6 x 54-m Repeated Sprint Test

The 6 x 54-m repeated skating sprint test was selected to estimate anaerobic capacity on-ice. Players skated with an ice hockey stick all-out diagonally across the ice hockey rink for 54 m, where they stopped by a side brake and returned to the starting position (second 54 m). Thus, players skated six 54 m shifts with a brake and no rest interval in between. Photocells were set up similarly to skating speed testing. Photocells collected data including all 54-m raw results, which were used for statistical analyses and total skating time. This test was performed only once because of its physical demands and was also used to determine the sprint speed for 50 m, using an additional photocell on the track. Players were instructed to perform each shift at maximum intensity without spreading their effort throughout the test.