalo News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NHL combine move to Buffalo prompts on-ice testing proposal |url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/nhl/2015/06/07/nhl-combine-move-to-buffalo/24859343007/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Erie Times-News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=NHL Scouting Combine features new look, location - NHL.com - News |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=761694 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}} One of the key points of the Sabres' bid was the ability to implement on-ice testing, though this was not implemented. The NHL initially agreed to allow the Sabres to host the combine for two years,{{Cite web |last=Yerdon |first=Joe |date=2015-06-07 |title=Buffalo leaves lasting impression as setting for 2015 NHL Scouting Combine |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=770086 |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=NHL.com |language=en}} and the combine has continued to be hosted in Buffalo.
In 2020 and 2021, the combine was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though many teams held virtual interviews.{{Cite web |last=Loftus |first=Mike |title=Norwell's Drew Commesso hopes to hear his name called early in the NHL Draft |url=https://www.patriotledger.com/story/sports/pro/2020/10/06/norwells-drew-commesso-hopes-to-hear-his-name-called-early-in-nhl-draft/42730151/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Patriot Ledger |language=en-US}} In 2023, Central Scouting introduced an app for players to access their profile and schedule.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title=Scouting Combine discussed on 'NHL Draft Class' podcast {{!}} NHL.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/scouting-combine-discussed-on-nhl-draft-class-podcast-344666608 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}}
Selection
{{Cite web |title=Complete list of all 114 players invited to the NHL Combine |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/complete-list-114-players-invited-nhl-combine/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.sportsnet.ca |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NHL Central Scouting |url=https://link.nhl.com/centralscouting/public/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=NHL}}
Each year, top prospects are invited to the combine. The number of players invited has changed over time. In 2015, 120 players were invited to the combine, with about 75 being chosen by NHL Central Scouting and the rest being chosen by a vote of NHL teams and scouting directors. Mike Marr, director of Central Scouting, said: "Our goal is to have players at the combine that the teams want to interview." Due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian prospects playing in Russia have not been invited to the combine.{{Cite web |last=Masisak |first=Corey |title=What we're hearing about the Sharks and the NHL Draft at the scouting combine |url=https://theathletic.com/4600060/2023/06/11/sharks-2023-nhl-draft-pick/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Godin |first=Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine |title=Basu and Godin: What we heard at the NHL Combine about the Canadiens |url=https://theathletic.com/3350951/2022/06/06/basu-and-godin-canadiens-information-was-floating-around-at-the-nhl-combine-heres-what-we-heard/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}
Structure
{{Cite web |last=Dilks |first=Chris |date=2008-05-28 |title=NHL Combine |url=https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2008/05/nhl-combine.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=SB Nation College Hockey |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |title=NHL Draft Combine 2023: Dates, Schedule, Format and Top Prospects |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10078075-nhl-draft-combine-2023-dates-schedule-format-and-top-prospects |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Shinzawa |first=Fluto |date=2016-05-29 |title=Bruins are on a talent hunt at NHL Combine - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/bruins/2016/05/29/bruins-prepare-for-nhl-combine/LDqadNI30TE2ku8tj0EE5J/story.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite book |last=Snow |first=Kevin |title=The Science of Hockey: The Math, Technology, and Data Behind the Sport |date=2023-01-03 |publisher=Sports Publishing LLC |isbn=9781683584667}}
= Medical tests =
psychological testing: apparently 2-part on a computer with ~220 questions (introduced 2007?), but unable to find RS
= Fitness tests =
2015 summary{{Cite report |url=http://avalanche.nhl.com/v2/ext/draft/2015/Combine/2015_Combine_Fitness_Test_Event_Summary_FINAL.pdf |title=2015 Combine Fitness Test Event Summary |date=2015 |publisher=NHL |access-date=2014-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614183554/http://avalanche.nhl.com/v2/ext/draft/2015/Combine/2015_Combine_Fitness_Test_Event_Summary_FINAL.pdf |archive-date=2016-06-14 |url-status=dead}} note: this says measurements are to nearest .2 cm
