Wikipedia

Draft:NHL draft combine

History

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In 1994, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau held the first draft combine with 77 forwards, 49 defencemen, and 6 goaltenders.[1] It was hosted in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, near Toronto.[2] 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.[3][4][5] Early draft combines received little media attention.[1]

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.[6][2][4][7] One of the key points of the Sabres' bid was the ability to implement on-ice testing,[6] though this was not implemented. The NHL initially agreed to allow the Sabres to host the combine for two years,[8] 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.[9] In 2023, Central Scouting introduced an app for players to access their profile and schedule.[10]

Selection

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[11][12]

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.[7] Mike Marr, director of Central Scouting, said: "Our goal is to have players at the combine that the teams want to interview."[7]

[possibly add absence of Russian players during war with Ukraine][13][14]

Structure

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[15][16][17][7][18]

details on buffalo[8]

Medical tests

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[19]

[20][not RS; do not use]

2007 details[21]

psychological testing: apparently 2-part on a computer with ~220 questions (introduced 2007?), but unable to find RS

Fitness tests

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2015 summary[22] note: this says measurements are to nearest .2 cm

[23][24][25][26]

description of tests[27]

[28][not RS; do not use]

From 1994 to 2014, the fitness testing was overseen by kinesiologist Norman Gledhill of York University.[6][23][find more recent cite?/who oversees in Buffalo?][found no details about Gledhill overseeing after 2014]

y-balance[29] added in 2015[30][8]

changes to tests[5][7]

power test using a weighted ball[3]

Functional movement screen

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The functional movement screen (FMS) was introduced to the combine in 2013.[31] 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.[32] Lower scores may indicate risk of future injury.[31]

details[33][31]

"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."[31] original study??

Grip strength

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Grip strength of both hands is tested with a hand grip dynamometer.[32]

Aerobic fitness

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Prospects' aerobic fitness is measured via VO2 max.[32]

details[34]

Body composition

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Prospects' height (barefoot) and wingspan (middle finger tip to middle finger tip) are measured to the nearest quarter inch.[32] Body fat percentage is also measured.[32]

weight

Jumping

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Prospects are measured on their vertical and horizontal jumping abilities. In the standing long jump, prospects jump forward as far as they can. They are allowed to use their arms to assist the movement.[32] At the jump station, a force plate measures prospects' direction, strength, and timing in three 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.[32] The force plate was introduced in 2018.[34] this source says introduced in 2015[8]

Bench press

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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.[32]

"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."[35][find better cite?]

Shuttle run

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Prospects complete two 5–10–5-yard (5–9–5 m) shuttle runs to evaluate their agility—one to the left, and one to the right. This test is also called pro-agility.[32]

Pull-up

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Maintaining correct technique, the prospects complete as many pull-ups as they can.[32]

Anaerobic fitness

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Prospects' anaerobic fitness is measured via the Wingate Cycle Ergometer Test.[32]

(described in many sources as "grueling" or "dreaded")

details[34][3]

Interviews

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[36]

Interviews take place in 15–20 minute blocks.[37][38] Teams vary in their approach to interviews. Interviewers may include the general manager, scouts, advisors, and psychologists.[37] Sometimes, the team's president or owner will take part.[34] The NHL can provide interpreters for players who are not comfortable with their English-speaking abilities.[37] Interviews often include a set of general questions about the prospect's history, style of play, and personality.[37][39] European players may be asked about their contract status in their home league.[39] Questions are usually centered around prospects' on-ice performance, and interviewers may try to ask difficult questions to see how players react when challenged.[34][37][40] Some teams, such as the Montreal Canadiens, ask unusual questions like: "What kind of animal would you be?"[37][41]

Some players also take part in dinner meetings; The Hockey News reported in 2023 that teams usually take 3–4 players to dinner.[42] In 2018, the Detroit Red Wings took about 20 players to dinner.[43]

self published description of conducting interview[44]

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.[45]

Prospects are trained on how to answer questions, often by their agents.[40][37]


Prospects may be asked to analyze a video tape of their own game, or of the team's.[39][37](find better cite)

Teams may ask prospects to complete personality assessment forms, and they may psychoanalyze prospects through these forms or via interviews run by psychologists.[5] Psychological testing may also take place outside of the combine week.[46]

[47]

Outside of the combine, regional scouts may interview prospects.[42]

Other testing

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[possibly fold into "History" or "Selection" section?]

