As advanced stats have gained steam in hockey fan (and team) circles, so has demand for hockey analytics conferences. And so, following in the footsteps of similar events in Edmonton, Calgary, Pittsburgh, and Ottawa, Arik Parnass (Hockey Prospectus and Eyes on the Prize) and Robb Tufts (St. Louis Game Time) have organized a conference at the Georgetown School of Continuing Studies on Saturday, April 11, starting at 10 a.m. and running until around 5 p.m.
It’s meant to cater to most audiences, from those with little or no experience with advanced stats in hockey to those who consider themselves more advanced.
It’s set to kick off with a quick introduction to hockey analytics, followed by an analytics in journalism panel (moderated by Parnass), which will feature a familiar trio to locals: Neil Greenberg (Washington Post), Mike Vogel (WashingtonCaps.com), and our very own J.P.
The rest of the day will consist of ten 15-minute presentations (plus some time for Q&A). That lineup of speakers includes some relatively prominent hockey voices:
- Rob Vollman, inventor of usage charts, author of Hockey Abstract, and columnist at ESPN Insider
- Timo Seppa, Hockey Prospectus editor-in-chief and NHL analytics consultant
- Micah McCurdy, Hockey Prospectus
- Sam Ventura, co-founder of hockey stats website WAR On Ice
- Josh Smolow (aka garik16), Hockey Graphs and Lighthouse Hockey
- Ryan Stimson, In Lou We Trust
- “Moneypuck,” Canucks Army
- Jack Han, McGill Martlets ice hockey team and Eyes on the Prize
- Me
Although the Capitals-Rangers game at 12:30 p.m. may present some logistical difficulties, the conference is walking distance from Verizon Center, making it easy to stop by before or after the game.
Admission is free, and check-in starts at 9:30 a.m. Make sure to register here and follow @ArikParnass for updates. See the conference page for more details. Hashtag: #DCHAC.