In our fifth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Dr. Josh Pohlkamp-Hartt, the Associate Director of Hockey Analytics at the Boston Bruins. From designing novel neutral-zone metrics with the Kingston Frontenacs to sharpening in-game analytics for one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, Josh has seen firsthand how data transforms pro hockey decision-making. Josh explains how he translates complex statistical models into quick-hit insights for coaches, scouts, and front-office staff—from daily player evals to long-term trade and contract strategies. He also draws on his PhD training in statistics (and prior experience at Apple) to highlight the importance of building user-friendly dashboards, fostering trust with skeptical stakeholders, and doubling down on communication skills to make your analytics truly actionable. Whether you’re an NHL hopeful looking to automate your own analytics workflow or a data enthusiast intrigued by real-time puck- and player-tracking, this episode offers a deep dive into how advanced stats can give a storied hockey club its competitive edge.
Key Takeaways: Neutral-Zone Insights: Why controlling the middle of the ice often makes the biggest difference in modern hockey. Building Trust: How to show coaches that data can simplify their workflow—rather than complicate it. PhD Rigor Meets NHL Pressure: Balancing “speed vs. completeness” when your metrics directly impact roster decisions. Advanced Tech Stack: R, Python, AWS, and real-time puck tracking—scaling analytics in a fast-moving environment. Communication Counts: Why writing, presenting, and “meeting coaches on their terms” matters as much as model design. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at dave@sportanalytics.com. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #HockeyAnalytics #NHL #BostonBruins #NeutralZone #DataScience #PhD #MachineLearning #Scouting #PlayerTracking #SportTech
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