Relative Age Effect inom ishockey-VM på senior- ochjuniornivå.

Sammanfattning: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the Relative Age Effect iscrucial for winning the senior, U20, and U18 Men's Ice Hockey World Championships. Wealso aim to gain a better understanding of the significance of the Relative Age Effect for ateam's success. Success can be measured in various ways, but in this study, we have chosen todefine success in ice hockey by focusing on the teams that have won the championships.Method: This study adopts a quantitative design and relies on secondary analysis of publiclyavailable statistics. We have employed a deductive approach to examine the subject of theRelative Age Effect. To conduct the study, we have placed significant emphasis on previousresearch in the field and used it as the theoretical foundation. To gather information and data,we have utilized scientific articles, relevant literature, as well as general sources and websitesthat have contributed to the analysis of our study. By reviewing and referencing previousresearch, we have been able to draw conclusions and benefit from prior insights into theRelative Age Effect.Results and Conclusions: The results we obtained regarding the winning teams between2001-2022 of the senior, U20, and U18 Men's Ice Hockey World Championships indicate thatthe Relative Age Effect is not present at the senior level but is observed in the U20 and U18categories. The results also showed that the younger the age group, the more evident theRelative Age Effect was among the teams, with significant differences between the winningteams in the U20 and U18 divisions. Based on the results of our study, we can conclude thatthe Relative Age Effect is not a decisive factor for winning at the senior level. However, itbecomes more difficult to draw a clear conclusion at the junior level since our researchindicates that the winning teams exhibit the Relative Age Effect, but it remains uncertainwhether it has been decisive or how it has practically influenced the teams' success.Therefore, talent identification and development in younger generations should reassess theselection process and factors deemed crucial for participation in these championships. Furtherresearch is required to determine which individuals within the teams are truly instrumental intheir victories and whether all teams in the tournaments are already influenced by theRelative Age Effect.