Hockey players speed vs. other sports

[eric42434224 1]

Most of those humungeous lineman are in amazing muscular and cardiovascular shape. Obese is a term that shouldnt be used when describing them.

[goodguy 7]

At least hockey is not dominated by a league looking to create ever greater "freaks of nature" in order to sell its sport. Basketball and Football are becoming freak shows that the average guy can never hope to gain entry into. At least Hockey gives us average schmucks hope.

If you believe that I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. Hockey has always been behind the times when it comes to training. They have been adopting newer training methods in the past 10-15 years. Guys like Crosby, Brindamour, and Roberts are all known for their off-ice dedication. "Average schmucks" aren't going anywhere. The freaks are here and there will be more following in their footsteps.

As for speed? Give me a guy who has great acceleration over the course of 5-7 strides and I'll take him over the "fastest" skater any day.

Freakish size does not translate to good hockey skill. There is a BIG difference between being dedicated/in great physical condition and trying to get a 7 foot tall 320 pound "freak of nature" on skates.

Guys who are in excellent shape are not "freaks" - guys who are 7 feet tall are.

The average NFL lineman has become a lot like a sumo wrestler. Sumo wrestlers appear "fat" due to an intentional layer of subcutaneous fat brought on by eating habits. The training they undergo prevents the development of visceral fat. While neither is per se ideal, subcutaneous fat is more easily lost and does not affect the organs the way visceral fat does. Just as the subcutaneous fat helps sumo wrestlers absorb the impacts of their sport, it works the same way with NFL lineman, and therefore they have an interest in keeping the build they do. Which leads to a surprising amount of athletic abilities in someone that doesn't appear like someone who would be a high caliber athlete.

Obese is still obese regardless of how fast they can run. And it is unhealthy. I always associated "athletics" with a healthy lifestyle.

While I like Football, I cringe at the damage these guys are doing to their bodies in order to keep upping the physical size ante football now demands.

At least hockey is not dominated by a league looking to create ever greater "freaks of nature" in order to sell its sport. Basketball and Football are becoming freak shows that the average guy can never hope to gain entry into. At least Hockey gives us average schmucks hope.

The damage from fat comes from visceral fat around the organs, subcutaneous fat does not present that issue. Instead, it acts as a shock absorbing material which pads and protects the organs, joints, and bones. In short, given the forces the NFL lineman is being subjected to the protection provided by the subcutaneous fat far outweighs any negative health impact it has. Not to mention when these rather brief football careers are over it can be lost in a few months with normal levels of exercise and simply terminating the diet that keeps it there.

Hockey doesn't have the same level of specialized players you see it football, if it did then you'd see the same thing.

Shock absorbing material? It is FAT and who ever told you that subcutaneous fat does not have adverse health consequences does not know what they are taking about. There is a SUPER high incidence of type 2 diabetes among very large football players who stop playing the sport. Not to mention the permanent damage being done to the body in other ways. I have a relative that played pro ball for six years and a freind that played for five and I can tell you they are in bad shape - bad knees, backs, etc...

How many football players who weigh 300 + pounds can become lean in a "few months" by simply changing their eating "habits" and exercising. It is not as easy as you make it sound.

[goodguy 7]

My freind, when he went from high school to college (big ten football - big guy to begin with) I could not beleive how much bigger he was after six months of being in training - they had him forcing himself to eat biscuits, gravy, steak and everything else to get him over 300 pounds.

While I love to watch football, I have much more respect for sports that utilize the natural state/physical condition of the human body. I am much more in awe of guys like Lance Armstrong, Steve Yzerman and Andy Roddick than guys like Refigerator Perry.

[chk hrd 164]

Real Sports on HBO did a feature on what happens to the large player after they leave the NFL. Most do not end up in good shape; diabetes, heart problems, joint problems, etc. When you are 300+ and active you can survive, take away the daily work outs and start eating a poorer diet and you will do nothing but blow up. The players don't have the fat for shock absorbing material; they have it to handle the other large players. Even if the guy is pure muscle you cannot expect a 260 lb guy to throw around a 350 lb player every play. You need the weight to fight the weight. There are now more and more players retiring and having health problems than ever before. The previous gnerations of linemen were no wear near the size of the current linemen. The realy sad thing is that younger and younger players are packing on the pounds to be competative. You start that behavior early and you have little chance of changing it.

