Purpose. Evaluation of heart rate (HR) of professional ice hockey players during games.

Subjects. 35 professional ice hockey players, members of the National Men's Ice Hockey Team Belarus U-20, aged 17-19 years.

Results. On average peak value of HR, demonstrated by forwards, was 180 beats per minute (bpm). Before the start of the next shift HR decreases to the level of 130 bpm. On average peak value of HR, demonstrated by defencemen, was 177 beats per minute (bpm). Before the start of the next shift HR decreases to the level of 129 bpm. HR of the players who participated in shootouts was on average 172 bpm.

Conclusion. In the absence of intense physical activity during shootouts average HR of 172 bpm indicates a very high emotional stress and excitement of the hockey players performing shootouts. Coaches should pay attention on HR values and the mental resilience while picking players for shootouts, and train this component.