Canadiens European combine for uninvited players[14][48]

[49][50][51]

[52]

Reception

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journal articles

  • personality assessments[53]
  • performance by position[54][55] meta-analysis[56]
    • 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."[55]
  • off-ice testing[57]
  • body composition/physiology[27] meta-analysis[56]
    • "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)."[27]
    • forwards and defensemen generally do not differ physiologically[27]
  • predictive power[58][59][53][57][60] lit review[61]
  • goaltenders meta-analysis[56]
    • The testing of goaltenders receives relatively less attention than the testing of skaters.[56]
    • Amateur male goaltenders differ from skaters in fitness tests including flexibility and... [see p862][56]

The combine has been criticized for its implementation of physical fitness tests, and especially for not including any on-ice tests.[62][4][49] Scouts and executives may value perceived effort, rather than prospects' actual performance.[63][64][39] Prospects may drop in rankings due to a lack of demonstrated "competitive drive" in fitness tests.[65]

Skaters and goaltenders are subject to the same tests at the combine.[56]

According to Arizona Coyotes amateur scouting director Tim Bernhardt, some teams disproportionately value [wording?] player interviews.[37] 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.[37]

blog post reviews of studies (check studies themselves)[66][67]

reasoning for not having players skate[68]

References

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  1. ^ a b Joyce, Gare (June 4, 2015). "The evolution of the NHL Draft Combine". Sportsnet.ca. Rogers Media. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Higgins, Matt (June 8, 2015). "Questions Begin at Third Draft Slot as Top Prospects Perform at Combine". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Sapurji, Sunaya. "How prospects prepare for the NHL Draft Combine and what it's like to take the dreaded VO2 Max test". The Athletic. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "NHL combine move to Buffalo prompts on-ice testing proposal". Erie Times-News. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Godin, Marc Antoine. "How the NHL combine has entered the information age like never before". The Athletic. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Vogl, John (June 1, 2014). "HarborCenter hopes to land NHL Scouting Combine". Buffalo News. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e "NHL Scouting Combine features new look, location - NHL.com - News". www.nhl.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d "Buffalo leaves lasting impression as setting for 2015 NHL Scouting Combine". NHL.com. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  9. ^ Loftus, Mike. "Norwell's Drew Commesso hopes to hear his name called early in the NHL Draft". The Patriot Ledger. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  10. ^ "Scouting Combine discussed on 'NHL Draft Class' podcast | NHL.com". www.nhl.com. June 1, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  11. ^ "Complete list of all 114 players invited to the NHL Combine". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  12. ^ "NHL Central Scouting". NHL. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  13. ^ Masisak, Corey. "What we're hearing about the Sharks and the NHL Draft at the scouting combine". The Athletic. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Godin, Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine. "Basu and Godin: What we heard at the NHL Combine about the Canadiens". The Athletic. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  15. ^ Dilks, Chris (May 28, 2008). "NHL Combine". SB Nation College Hockey. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  16. ^ Beaston, Erik. "NHL Draft Combine 2023: Dates, Schedule, Format and Top Prospects". Bleacher Report. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  17. ^ Shinzawa, Fluto (May 29, 2016). "Bruins are on a talent hunt at NHL Combine - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  18. ^ Snow, Kevin (January 3, 2023). The Science of Hockey: The Math, Technology, and Data Behind the Sport. Sports Publishing LLC. ISBN 9781683584667.
