Research paper on ice hockey strategy (for the mathematically inclined...)

Attached is a hockey-related research paper -written by a Harvard professor- using game data from the 2004-2005 Harvard squad.
The author's findings are not entirely earth-shattering, but are interesting and show future promise nonetheless. Some of the study's main results:

- When in trouble, dump the puck or retreat? Dumping the puck is the superior strategy.
- When in offense, dump and chase or carry-in? Neither strategy is preferable in terms of scoring advantage.
- When in defensive possession, clear the puck or press on (i.e. maintain possession)? Neither strategy is superior, but "clearing" is better defensively while "pressing" is better offensively.

min
Attached is a hockey-related research paper -written by a Harvard professor- using game data from the 2004-2005 Harvard squad.

"I conclude that this team sucks and really should quit playing in the Beanpot."

I haven't reeasd the paper yet, but it seems like none of these conclusions are very surprising. They are all the answers I'd come up with after a little bit of thought. Of course, there is some value in confirming what we think we already know (assuming that it's not too obvious).

"Due to its ease of access and a high quality of play, I use a set of 18 games involving the Harvard Men’s Varsity Hockey team during the 2004-2005 season."

Obviously, Suck's Harvarding wouldn't be difficult to obtain tickets for, but I can only assume he meant to say "opponent's comparatively high quality of play."

KeithK
Of course, there is some value in confirming what we think we already know (assuming that it's not too obvious).

When did you switch to being a psychologist instead of an engineer?

Robb

KeithK
Of course, there is some value in confirming what we think we already know (assuming that it's not too obvious).

When did you switch to being a psychologist instead of an engineer?

OK, let me rephrase. There is value in having hard data to support a hypothesis.