Technology has played an increasingly important role in hockey in recent years. From analytics to training to equipment, technology is helping players, coaches, and teams to improve their performance and gain an edge on the competition.
Analytics
Analytics is the use of data to improve decision-making. In hockey, analytics can be used to track player performance, evaluate team strategies, and identify areas for improvement.
Some of the most common hockey analytics metrics include:
- Corsi: The number of shot attempts (on goal, blocked, or missed) taken by a team while a player is on the ice.
- Fenwick: The number of unblocked shot attempts (on goal or missed) taken by a team while a player is on the ice.
- Expected goals: The probability that a shot will result in a goal.
- PDO: A measure of a team’s luck, based on the percentage of shots that they take that result in goals and the percentage of shots that they allow that result in goals.
Analytics can be used to help coaches make better decisions about line combinations, player usage, and game strategy. It can also be used to identify players who are underperforming or who have potential to improve.
Training
Technology is also playing a role in hockey training. There are now a number of devices and apps that can be used to track player performance and provide feedback.
Some of the most popular hockey training devices include:
- HockeyShot: A device that measures the speed and accuracy of a player’s shot.
- StanceBeam: A device that measures a player’s balance and stability.
- PuckTracker: A device that tracks the trajectory of a puck.
These devices can be used to help players improve their shooting, skating, and stickhandling skills. They can also be used to track progress over time and identify areas for improvement.
Equipment
Technology has also led to the development of new and improved hockey equipment. This equipment can help players to perform better and stay safe on the ice.
Some of the most recent advances in hockey equipment include:
- Skates with carbon fiber blades: These skates are lighter and more durable than traditional skates, and they provide players with better speed and agility.
- Helmets with built-in sensors: These helmets can detect impacts and send data to coaches and trainers. This data can be used to help prevent concussions and other serious injuries.
- Sticks with advanced materials: These sticks are made from lightweight materials that provide players with better control and power.
Technology is continuing to play an increasingly important role in hockey. From analytics to training to equipment, technology is helping players, coaches, and teams to improve their performance and gain an edge on the competition.
