The relationship between efficacy and performance in hockey goaltender dyads

Abstract

Past research has shown a positive relationship between efficacy and performance (Feltz & Lirgg, 1998; Hodges & Carron, 1992; Lichacz & Partington, 1996) although there is limited evidence of this relationship in small teams. Feltz and Lirgg (1998) found a positive relationship between efficacy and sport performance in hockey players, however they excluded goaltenders due to their unique position. The present study replicated Feltz and Lirgg (1998) however goaltenders were included and other team members were excluded. Data was collected from 12 goaltenders from three Ontario hockey leagues. Efficacy was measured through an online questionnaire and official game statistics provided the performance measures. Data was collected for 70 games providing a total of 112 questionnaire responses. Results of this study revealed non-significant relationships between self-efficacy and save percentage [R2 = .012, F(1, 58) = .617, p < .05], self-efficacy and minutes played [R2 = .03, F(1, 58) = 1.79, p < .05], collective efficacy and save percentage [R2 = .012, F(1, 58) = .700, p > .05] and collective efficacy and minutes played [R2 = .000, F(1, 58) = .017, p > .05]. Findings suggest there may be other factors unique to the goaltender position involved with predicting goaltender performance other than efficacy. Results of the present study are not consistent with Feltz and Lirgg’s (1998) findings, however other published research has found a non-significant relationship between efficacy and sport performance (Sitzmann & Yeo, 2013).