Ice Hockey Development Programs and Their Relationship To International Success (1994-2004)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present men’s ice hockey player development programs in the top six hockey nations to determine if a relationship exists between national development programs and success at the elite international level for the period 1994-2004. Information was collected from the respective national governing bodies and the International Ice Hockey Federation. The information gathered was both quantitative and qualitative. When appropriate, the data was analyzed using information obtained from the contents of the IIHF Sport Development Program. The results showed that a relationship existed between grassroots programs and success at the elite international level, however, there was a lack of evidence to suggest a link between elite national development programs and success at the elite international level.