{{Cite web |title=NHL Combine gives teams full scope of top prospects for 2014 NHL Draft |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=720546 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NHL.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Combine provides NHL teams with well-rounded look |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=632652 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=NHL.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Combine invitees get ready for physical tests |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=530326 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NHL.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=2023 NHL Combine Fitness Testing Breakdown {{!}} Colorado Avalanche |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/2023-nhl-combine-fitness-testing-breakdown-344806364 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}}
{{Cite web |title=NHL Draft Testing |url=https://www.topendsports.com/sport/icehockey/nhl-draft.htm |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.topendsports.com}}[not RS; do not use]
From 1994 to 2014, the fitness testing was overseen by kinesiologist Norman Gledhill of York University.[find more recent cite?/who oversees in Buffalo?][found no details about Gledhill overseeing after 2014]
y-balance{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Giana |date=2022-06-01 |title=NHL draft combine: Previewing each test the top prospects will be put through this week |url=https://www.inquirer.com/flyers/nhl-draft-combine-physical-testing-flyers-20220601.html |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=Inquirer.com |language=en}} added in 2015https://web.archive.org/web/20150607152646/http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=40131
== Functional movement screen ==
The functional movement screen (FMS) was introduced to the combine in 2013. In the functional movement screen, prospects complete seven tests of their mobility and stability to determine functional limitations or asymmetries. The seven tests evaluate the prospects' deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability pushup, and rotary stability. For each test, they receive a score, 0–3, which accumulates to a final score out of 21.{{Cite web |title=2023 NHL Combine results: Top 10 prospects in every drill |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/2023-nhl-combine-results-top-10-prospects-in-every-drill/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Sportsnet.ca |language=en}} Lower scores may indicate risk of future injury.
details{{Cite journal |last1=Rowan |first1=Chip P. |last2=Kuropkat |first2=Christiane |last3=Gumieniak |first3=Robert J. |last4=Gledhill |first4=Norman |last5=Jamnik |first5=Veronica K. |date=May 2015 |title=Integration of the functional movement screen into the National Hockey League Combine |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25719918/ |journal=Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |volume=29 |issue=5 |pages=1163–1171 |doi=10.1519/JSC.0000000000000757 |issn=1533-4287 |pmid=25719918}}{{Cite web |title=Combine test could provide red flag for injuries |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=671816 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=NHL.com |language=en}}
"There is a science to the screening with documented history which shows that a player scoring 14 out of 21 has a 75-percent likelihood to incur a muscular or joint injury." original study??
== Grip strength ==
Grip strength of both hands is tested with a hand grip dynamometer.
== Aerobic fitness ==
Prospects' aerobic fitness is measured via VO2 max. Wearing a heart rate monitor and a mask to monitor his oxygen utilization, the prospect must maintain a minimum number{{How much|date=June 2025|reason=might vary by year?}} of revolutions per minute (RPM).{{Cite web |date=2019-05-28 |title=Guide to the NHL scouting combine: What to expect from each test |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/23639169/guide-nhl-scouting-combine-expect-test |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Resistance increases over the course of the test. The test concludes when the prospect fails to maintain the requisite RPM. Prospects may feel sick or vomit after the test.
== Body composition ==
Prospects' height (barefoot) and wingspan (middle finger tip to middle finger tip) are measured to the nearest quarter inch. Body fat percentage is also measured.
weight
== Jumping ==
Prospects are measured on their horizontal and vertical jumping abilities.
In the standing long jump, prospects begin standing still and jump forward as far as they can. They are allowed to use their arms to assist the movement.
At the jump station, a force plate measures prospects' direction, strength, and timing in three vertical jump types: vertical jump (with arm swing), vertical jump (without arm swing; hands on hips), and squat jump (squat start; hands on hips). Prospects are allowed three attempts for each jump type, and their highest jump is recorded.