[RecLeagueHero 0]

Shock absorbing material? It is FAT and who ever told you that subcutaneous fat does not have adverse health consequences does not know what they are taking about.

It's actually quite well documented, but what you don't know would fill volumes.

There is a SUPER high incidence of type 2 diabetes among very large football players who stop playing the sport. Not to mention the permanent damage being done to the body in other ways. I have a relative that played pro ball for six years and a freind that played for five and I can tell you they are in bad shape - bad knees, backs, etc...

Well you see when you stop getting the sort of exercise they do and continue eating that diet you're bound to see the development of large amounts of visceral fat. Wow, you have a relative that played pro-football, you must be an expert. After all, one guy that may or may not exist, is obviously representive of everyone that plays pro-football. The reality is the linemen are the ones that come out of their careers in the best shape, it's the lean running backs and receivers that tend to be the ones with short careers. Down the line if they keep the weight on of course they'll have health problems,

How many football players who weigh 300 + pounds can become lean in a "few months" by simply changing their eating "habits" and exercising. It is not as easy as you make it sound.

Again, what you don't know would fill volumes. It is not as difficult to lose subcutaneous fat as it is to lose visceral fat, largely because it is an effort to keep that layer of fat on. By trimming back to a normal intake of calories and exercising the subcutaneous fat will come off quite quickly. Of course, if you don't change the diet and stop the intense exercise then you'll just become a fat ass. But as with all things in life, that's up to the individual.

[chk hrd 164]

the guy is just putting up his opinions, no need to be a dick to him about it...

[scoops 1]

the guy is just putting up his opinions, no need to be a dick to him about it...

he's been stating his opinions as fact though....just sayin

[Trooper 8]

At least hockey is not dominated by a league looking to create ever greater "freaks of nature" in order to sell its sport. Basketball and Football are becoming freak shows that the average guy can never hope to gain entry into. At least Hockey gives us average schmucks hope.

If you believe that I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. Hockey has always been behind the times when it comes to training. They have been adopting newer training methods in the past 10-15 years. Guys like Crosby, Brindamour, and Roberts are all known for their off-ice dedication. "Average schmucks" aren't going anywhere. The freaks are here and there will be more following in their footsteps.

As for speed? Give me a guy who has great acceleration over the course of 5-7 strides and I'll take him over the "fastest" skater any day.

Freakish size does not translate to good hockey skill. There is a BIG difference between being dedicated/in great physical condition and trying to get a 7 foot tall 320 pound "freak of nature" on skates.

Guys who are in excellent shape are not "freaks" - guys who are 7 feet tall are.

Guy who are 7 feet tall fulfill the requirements of the sport. There is nothing "average schmuck" about pro hockey players. You may feel hopeful, but the fact of the matter is, there are still factors beyond most peoples' control that will prevent them from playing any kind of high level hockey.

[IniNew 51]

At least hockey is not dominated by a league looking to create ever greater "freaks of nature" in order to sell its sport. Basketball and Football are becoming freak shows that the average guy can never hope to gain entry into. At least Hockey gives us average schmucks hope.

If you believe that I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. Hockey has always been behind the times when it comes to training. They have been adopting newer training methods in the past 10-15 years. Guys like Crosby, Brindamour, and Roberts are all known for their off-ice dedication. "Average schmucks" aren't going anywhere. The freaks are here and there will be more following in their footsteps.

As for speed? Give me a guy who has great acceleration over the course of 5-7 strides and I'll take him over the "fastest" skater any day.

Freakish size does not translate to good hockey skill. There is a BIG difference between being dedicated/in great physical condition and trying to get a 7 foot tall 320 pound "freak of nature" on skates.

Guys who are in excellent shape are not "freaks" - guys who are 7 feet tall are.

Guy who are 7 feet tall fulfill the requirements of the sport. There is nothing "average schmuck" about pro hockey players. You may feel hopeful, but the fact of the matter is, there are still factors beyond most peoples' control that will prevent them from playing any kind of high level hockey.

I have to disagree. Yes you have to start playing as a child, and yes your family has to sink a bunch of money into the sport, but if you have the time, money, dedication a guy of average size and weight can succeed in making it far into professional hockey.

Now, being born with the deposition to grow to 6'6"+ ( a completely above average height) is something that you most definitely can not control by any means.

[eric42434224 1]

At least hockey is not dominated by a league looking to create ever greater "freaks of nature" in order to sell its sport. Basketball and Football are becoming freak shows that the average guy can never hope to gain entry into. At least Hockey gives us average schmucks hope.