  19. ^ "Behind the scenes at NHL draft picks' medical tests". The Globe and Mail. May 28, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  20. ^ josh (May 31, 2019). "A Guide to the NHL Scouting Combine". Lucentem Media Group. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  21. ^ Gledhill, N.; Jamnik, V. (2007). Detailed Assessment Protocols For NHL Entry Draft Players (PDF) (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 10, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  22. ^ 2015 Combine Fitness Test Event Summary (PDF) (Report). NHL. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 14, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
  23. ^ a b "NHL Combine gives teams full scope of top prospects for 2014 NHL Draft". NHL.com. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  24. ^ "Combine provides NHL teams with well-rounded look". NHL.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  25. ^ "Combine invitees get ready for physical tests". NHL.com. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  26. ^ "2023 NHL Combine Fitness Testing Breakdown | Colorado Avalanche". www.nhl.com. June 10, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  27. ^ a b c d Chiarlitti, Nathan A.; Delisle-Houde, Patrick; Reid, Ryan E. R.; Kennedy, Cory; Andersen, Ross E. (2018). "Importance of Body Composition in the National Hockey League Combine Physiological Assessments". The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 32 (11): 3135–3142. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002309. ISSN 1064-8011. PMID 29065054.
  28. ^ "NHL Draft Testing". www.topendsports.com. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  29. ^ Han, Giana (June 1, 2022). "NHL draft combine: Previewing each test the top prospects will be put through this week". www.inquirer.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  30. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20150607152646/http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=40131
  31. ^ a b c d "Combine test could provide red flag for injuries". NHL.com. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "2023 NHL Combine results: Top 10 prospects in every drill". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  33. ^ Rowan, Chip P.; Kuropkat, Christiane; Gumieniak, Robert J.; Gledhill, Norman; Jamnik, Veronica K. (May 2015). "Integration of the functional movement screen into the National Hockey League Combine". Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 29 (5): 1163–1171. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000757. ISSN 1533-4287. PMID 25719918.
  34. ^ a b c d e "Guide to the NHL scouting combine: What to expect from each test". ESPN.com. May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  35. ^ "NHL Draft Combine Results". www.topendsports.com. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  36. ^ Russo, Michael. "NHL prospects do it all but dance". Star Tribune. The Canadian Press. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Dayal, Harman. "What is an NHL draft prospect interview actually like? The secrets behind the process". The Athletic. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  38. ^ "Combine testing gives teams a feel for prospects". NHL.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  39. ^ a b c d "Scout's Analysis: Observations from the 2023 NHL Draft Combine". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  40. ^ a b Han, Giana (June 3, 2022). "NHL draft combine: Math quizzes, silly questions and character vetting — inside a prospect's interview with the Flyers". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  41. ^ Clipperton, Joshua (June 10, 2023). "NHL teams, prospects have plenty to talk about at scouting combine". CBC. The Canadian Press. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  42. ^ a b Doerrie, Rachel (June 26, 2023). "NHL Draft Mailbag: What Goes On Behind the Scenes". The Hockey News. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  43. ^ James, Helene St. "Detroit Red Wings use draft combine, steak dinner to size up prospects". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  44. ^ Han, Jack (June 5, 2022). "How I ran an NHL Combine Interview". Hockey Tactics Newsletter. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  45. ^ Tkaczuk, Daniel (June 5, 2011). "Inside NHL draft combine interviews". The Hockey News. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  46. ^ "How NHL teams benefit from the Draft Combine interview process". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  47. ^ https://edmontonsun.com/2014/06/26/interview-phase-for-nhl-prospects-has-them-answering-some-pretty-bizarre-questions