The force plate was introduced in 2018. this source says introduced in 2015??
== Bench press ==
Prospects bench press 50% of their body weight, performing three repetitions. Prospects start with their arms fully extended, after which they lower the barbell to their chest, pause, and push it up as quickly as possible. The power (watts/kilogram) and velocity of the attempt is recorded.
"In 2015, the test was changed from being the number of reps at 150 lbs to the number of reps at 70-80% of body weight. In 2018 it was changed again, maximum power measured at 50% bodyweight."{{Cite web |title=NHL Draft Combine Results |url=https://www.topendsports.com/sport/icehockey/nhl-combine-results.htm |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.topendsports.com}}[find better cite?]
== Shuttle run ==
Prospects complete two {{convert|5|–|10|–|adj=on|sigfig=1|5|yd|m}} shuttle runs to evaluate their agility—one to the left, and one to the right. This test is also called pro-agility.
== Pull-up ==
Maintaining correct technique, the prospects complete as many pull-ups as they can. The test was added in 2014.
== Anaerobic fitness ==
Prospects' anaerobic fitness is measured via the Wingate Cycle Ergometer Test. Considered "one of the most notorious and feared tests of the combine", the Wingate test requires that prospects demonstrate their maximum power on a stationary bicycle. Prospects may feel sick or vomit after the test.{{Cite news |last=Shinzawa |first=Fluto |date=2025-05-31 |title=How NHL combine participants prep for their ‘biggest job interview’: Wingate, weighted chin-ups, more |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6377797/2025/05/31/nhl-draft-scouting-combine-preparation/ |access-date=2025-06-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}
Prior to the 2018 combine, players had to cycle for 30{{Nbsp}}seconds, with increasing resistance. Beginning in 2018, the total testing period was 45{{Nbsp}}seconds: 10{{Nbsp}}seconds of cycling followed by alternating 5-second intervals of rest and cycling.
> Prospects warm up for two minutes at low resistance, then sprint for 30{{Nbsp}}seconds with resistance of 7.5% of their body weight.{{Cite journal |last=Schleper |first=Alexander |last2=Ewharekuko-Rempel |first2=Meaghan |last3=Scribbans |first3=Trisha |last4=Anzalone |first4=Robert |last5=Villar |first5=Rodrigo |date=2022-01-13 |title=Effects of Dynamic Warm-Up on Anaerobic Performance: A Randomized, Counterbalanced, and Cross-Over Study |url=https://rissjournal.org/en/effects-of-dynamic-warm-up-on-anaerobic-performance-a-randomized-counterbalanced-and-cross-over-study-13248 |journal=Research in Sports Science |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=39–46 |doi=10.5152/rss.2021.21007}} (unclear if this was always the case)
Prospects receive verbal encouragement while completing the test.{{Cite web |last=Bay |first=Jim |date=2023-06-10 |title=The Most Grueling Prospect Test at the NHL Combine |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/most-grueling-prospect-test-nhl-combine/ |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=The Hockey Writers}}
[this seems like the best explanation of the modern test]
{{Cite web |date=2025-06-07 |title=2025 NHL Combine results: Top 10 prospects in every drill |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/article/2025-nhl-combine-results-top-10-prospects-in-every-drill/ |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=Sportsnet}}
= Interviews =
{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Michael |title=NHL prospects do it all but dance |url=https://www.startribune.com/nhl-prospects-do-it-all-but-dance/124138114/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Star Tribune |agency=The Canadian Press}}https://edmontonsun.com/2014/06/26/interview-phase-for-nhl-prospects-has-them-answering-some-pretty-bizarre-questions{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Cam |date=2025-06-06 |title=The Evolution of the NHL Draft Combine: From Muscle to Mind and Why it Matters |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/news/nhl/the-evolution-of-the-nhl-draft-combine-from-muscle-to-mind-and-why-it-matters |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=Elite Prospects}}
self published description of conducting interview{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Jack |date=2022-06-05 |title=How I ran an NHL Combine Interview |url=https://jhanhky.substack.com/p/how-i-ran-an-nhl-combine-interview |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Hockey Tactics Newsletter}}
