The Science of Hockey

AI on Ice: How Neural Networks Decode Elite Hockey Performance

This episode dives into how artificial intelligence is being used to analyze elite ice hockey gameplay. Using neural networks and layer-wise relevance propagation, researchers are uncovering the most critical moments that influence game outcomes—offering new insights into player decision-making and team dynamics. Machine learning is changing how we understand hockey. In this episode, we explore how neural networks break down elite performance, highlighting which actions and game states matter most. Discover how AI could reshape coaching, scouting, and strategy. Main source: Neural network and layer-wise relevance propagation reveal how ice hockey protective equipment restricts players’ motion Rebecca Lennartz, Arash Khassetarash, Sandro R. Nigg, Bjoern M. Eskofier, Benno M. Nigg PLoS One. 2024; 19(10): e0312268. Published online 2024 Oct 15. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312268 PMCID: PMC11478874

Hip Check: The Hidden Burden of Groin Injuries in Hockey

Hip and groin pain in professional ice hockey players is more common than many realize. In this episode, The Analyst dives into the data behind the prevalence, duration, and impact of these injuries—regardless of position. Keywords: hip pain, groin injuries, ice hockey, player health, injury prevention. Over 50% of professional ice hockey players report hip or groin problems each season. In this episode, we explore the science behind these injuries, their long-term effects, and why they’re often overlooked. Keywords: hip injuries, groin pain, hockey epidemiology, overuse injuries, sports medicine. Main source: High prevalence of hip and groin problems in professional ice hockey players, regardless of playing position Tobias Wörner, Kristian Thorborg, Frida Eek Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2020; 28(7): 2302–2308. Published online 2019 Nov 16. doi: 10.1007/s00167-019-05787-7 PMCID: PMC7347705

Hits, Fights, and Fans: What Drives NHL Audience Trends?

This episode examines whether fighting in the NHL really boosts viewership. We break down the data on fight frequency and game ratings from 2010 to 2021, revealing surprising trends in fan interest, rule changes, and the evolving image of professional hockey. Do fans tune in for fights—or tune out? We explore how fighting trends in the NHL relate to national viewership across networks, and what this means for the sport’s future in a more safety-conscious and skill-focused era. Main source: National Hockey League Fights per Game and Viewership Trends: 2000–2020 Thomas A. Fortney, Liana J. Tedesco, Nathan J. Kopydlowski, Jack F. Korzelius, Sohil S. Desai, Charles A. Popkin Front Sports Act Living. 2022; 4: 890429. Published online 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.890429 PMCID: PMC9281541

Faster Ice, Smarter Recovery: Sprinting Smarter in Hockey

Skating performance in ice hockey relies heavily on how players recover between shifts. This episode explores how two-minute versus three-minute passive recovery intervals affect sprint speed, heart rate, and fatigue in forwards and defensemen. Hear what science says about optimizing shift recovery and maintaining peak speed throughout a game. Should hockey players rest for two or three minutes between intense sprints? We break down new research comparing recovery durations in repeated sprint skating tests. Keywords: sprint skating, hockey recovery, fatigue index, heart rate, performance optimization. Main source: A Comparative Study of Two-Minute versus Three-Minute Passive Recovery on Sprint Skating Performance of Ice Hockey Forwards and Defensemen Arkadiusz Stanula, Subir Gupta, Jakub Baron, Anna Bieniec, Rajmund Tomik, Tomasz Gabrys, Petr Valach, Andrzej Szymon Swinarew Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec; 18(24): 13029. Published online 2021 Dec 10. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182413029 PMCID: PMC8701228

Sprint Tested: The Science Behind On-Ice Speed for Women’s Hockey

In this episode of The Science of Hockey, we dive into the development of a game-relevant sprint test tailored specifically for women’s varsity hockey. Learn how repeated sprint performance, positional differences, and skating velocity provide new insights into athletic conditioning and talent evaluation. Keywords: sprint test, ice hockey performance, female athletes, skating speed, hockey science. What does it take to measure peak sprint performance in women’s ice hockey? This episode explores a specialized on-ice sprint test developed to mimic real game demands. Discover how researchers designed and validated this protocol and what it reveals about position-specific speed and endurance. Keywords: repeated sprint test, hockey fitness, women's hockey, performance metrics. Main source: Development and Reliability of a 7×15m Repeated On-Ice Sprint Test for Female Ice Hockey Players KEIR WILSON, JOEL JACKSON, GARY SNYDMILLER, GORDON BELL Int J Exerc Sci. 2021; 14(6): 666–676. Published online 2021 Aug 1. PMCID: PMC8439675