A new study aims to enhance the performance of current and future female hockey players in the Professional Women’s Hockey League by investigating their sweat patterns. Approximately 100 PWHL athletes, representing all four Canadian teams, will undergo tests to analyze their sweating rates and salt content in sweat during practices and games.

Dr. Lawrence Spriet, a renowned exercise physiologist from the University of Guelph, is spearheading the research. He emphasizes the importance of understanding individual hydration needs, likening it to ensuring equipment readiness before hitting the ice. Montreal Victoire forward Marie-Philip Poulin attests to the benefits of personalized hydration plans, especially in demanding situations like prolonged playoff matches.

The sweat tests involve weighing players before and after training sessions or games to assess fluid loss based on body mass changes. Even a 1.5% body mass reduction due to sweating can negatively impact performance, affecting muscle function and cognitive abilities. Tailoring hydration strategies, including fluid intake, salt replacement, and carbohydrate consumption, is crucial to maintaining optimal performance.

The study results, apart from benefiting individual players, will contribute to a broader database on hydration practices among elite female athletes. This initiative aligns with the growing importance of women’s sports, evident in the expansion of teams in the PWHL and the upcoming addition of the Toronto Tempo to the WNBA. Jayna Hefford, PWHL’s executive vice-president of hockey operations, praises the research for addressing the specific needs of female athletes and supporting their performance growth.