Interviews take place in 15–20 minute blocks.{{Cite web |last=Dayal |first=Harman |title=What is an NHL draft prospect interview actually like? The secrets behind the process |url=https://theathletic.com/4602483/2023/06/12/nhl-draft-prospects-2023/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Combine testing gives teams a feel for prospects |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=530130 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=NHL.com |language=en}} Teams vary in their approach to interviews. Interviewers may include the general manager, scouts, advisors, and psychologists. Sometimes, the team's president or owner will take part. The NHL can provide interpreters for players who are not comfortable with their English-speaking abilities. Interviews often include a set of general questions about the prospect's history, style of play, and personality.{{Cite web |title=Scout's Analysis: Observations from the 2023 NHL Draft Combine |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/scouts-analysis-observations-from-the-2023-nhl-draft-combine/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Sportsnet.ca |language=en}} European players may be asked about their contract status in their home league. Questions are usually centered around prospects' on-ice performance, and interviewers may try to ask difficult questions to see how players react when challenged. Some teams, such as the Montreal Canadiens, ask unusual questions like: "What kind of animal would you be?"{{Cite news |last=Clipperton |first=Joshua |date=2023-06-10 |title=NHL teams, prospects have plenty to talk about at scouting combine |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl-scouting-combine-june-10-1.6872533 |access-date=2024-05-11 |work=CBC |agency=The Canadian Press}}
Teams may ask prospects to complete personality assessment forms, and they may psychoanalyze prospects through these forms or via interviews run by psychologists. Psychological testing may also take place outside of the combine week.{{Cite web |title=How NHL teams benefit from the Draft Combine interview process |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-teams-benefit-draft-combine-interview-process/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=www.sportsnet.ca |language=en}} Daniel Tkaczuk reported that at his draft combine in 1997, some teams conducted extra physical testing, provided puzzles or IQ tests, and conducted personality tests, and one team conducted x-ray scans on him.{{Cite web |last=Tkaczuk |first=Daniel |date=2011-06-05 |title=Inside NHL draft combine interviews |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/inside-nhl-draft-combine-interviews |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Hockey News |language=en}}
Prospects may be asked to analyze a video tape of their own game, or of the team's.(find better cite)
Some players also take part in dinner meetings; The Hockey News reported in 2023 that teams usually take 3–4 players to dinner.{{Cite web |last=Doerrie |first=Rachel |date=2023-06-26 |title=NHL Draft Mailbag: What Goes On Behind the Scenes |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-draft-mailbag-what-goes-on-behind-the-scenes |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=The Hockey News |language=en}} In 2018, the Detroit Red Wings took about 20 players to dinner.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Helene St |title=Detroit Red Wings use draft combine, steak dinner to size up prospects |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2018/06/02/red-wings-draft-possibilities-steak-dinner-combine/666150002/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} Outside of the combine, regional scouts may also interview prospects.
Prospects are trained on how to answer questions, often by their agents.{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Giana |date=2022-06-03 |title=NHL draft combine: Math quizzes, silly questions and character vetting — inside a prospect's interview with the Flyers |url=https://www.inquirer.com/flyers/flyers-nhl-draft-combine-interviews-20220603.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |language=en}}
Other testing
[possibly fold into "History" or "Selection" section?]