  48. ^ "Canadiens hosting combine at Bell Sports Complex | Montréal Canadiens". www.nhl.com. June 7, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  49. ^ a b Kennedy, Ryan (May 26, 2022). "Secrets of the NHL Draft Combine". Hockey News. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  50. ^ Kennedy, Ryan (June 4, 2019). "The NHL Draft Combine is over – but some teams are still running tests". The Hockey News. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  51. ^ Cluff, Jeremy. "Arizona Coyotes forfeit first-round pick, second-round pick for scouting violations". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  52. ^ "31 Thoughts: Jets chapter nearing end, but Byfuglien story isn't over". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  53. ^ a b Gee, Chris J.; Marshall, John C.; King, Jared F. (2010). "Should coaches use personality assessments in the talent identification process? A 15 year predictive study on professional hockey players" (PDF). International Journal of Coaching Science. 4 (1).
  54. ^ Vescovi, Jason D.; Murray, Teena M.; Vanheest, Jaci L. (June 2006). "Positional performance profiling of elite ice hockey players". International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 1 (2): 84–94. doi:10.1123/ijspp.1.2.84. ISSN 1555-0265. PMID 19114742.
  55. ^ a b Burr, Jamie F; Jamnik, Roni K; Baker, Joseph; Macpherson, Alison; Gledhill, Norman; McGuire, EJ (September 22, 2008). "Relationship of physical fitness test results and hockey playing potential in elite-level ice hockey players". J Strength Cond Res. 22 (5): 1535–1543. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318181ac20. PMID 18714234.
  56. ^ a b c d e f Marcotte-L'Heureux, Viviane; Charron, Jeremie; Panenic, Robert; Comtois, Alain Steve (2021). "Ice Hockey Goaltender Physiology Profile and Physical Testing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis". International Journal of Exercise Science. 14 (6).
  57. ^ a b Vescovi, Jason D; Murray, Teena M; Fiala, Kelly A; VanHeest, Jaci L (September 1, 2006). "Off-ice performance and draft status of elite ice hockey players". International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 1 (3): 207–221. doi:10.1123/ijspp.1.3.207. ISSN 1555-0273. PMID 19116435.
  58. ^ Cohen, Jeremy N.; Thompson, Kyle M. A.; Jamnik, Veronica K.; Gledhill, Norman; Burr, Jamie F. (June 1, 2022). "Relationship of Fitness Combine Results and National Hockey League Performance: A 25-Year Analysis". International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 17 (6): 908–916. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2021-0317. ISSN 1555-0273. PMID 35245896.
  59. ^ Tarter, Barry C.; Kirisci, Levent; Tarter, Ralph E.; Weatherbee, Steve; Jamnik, Veronica; McGuire, E. J.; Gledhill, Norman (2009). "Use of Aggregate Fitness Indicators to Predict Transition into the National Hockey League". The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 23 (6): 1828–1832. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b4372b. ISSN 1064-8011. PMID 19675476.
  60. ^ Peterson, Ben J.; Fitzgerald, John S.; Dietz, Calvin C.; Ziegler, Kevin S.; Baker, Sarah E.; Snyder, Eric M. (September 2016). "Off-Ice Anaerobic Power Does Not Predict On-Ice Repeated Shift Performance in Hockey". The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 30 (9): 2375. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001341. ISSN 1064-8011.
  61. ^ Nightingale, Steven C.; Miller, Stuart; Turner, Anthony (2013). "The Usefulness and Reliability of Fitness Testing Protocols for Ice Hockey Players: A Literature Review". The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 27 (6): 1742. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182736948. ISSN 1064-8011.
  62. ^ "Why don't prospects skate at the NHL combine?". ESPN.com. May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  63. ^ "What impact does NHL combine have?". FOX Sports. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  64. ^ Traikos, Michael (May 13, 2013). "NHL Scouting Combine gives prospects a chance to fill in the gaps". National Post. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  65. ^ Thompson, Tom (June 16, 2012). "How the NHL Draft Combine has grown over the years". Hockey News. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  66. ^ "The NHL Combine: A Quick look at the Research". www.donskovsc.com. May 29, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  67. ^ "Making Sense of the NHL Fitness Testing Combine Results". www.ideafit.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  68. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20210411030339/https://www.nhl.com/news/invitations-for-the-nhl-scouting-combine-are-out/c-417461
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