NHL Combine: Powered By Wattbike
With the NHL Scouting Combine happening this week, it is the final showcase event before the NHL Draft picks on June 27th and 28th. Offering a comprehensive week of interviews, medical evaluations, and of course fitness testing.
It's a great opportunity for all 32 NHL clubs to assess the physical and mental readiness of the top draft players and get an extra look at some players who they’re on the fence about.
Photo via NHL.COM
Assessing Performance Potential
A critical component of the combine is the rigorous fitness testing, designed to evaluate each athlete's physical capabilities. Wattbike has been an integral part of this process, providing precise measurements of both aerobic and anaerobic capacities through the VO2 Max and Wingate tests.
These assessments offer insights into a player's endurance and explosive power—key attributes for success on the ice. The VO2 Max test measures the maximum amount of oxygen an athlete can utilise during intense exercise, indicating their aerobic endurance. Conversely, the Wingate test evaluates anaerobic power by measuring the peak power output during a 30-second all-out sprint.
Other tests taking place at the combine:
- Standing height/wingspan
- Horizontal jump
- Force plate vertical jumps
- Bench press
- Pro agility test
- Pull-ups
photo by Ben Ritchie - Getty Images
Diving into the Data
In the VO2 Max (Max Ramp) Test, athletes begin pedalling at 50 Watts, with the resistance increasing by 30 Watts each minute. The goal is to maintain a consistent cadence of 80 RPM until exhaustion. This test provides a clear picture of an athlete's cardiovascular endurance.
The Wingate (30-Second Sprint) Test involves a 30-second maximal effort sprint against a resistance tailored to the athlete's body mass. This test assesses the player's peak anaerobic power and fatigue resistance.
Wattbike's real-time power measurement and adjustable resistance capabilities make it an ideal tool for these assessments, ensuring accurate and reproducible data.
2025 NHL Scouting Combine
The 2025 NHL Scouting Combine is taking place this week from the 2nd June to the 7th of June at the KeyBank Center and LECOM Harbor Center in Buffalo, New York. Ninety of the top-ranked draft-eligible players will participate in a series of evaluations, including the Wattbike tests.
Top prospect Matthew Schaefer, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, will also take part in the VO2 Max and modified Wingate tests, demonstrating his commitment to showcasing his physical readiness despite recovering from a clavicle injury earlier in the season.
Translating Results into Action
The data collected from the Wattbike assessments, along with other fitness tests, medical evaluations, and interviews, play a significant role in informing team decisions ahead of the NHL Draft. By providing objective measurements of a player's physical attributes, Wattbike helps teams identify prospects who possess the endurance and power necessary for the demands of professional hockey.
As the NHL continues to evolve, the integration of advanced performance testing tools like Wattbike ensures that teams have the information needed to make informed decisions, ultimately shaping the future of the league.
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