Canadiens European combine for uninvited players{{Cite web |date=2018-06-07 |title=Canadiens hosting combine at Bell Sports Complex {{!}} Montréal Canadiens |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/canadiens-hosting-combine-at-bell-sports-complex-298969560 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}}
{{cite magazine |last=Kennedy |first=Ryan |date=May 26, 2022 |title=Secrets of the NHL Draft Combine |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/secrets-of-the-draft-combine |magazine=Hockey News |accessdate=May 10, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Ryan |date=2019-06-04 |title=The NHL Draft Combine is over – but some teams are still running tests |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-nhl-draft-combine-is-over-but-some-teams-are-still-running-tests |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=The Hockey News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cluff |first=Jeremy |title=Arizona Coyotes forfeit first-round pick, second-round pick for scouting violations |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2020/08/26/arizona-coyotes-sanctioned-nhl-scouting-combine-violations/5635439002/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}
Reception
journal articles
- personality assessments{{Cite journal |last1=Gee |first1=Chris J. |last2=Marshall |first2=John C. |last3=King |first3=Jared F. |date=2010 |title=Should coaches use personality assessments in the talent identification process? A 15 year predictive study on professional hockey players |url=http://dosportspro.com/IJCS%20Manuscript.pdf |journal=International Journal of Coaching Science |volume=4 |issue=1}}
- performance by position{{Cite journal |last1=Vescovi |first1=Jason D. |last2=Murray |first2=Teena M. |last3=Vanheest |first3=Jaci L. |date=June 2006 |title=Positional performance profiling of elite ice hockey players |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19114742/ |journal=International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=84–94 |doi=10.1123/ijspp.1.2.84 |issn=1555-0265 |pmid=19114742}}{{cite journal |last1=Burr |first1=Jamie F |last2=Jamnik |first2=Roni K |last3=Baker |first3=Joseph |last4=Macpherson |first4=Alison |last5=Gledhill |first5=Norman |last6=McGuire |first6=EJ |date=September 22, 2008 |title=Relationship of physical fitness test results and hockey playing potential in elite-level ice hockey players |journal=J Strength Cond Res. |volume=22 |issue=5 |pages=1535–1543 |doi=10.1519/JSC.0b013e318181ac20 |pmid=18714234}} meta-analysis{{Cite journal |last1=Marcotte-L'Heureux |first1=Viviane |last2=Charron |first2=Jeremie |last3=Panenic |first3=Robert |last4=Comtois |first4=Alain Steve |date=2021 |title=Ice Hockey Goaltender Physiology Profile and Physical Testing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |url=https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3028&context=ijes |journal=International Journal of Exercise Science |volume=14 |issue=6}}
- The relative importance of off-ice testing differs by prospect position; a 2008 study concluded that "emphasis on anthropometry should be used when comparing elite-level forwards, whereas peak anaerobic power and fatigue rate are more useful for differentiating between defense."
- off-ice testing{{Cite journal |last1=Vescovi |first1=Jason D |last2=Murray |first2=Teena M |last3=Fiala |first3=Kelly A |last4=VanHeest |first4=Jaci L |date=2006-09-01 |title=Off-ice performance and draft status of elite ice hockey players |url=https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.1.3.207 |journal=International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance |volume=1 |issue=3 |pages=207–221 |doi=10.1123/ijspp.1.3.207 |issn=1555-0273 |pmid=19116435}}
- body composition/physiology meta-analysis
- "We also found no differences between forwards and defensemen in any anthropometric or body composition measures. Previous literature has supported our findings that defensemen are typically heavier and taller than forwards (16,28); however, the lack of significance in anthropometric and body composition variables was not surprising because the physical demands of each position (all players must be able to skate, shoot, and pass) are not at all that different (23)."
