Ice Hockey, Hemp & CBD: How Professional Athletes Benefit from Natural Active Ingredients

Fitness, Recovery, and Health with CBD & Hemp in Ice Hockey - Dennis Sticha in Interview with HANAFSAN

Dennis – it was actually foreseeable that you would follow in your father's footsteps, wasn't it?
Yes, of course. A father has an influence on the preferences that develop in childhood, but I have an incredible joy for ice hockey to this day, and I am therefore glad that everything turned out this way. Even at the age of three, I had the desire to be on the ice myself, was in the Vorarlberghalle every weekend, and today it is my profession. I am really very happy about that.

How important is physical fitness/health in hockey?
Incredibly important. While in other sports you can focus on a certain physical area, you need your whole body on the ice. Everything from head to toe must be in the best condition. Strength and endurance are just as important as explosiveness and skill, and that is exactly what fascinates me about ice hockey time and again. Sleep and recovery also play an important role in sports because only when the overall package is right can you deliver properly.

Pain is part of your sport, isn't it?
Ideally, of course not, but yes, we often struggle with minor and occasionally larger physical impairments. The art lies in ignoring the smaller issues or simply enduring them because we are just very different in character compared to other sports. However, it is important to take this topic very seriously because anyone who suffers from constant pain cannot perform at their full potential on the ice. Whether it's treatment by a physiotherapist, medical therapy, or the use of natural substances – there are really many approaches that an athlete must pursue.

Cannabis and sports are hard to reconcile for outsiders. Where does your openness come from?
I actually didn't have the plant and its effects on my radar for a long time, but in recent years I've heard a lot of good things about hemp, and the food industry is increasingly incorporating high-quality hemp proteins. I find it very exciting that the plant and its components – whether protein or CBD as an active ingredient – can be integrated into almost all areas of life. Also, regarding pure hemp seed oil, I am very impressed by the optimal distribution of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as the naturally nutty taste. There is a lot to discover.

The active ingredient CBD is gaining more and more acceptance in sports, and research is also progressing. How can a professional best incorporate cannabis products into their daily routine?
It is important that everyone gathers their own experiences. It is hard to say how many proteins someone consumes and how many milligrams or drops of cannabidiol oils or CBD creams are used, as this depends on many factors. However, scientific publications provide good information about this – the start or entry into the subject of cannabis is thus secured. However, caution is advised, especially regarding prohibited substances like the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. Therefore, it is particularly important to know where the products come from and how the quality is ensured. If all these factors are taken into account, there are no problems, and one benefits particularly in the area of recovery, that is clear. I am also curious to see how the hockey community will react to "cannabis" and am glad to be able to contribute to this new development.

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