Unlocking the Power of NCHC Hockey Metrics: A Deep Dive into Advanced Analytics

By The Hockey Analytics HQ on Feb 4, 2025

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in college hockey. With its rich history, talented players, and high-stakes games, the NCHC is a paradise for hockey fans and analytics enthusiasts alike. In recent years, the use of advanced hockey metrics has become increasingly popular in the NCHC, allowing teams, coaches, and fans to gain a deeper understanding of the game and make data-driven decisions. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of NCHC hockey metrics, exploring the key concepts, practical applications, and real-world examples that are shaping the future of the sport.

Introduction to NCHC Hockey Metrics

NCHC hockey metrics refer to the advanced statistical analysis of various aspects of the game, including player and team performance, puck possession, shooting percentages, and more. These metrics provide a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the game, allowing teams to identify areas of strength and weakness, optimize their strategies, and gain a competitive edge. Some of the key NCHC hockey metrics include:

  • Corsi: a measure of puck possession, calculated by totaling shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots
  • Fenwick: a measure of puck possession, calculated by totaling shots on goal and missed shots
  • Expected Goals (xG): a measure of a team’s scoring chances, based on the location, type, and quality of shots
  • Goals Above Replacement (GAR): a measure of a player’s contribution to their team’s goal differential

Advanced NCHC Hockey Metrics in Action

So, how are NCHC teams using advanced hockey metrics to gain a competitive edge? Let’s take a look at a few examples:

Puck Possession and Shot Quality

The University of North Dakota, a perennial NCHC powerhouse, has been at the forefront of using advanced metrics to optimize their puck possession and shot quality. By analyzing their Corsi and Fenwick numbers, the team has been able to identify areas where they can improve their possession game and create more high-quality scoring chances. For example, in the 2020-2021 season, North Dakota ranked second in the NCHC in Corsi For Percentage (CF%), with a impressive 54.2% mark. This allowed them to control the pace of play and create more scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a conference championship.

Player Evaluation and Deployment

The University of Denver, another NCHC contender, has been using advanced metrics to evaluate player performance and optimize their lineups. By analyzing players’ GAR and xG numbers, the team has been able to identify areas where they can improve their scoring depth and balance. For example, in the 2019-2020 season, Denver’s Bobby Brink led the team in GAR, with a impressive 12.5 mark. This allowed the team to deploy him in key situations and maximize his scoring potential.

Real-World Applications of NCHC Hockey Metrics

But NCHC hockey metrics aren’t just limited to the college game. Many NHL teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild, have been using advanced metrics to inform their decision-making and gain a competitive edge. For example:

  1. The Avalanche’s use of expected goals (xG) analysis has allowed them to optimize their lineup and create more scoring chances. In the 2020-2021 season, the team ranked second in the NHL in xG, with a impressive 2.73 mark.
  2. The Wild’s use of puck possession metrics, such as Corsi and Fenwick, has allowed them to identify areas where they can improve their possession game and create more scoring opportunities. In the 2019-2020 season, the team ranked fifth in the NHL in CF%, with a respectable 51.4% mark.

Key Takeaways

  • NCHC hockey metrics provide a more nuanced understanding of the game, allowing teams to identify areas of strength and weakness, optimize their strategies, and gain a competitive edge.
  • Advanced metrics can inform lineup decisions and player deployment, allowing teams to maximize their scoring potential and create more scoring chances.
  • NCHC teams are using advanced metrics to gain a competitive edge, with many teams investing in data analysis and analytics personnel to inform their decision-making.