- forwards and defensemen generally do not differ physiologically
- predictive power{{Cite journal |last1=Cohen |first1=Jeremy N. |last2=Thompson |first2=Kyle M. A. |last3=Jamnik |first3=Veronica K. |last4=Gledhill |first4=Norman |last5=Burr |first5=Jamie F. |date=2022-06-01 |title=Relationship of Fitness Combine Results and National Hockey League Performance: A 25-Year Analysis |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35245896/ |journal=International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance |volume=17 |issue=6 |pages=908–916 |doi=10.1123/ijspp.2021-0317 |issn=1555-0273 |pmid=35245896}}{{Cite journal |last1=Tarter |first1=Barry C. |last2=Kirisci |first2=Levent |last3=Tarter |first3=Ralph E. |last4=Weatherbee |first4=Steve |last5=Jamnik |first5=Veronica |last6=McGuire |first6=E. J. |last7=Gledhill |first7=Norman |date=2009 |title=Use of Aggregate Fitness Indicators to Predict Transition into the National Hockey League |url=https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2009/09000/use_of_aggregate_fitness_indicators_to_predict.28.aspx |journal=The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research |language=en-US |volume=23 |issue=6 |pages=1828–1832 |doi=10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b4372b |issn=1064-8011 |pmid=19675476}}{{Cite journal |last1=Peterson |first1=Ben J. |last2=Fitzgerald |first2=John S. |last3=Dietz |first3=Calvin C. |last4=Ziegler |first4=Kevin S. |last5=Baker |first5=Sarah E. |last6=Snyder |first6=Eric M. |date=September 2016 |title=Off-Ice Anaerobic Power Does Not Predict On-Ice Repeated Shift Performance in Hockey |url=https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2016/09000/off_ice_anaerobic_power_does_not_predict_on_ice.2.aspx |journal=The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research |language=en-US |volume=30 |issue=9 |pages=2375 |doi=10.1519/JSC.0000000000001341 |issn=1064-8011}} lit review{{Cite journal |last1=Nightingale |first1=Steven C. |last2=Miller |first2=Stuart |last3=Turner |first3=Anthony |date=2013 |title=The Usefulness and Reliability of Fitness Testing Protocols for Ice Hockey Players: A Literature Review |url=https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2013/06000/the_usefulness_and_reliability_of_fitness_testing.34.aspx |journal=The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research |language=en-US |volume=27 |issue=6 |pages=1742 |doi=10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182736948 |issn=1064-8011}}
- goaltenders meta-analysis
- The testing of goaltenders receives relatively less attention than the testing of skaters.
- Amateur male goaltenders differ from skaters in fitness tests including flexibility and... [see p862]
The combine has been criticized for its implementation of physical fitness tests, and especially for not including any on-ice tests.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-28 |title=Why don't prospects skate at the NHL combine? |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/story/_/id/26833942/why-prospects-skate-nhl-combine |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Scouts and executives may value perceived effort, rather than prospects' actual performance.{{Cite web |title=What impact does NHL combine have? |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/what-impact-does-nhl-combine-have |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}{{cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-scouting-combine-gives-prospects-a-chance-to-fill-in-the-gaps|title=NHL Scouting Combine gives prospects a chance to fill in the gaps|last=Traikos|first=Michael|newspaper=National Post|date=May 13, 2013|accessdate=May 10, 2024}} Prospects may drop in rankings due to a lack of demonstrated "competitive drive" in fitness tests.{{cite magazine|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/how-the-nhl-draft-combine-has-grown-over-the-years|title=How the NHL Draft Combine has grown over the years|last=Thompson|first=Tom|magazine=Hockey News|date=June 16, 2012|accessdate=May 10, 2024}}
Skaters and goaltenders are subject to the same tests at the combine.
According to Arizona Coyotes amateur scouting director Tim Bernhardt, some teams disproportionately value [wording?] player interviews. Players with strong ties to the NHL (such as through an NHL-player father or uncle) may be more confident and therefore perform better in interviews.
blog post reviews of studies (check studies themselves){{Cite web |date=2019-05-29 |title=The NHL Combine: A Quick look at the Research |url=https://www.donskovsc.com/easyblog/entry/the-nhl-combine-a-quick-look-at-the-research |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.donskovsc.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Making Sense of the NHL Fitness Testing Combine Results |url=https://www.strengthcoach.com/strengthcoach/Making-Sense-of-the-NHL-Fitness-Testing-Combine-Results |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.ideafit.com |language=en}}
reasoning for not having players skatehttps://web.archive.org/web/20210411030339/https://www.nhl.com/news/invitations-for-the-nhl-scouting-combine-are-out/c-417461