The Changing Shape of NHL’ers

The University of AlbertaNH has released a study comparing the size and fitness of today’s NHL players to those from 25 yeras ago.

National Hockey League players are bigger and more physically fit than they were a quarter of a century ago, a new University of Alberta study has found.

While such findings will come as no surprise to avid hockey fans, the research also suggests that the improved power and fitness does not always translate into team success.

Since all teams have boosted their ranks with bigger and fitter players, intangibles such as natural talent, team chemistry, coaching, leadership and momentum are as important as ever in competing for a Stanley Cup, the study suggests.

The study itself sounds quite interesting, but I think any hockey fan could have told you that players are getting bigger and fitter.