Basketball becoming a freak show? Jabbar was 7'-2" in the NBA 40 years ago. It isnt a freak show and hasnt changed in numerous decades. Height is just a pre-requisite for elite level basketball. Height is purely genetic, and the sport has no control over making someone taller to increase his effectiveness.

I would also like to see statistics on height and weight for hockey players now, and from 50-60 years ago. Im sure that the differences would be readily apparent.

EDIT: 2000-2001 season. Average height 6'-1" and 204.1 lbs. Twenty years ago it was 6'-0" and 188 lbs.

Baseball has seen an even bigger increase. We are getting bigger as a species regardless of pressure from athetics. it is a genetic and statistical fact.

[NuggyBuggy 0]

if you have the time, money, dedication a guy of average size and weight can succeed in making it far into professional hockey.

You are dreaming. The world is littered with dedicated guys with above-average athletic ability and size who have no hope of making it into the NHL. Just look at all the guys on your local AAA team and see where almost all of them end up. As a matter of fact, most of the guys playing NCAA D1 will never be up for so much as a cup of coffee. No disrespect to them intended, but that is the reality.

And most of us, no matter how dedicated, would not be able to make it into the top ranks of, say, professional darts, billiards, bowling, or tiddly-winks.

[doodman 0]

Myself having played basketball/football/hockey I just have to say hockey requires the most total athletic skills (speed, strength, agility, power, sense, awareness, smarts etc). It is the most difficult sport I've ever tried.

Basically playing basketball feels like its in slow motion to me now. Hockey is so much faster. Faster sport requires faster thinking too.

Consider Shaq, hes in the NBA because hes >7 feet tall, not because of athletic skill. He hasn't made a shot further than 5 feet from the basket in 10 yrs probably. Sure hes strong, I get that, but consider the argument that his body got him into the NBA; tell me an NHLer that's there just because their x tall or x strong.

The way I look at it is, a pro level hockey player would last longer on a pro basketball/football team than a pro BB/FB player would last on a NHL team.

[Jarick 5]

Consider Shaq, hes in the NBA because hes >7 feet tall, not because of athletic skill. He hasn't made a shot further than 5 feet from the basket in 10 yrs probably. Sure hes strong, I get that, but consider the argument that his body got him into the NBA; tell me an NHLer that's there just because their x tall or x strong.

The way I look at it is, a pro level hockey player would last longer on a pro basketball/football team than a pro BB/FB player would last on a NHL team.

Derek Boogaard. :P

That's coming from a Wild fan, but boy is he every useless.

[Trooper 8]

Myself having played basketball/football/hockey I just have to say hockey requires the most total athletic skills (speed, strength, agility, power, sense, awareness, smarts etc). It is the most difficult sport I've ever tried.

Basically playing basketball feels like its in slow motion to me now. Hockey is so much faster. Faster sport requires faster thinking too.

Consider Shaq, hes in the NBA because hes >7 feet tall, not because of athletic skill. He hasn't made a shot further than 5 feet from the basket in 10 yrs probably. Sure hes strong, I get that, but consider the argument that his body got him into the NBA; tell me an NHLer that's there just because their x tall or x strong.

The way I look at it is, a pro level hockey player would last longer on a pro basketball/football team than a pro BB/FB player would last on a NHL team.

Shaq isn't indicative of the average NBA player. He is an anomaly even there. Pointing out one person as your point and calling it a day doesn't cut it. Most NBA players are very athletic and very strong. Sure, there are a few guys like Shaq who carve out a niche for themselves, just like there are some guys in the NHL who have made careers as defensive forwards, faceoff specialists, or tough guys.

[doodman 0]

Okay forgot about the enforcers, I'll give you that.

But Shaq is considered by many to be one of the greatest ever...yet he still can't make 50% of his freethrows? Or make a 10 foot jumper? So in this case I can and will single out one guy to make my point. He's dominant simply because of his body.

And all those nhl 'specialist' are terrific athletes. Don't knock their abilities just because they're shutdown guys or pk-ers.

I bet Ryan Getzlaf would do better 1 on 1 against Kobe Bryant in BB (not saying he would win) than Kobe would do against Getzlaf in hockey...that's my point.

[eric42434224 1]

Okay forgot about the enforcers, I'll give you that.

