Current research has found conflicting results regarding the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and the repeated sprint ability (RSA) of hockey players. The purpose of this study was to use sport-specific testing methods to investigate this relationship. Forty-five (range, 18-24) college hockey players completed a graded exercise test on a skating treadmill to ascertain their VO2peak. An on-ice repeated shift test was then conducted to evaluate each player's susceptibility to fatigue. First gate, second gate, and total test times were collected on the course and then used to calculate associated decrement scores. Second gate decrement was significantly correlated to VO2peak (r = -0.31, p = 0.04). Final stage completed during the graded exercise test was also significantly correlated to second gate and total decrement (r = -0.46, p = 0.001; r = -0.32, p = 0.03). No significant correlation was found between either first gate or total decrement score and VO2peak (r = -0.11, p = 0.46; r = -0.17, p = 0.26). The results of this study indicate that RSA is associated with VO2peak and final stage completed when using sport-specific testing methods.
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