The Difference Between Forwards and Defencemen in Ice Hockey

Have you ever been in that argument of who's the fittest a Forward or a D-man? Well, I can't answer that with 100% certainty, as it depends on your viewpoints, however, this is what I can tell you:

Forwards:

Forwards have to skate a longer distance in the game because they must go over all the way into the offensive zone and attack the other team, this also requires a lot of other technical skills such as quick turns and stops.

The nature of the quick turns and stops, rapid accelerations have a much bigger impact on the heart and lungs, as this is likely to raise the heart rate quickly into the anaerobic zone,  meaning the body will have to make fuel without oxygen, which is fine, however it comes at a price.

Lactic Acid is the byproduct of the chemical reactions in the body which are used to generate energy with glucose alone, meaning that those little positive hydrogen ions are going to be niggling away at your muscles like leaches, draining your energy and inducing fatigue.

Off the ice Forwards must attain a high intensity training regime, in order to battle the 'hydrogen ion leaches' the continuous high intensity training comes with its reward as it allows you to buffer lactic acid at a higher intensity and avoid fatigue.

Defensemen:

Defencemen do not need as many technical skills to be successful, for instance they need a lesser degree of stick handling ability than forwards, however, they will need a higher level of strength in order to allow them to put heavy checks on the oppositions Forwards. 

They tend to cover less ice than Forwards, so they won't need as much cardiovascular endurance the Forwards, however when you're playing at NHL level hockey you certainly can't underestimate the amount you need, else your gonna be in for a rough ride.

As well, it kind of makes you think when as soon as you get into the NHL, the team wants to put you on a training regime immediately.

So, with that mind, both positions require a high level of fitness, tell me what you guys think in the comment section below.