But Shaq is considered by many to be one of the greatest ever...yet he still can't make 50% of his freethrows? Or make a 10 foot jumper? So in this case I can and will single out one guy to make my point. He's dominant simply because of his body.

And all those nhl 'specialist' are terrific athletes. Don't knock their abilities just because they're shutdown guys or pk-ers.

I bet Ryan Getzlaf would do better 1 on 1 against Kobe Bryant in BB (not saying he would win) than Kobe would do against Getzlaf in hockey...that's my point.

One extremely unique player in an entire leagure for years a point does not make.

And I dont think Getzlaf would do any better. Kobe wouldnt let Geztlaf near the basket, and vice versa. Shutout both ways.

Everyone needs to take the skating out of the equation as it is specialized. We are talking about pure athletic ability. Cant compare how other athletes would skate. Compare them on equal footing...no pun intended.

[Kevin 5]

There is more to athletic ability than shooting baskets. Although there are not many people Shaq’s size, the vast majority his size do not have his agility and body control. There have been plenty of tall (and big) players in the NBA who were half the player that Shaq is.

If Kobe learned to skate at a young age . . . .

[Quintin 16]

if you have the time, money, dedication a guy of average size and weight can succeed in making it far into professional hockey.

You are dreaming. The world is littered with dedicated guys with above-average athletic ability and size who have no hope of making it into the NHL. Just look at all the guys on your local AAA team and see where almost all of them end up. As a matter of fact, most of the guys playing NCAA D1 will never be up for so much as a cup of coffee. No disrespect to them intended, but that is the reality.

And most of us, no matter how dedicated, would not be able to make it into the top ranks of, say, professional darts, billiards, bowling, or tiddly-winks.

All about the connections baby.

[fawn111 0]

I always use barry sanders as a reference...

imagine if he started hockey at age 3.

As a running back there are no other backs that had the same set of skills and physical ability as Sanders.... He was well above average in top speed... but mostly his ability to evade tackles and shift directions and start and stop on a dime and then reach top speed in just a stride or two have never been matched....

Imagine all that ability transferred over to hockey skates.

He was 5-8, but weighed 205lbs and had tree trunks for legs.....

Yeah, just imagine that on ice.

[Kevin 5]

Or some of the bigger and more physical backs with speed to burn, e.g, Bo Jackson, Adrian Peterson, and Jim Brown.

Or Ray Lewis as a Dman delivering open ice hits.

I always use barry sanders as a reference...

imagine if he started hockey at age 3.

As a running back there are no other backs that had the same set of skills and physical ability as Sanders.... He was well above average in top speed... but mostly his ability to evade tackles and shift directions and start and stop on a dime and then reach top speed in just a stride or two have never been matched....

Imagine all that ability transferred over to hockey skates.

He was 5-8, but weighed 205lbs and had tree trunks for legs.....

Yeah, just imagine that on ice.

[Neal 41]

He was 5-8, but weighed 205lbs and had tree trunks for legs.....

Yeah, just imagine that on ice.

Sidney Crosby 5'11" 200lbs - getting close.

Tie Domi 5'10" 207lbs - Hmm, maybe height and weight aren't such a good indicator of ability.

[HattrickSwayze 3]

He was 5-8, but weighed 205lbs and had tree trunks for legs.....

Yeah, just imagine that on ice.

Sidney Crosby 5'11" 200lbs - getting close.

Tie Domi 5'10" 207lbs - Hmm, maybe height and weight aren't such a good indicator of ability.

I think he was just using his weight for an example of how strong Barry Sanders legs were, not an indicator of talent. That guys calfs were the size of most peoples thighs. You hear the play-by-play announcers talking about Crosby's "tree trunk" legs all the time, and how it makes him such a great skater. Barry Sanders legs were partly what made him such a great running back. He could stop and start on a dime because he had so much leg strength.

[fawn111 0]

YEs.. exactly....

He was so low to the ground.... and ran with tremendous leg bend....

Transfer that over to skating and I have no idea how you could knock him off the puck....

but like I said... all just imagination.

Could Lebron be a great hockey player at 6'8"? ... two strides and he'd be halfway down the ice

[K9 Unit 1]

i dunno, still have the question of will he be a good skater...i've seen stars on a basketball team, can't skate for crap even after lessons

[fawn111 0]

not if he skated now, but rather if he started when he was three. Athletic ability is athletic ability.