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The landscape of tracking hockey stats and data has changed in the past few years, and for the better. Each year the number of metrics available to evaluate talent grows in number. With so much data out there things can get very confusing, especially for those that are still trying to learn the nuances of these new methods.
This is where Hockey Prospectus 2013-2014 comes in and makes the transition extremely easy. Hockey Prospectus 2013-2014 is the perfect blend of in-depth information and easy to read presentation. The best part about this book is that it will appeal to both the biggest “stat geeks”, as well as someone who is brand new to this style of information.
Hockey Prospectus uses their own unique advanced metrics such as Goals Versus Threshold (GVT) as well as their VUKOTA projections. VUKOTA projections are perfect for the fantasy hockey fan out there looking to gain an edge.
This year’s addition will once again include individual breakdowns of each NHL player. The organization of the book is neatly put together. Each team has its own individual chapter which includes the individual player breakdowns, as well as Hockey Prospectus’ innovative Total Performance Charts. Here is an example of one of those individual player breakdowns:
I think one of the best innovations in presenting hockey data has been
Hockey Prospectus’ Total Performance Charts. Player Usage Charts were the original ground breaking method to demonstrate how players were being used by their coaches. Once again this year’s addition will include a Player Usage Chart for each of the 30 NHL teams.
Hockey Prospectus 2013-2014 has taken their usage of charts a step further this year and have introduced three additional Total Performance Charts. The Cap Efficiency Chart, Offensive Profile Chart, and Special Teams Usage Chart each make their debut this year. Each chart is incredibly easy to read and understand. These charts are a game changer in how the average fan, as well as the most devout statistician can evaluate and understand a player’s value to their team.
Hockey Prospectus has included these new charts for every team in the NHL. It is easy to lose yourself in the data when comparing and contrasting each of the 30 NHL teams.
No single chart can tell the complete story of an individual player. However, when you have four detailed and easy to read Total Performance Charts like the ones provided in this book, you are able to come as close and accurate as one can to learning about a player through his statistics.
Want to find out if your general manager is getting fair value on his investments? Here is an example of the Cap Efficiency Chart and why it’s a great tool to use in order to find out:
As somebody who has been around the game of hockey for close to 30 years I believe I have developed a good feel for evaluating talent. To this point I have relied on my personal “eye test”.
With each passing year
Hockey Prospectus provides more and more data that helps assist me in confirming my “eye test”. Thanks to the folks at
Hockey Prospectus, there are now ways to document and objectively confirm your own personal eye test. These new innovative ways of looking at the game of hockey are slowly changing what used to be considered opinion, into objective fact.
If you are a person who is interested in looking at the game of hockey from new unique perspectives this book will not leave you disappointed.
If you like what you have seen and read you can purchase either the paperback copy of the book ($24.95) or purchase the digital download ($14.95) from the Hockey Prospectus website which you can find here
here.
Disclosure: Hockey Prospectus provided me a complimentary copy of the book for my review. The complimentary copy in no way shape or form influenced me in developing my opinion of the book. I am the proud owner of Hockey Prospectus 2012-2013, as well as Hockey Abstract as a full paying customer.
Thanks for reading!
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