There is a lot of mystery surrounding the world of hockey. One of the most intriguing aspects of the game is the concept of “genes” and “inheritance.” The hockey universe is constantly evolving, and researchers are still discovering the many roles that genetics play in ice hockey. However, with every new discovery comes an explanation of how it influences the game. Let’s take a closer look at what is a geno in hockey and how it impacts the game today.
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Key Facts About Genes In Hockey
Hockey is a game that is both physical and mental. While it is a game that can be played by anyone, it takes a certain type of person to be able to play at a high level. One of the things that make hockey such a unique sport is that it is a game that is based on physical and mental attributes. This is reflected in the fact that there is a ton of scientific research that is currently being done on the topic of genes and hockey.
A big advantage that modern-day hockey has over other sports is the number of tests that can be used to examine genetic markers related to muscle mass, endurance, and brain performance. These tests, which were not available 15 years ago, have made it much easier for scientists to study genes and their influence on sport. The following are a few interesting facts about genes and hockey:
Fact 1: Hockey Is Backwards!
While most people know that hockey is “played” forwards, the truth is that it is, in fact, played backwards. When a puck is shot into the air, the players at the top of the ice rush towards it while the goalie attempts to stop the puck. If the goalie can’t stop it, the next player in line for the puck will have to score or the team at the end will get the puck and continue the play from where it left off. This is a crucial part of the game that makes everyone, from the pros to the kids, scramble for the puck. The rush of trying to outsmart each other and the opposition is what makes hockey so much fun to watch.
Fact 2: The Puck Is Important!
Many people, when they think of hockey, automatically think about the puck. While it is true that the puck is important, it is also important to realize that a game of hockey can be played without a puck. For instance, when the ice is frozen, it is possible to use a hockey stick to “check” players (in a non-contact manner). If the ice melts before the game is over, the “checking” would become more of a “blazing”. Regardless, whether or not the puck is on the ice, it is still considered to be the “icing” on the cake when it comes to hockey.
Fact 3: Goalies Are Important, Too!
Just like in the NBA, NFL, and Major League Baseball, goaltending is a very important part of hockey. A goalie’s job is to prevent the other team from scoring by stopping the puck. The puck must be stopped in or behind the goal line to earn a “saves” or a “goal”. Some goalies use the butterfly technique to steal the puck and prevent scoring or takeaways while others rely on sheer skill and athleticism to stop the puck. Regardless, the role of the goalie is to protect the team’s net and stop the puck.
Inheritance And Genes In Hockey
The relationship between genes and hockey is complex, but it is also very important. Just like in many other sports, the key to good hockey is in the genes! There are dozens of studies that have shown a correlation between certain genetic markers and good performance in hockey. The following are some of the most interesting studies that have examined this subject:
1. A Geno For The Game: Myostatin Discovered
In 2015, researchers at the University of British Columbia discovered a gene, Myostatin, which helps determine how fast an animal’s muscle will grow. Interestingly, they found that humans have two Myostatin genes, one from each parent. While muscle building appears to be a random process among men, the researchers speculate that there is some “genetic determinism” when it comes to an athlete’s muscle mass. According to the study’s author, “For some it may be a case of sheer chance and individual talent while for others it could be that their Myostatin genes help determine muscle mass and athletic performance.” The findings were published in Cell Reports.
2. Endurance And Strength Are Strong Predictors Of Hockey Performance
In 2006, researchers examined the physical characteristics of 891 hockey players from the Ukraine and Russia. They found that players who were tall and lanky tended to fare better on the ice than their shorter counterparts. In addition, they also found that players who were strong were more likely to be successful on the ice. Specifically, the study found that hockey players who were 6’4”, weighed about 187 pounds, and had double body weight in both muscle and fat had the highest scoring rate. The study, titled “Genetics of Elite Hockey Players,” was published in the European Journal Of Sport Science.
3. The “Ice Hockey” Gene
In 2009, researchers at the University of Helsinki examined the resting metabolic rates of 17 elite Finnish hockey players. They hypothesized that since the metabolic rate of an organism is influenced by its genes, the players with the lowest resting metabolic rate would have the best chance at being successful on the ice. They found that the speed and force with which an athlete moves around on the ice is directly related to the speed and force of their heartbeats. Specifically, the study found that the best players had the highest metabolic rates and scored more frequently and more effectively on the ice than their counterparts. There are actually two different genes that influence an organism’s metabolic rate, and the researchers theorize that the “ice hockey” gene is one of them.
How It All Started: The Evolution Of Hockey
The origin of hockey is a topic that continues to be hotly debated among historians and anthropologists. However, one of the most accepted theories is that hockey evolved from polka and was first played in Russia in the 1800s. It was initially considered to be a Russian “hockey” until a professional league was founded in Canada in 1876. Since then, the game has grown and evolved considerably.
The World Hockey Association, or the “WHA,” was founded in Canada in 1972 in order to establish a professional league for hockey. The league was created with the intention of improving the lives of professional hockey players by providing them with higher paychecks and better benefits. The league also allowed players to become more educated about the causes of injuries in hockey and allowed them to research the effects of different muscle groups on performance. The following year, the WHA merged with the NHL, and since then, the two leagues have worked closely together to grow the sport.
In addition to discovering the genetic factors that influence how well a person plays hockey, scientists are also investigating whether or not there is a formalized genetic ranking for hockey. The following are some of the major questions that scientists are trying to answer:
Do Genes Play A Role In Hockey Performance?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the relationship between genes and hockey is the fact that no two people are precisely the same. This is why, even though there are hundreds of studies that have looked into the topic, there continues to be new research published every year. The following are a few examples of the ongoing research that explores the genetic factors that influence hockey performance:
1. Is There A Formalized Genetic Ranking For Hockey?
Since the inception of the WHA in 1972, there has not been a single year where all the players were born and raised in Canada. In fact, today’s NHL is dominated by players from the United States and Canada.
With all the genetic diversity in the world, it would be interesting to see if there is a correlation between certain genes and good performance on the ice. If there is a genetic ranking for hockey, it would open up the possibility of performing more precise and effective gene therapies. The idea is to find the genetic markers that influence sports performance and use that information to aid the body’s natural healing process.