Smith, AM

Prompted by an intrigue with the challenges of goaltending, questionnaires were given to 67 youth hockey goalies. Seventy-six percent responded that the psychological aspects of the position caused the greatest difficulties. A subsequent study examined the relationship between psychological, situational, and physiological variables and on-ice performance. Goalies completed psychometric instruments before going on the ice and their electrocardiograms were monitored during on-ice stations. Subjects were videotaped at the Puck Shooting Machine (PSM) station. Mean heart rate (HR) was 163 beats per minute (bpm) at the PSM and 175 bpm at other stressful stations (e.g., breakaway and slap shot). Goalies with 100% saves (N=7) were older, more experienced, less anxious, and had faster HR's than those who performed poorly. Because elevated arousal levels were detected at the goalie camp, a subsequent study of different Bantam, High School, and Junior A goalies (N=13) were studied during 31 games. Rapid HR's were sustained during games, even when goalies were standing still.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the components of intimidation in ice hockey and to determine their effects on players, coaches, and referees. In a pilot test, hockey coaches (N = 17) from three levels of participation were invited to an informal, exploratory symposium to assess their opinions on the role of intimidation in ice hockey. The following themes emerged: a) coaches' behavior and expectations, b) observable behavior, c) player's perceived role, and d) sociological factors. A preliminary intimidation model was developed. A survey including 80 open- ended questionnaires designed to stimulate discussion on the definition of intimidation, methods used to intimidate, and factors perceived as intimidating, was distributed to players (N = 66), coaches (N = 8), and referees (N = 6). The data were analyzed using qualitative methods [1,2] and intimidation was defined. Results support a theoretical model, which serves as a point of departure for future research and visually depicts the components of intimidation and their interactions.