Edmonton Oilers take larger, bolder step into the superior analytics world with rent of Michael Parkatti

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After years of dipping their toes into analytics, the Edmonton Oilers have now jumped into the deeper finish of the flowery stats pool.

The membership introduced this (Thursday) morning that Michael Parkatti has been named the Oilers Senior Director, Fata & Analytics. Quote, from the information launch:

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“Working carefully with the hockey operations division, Parkatti will lead the creation & operation of a brand new analytics division, offering insight-driven suggestions for the staff”.

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A deeper involvement within the analytics facet of the sport was one of many guarantees that new CEO Jeff Jackson introduced with him to the group. And it didn’t take particularly lengthy for him to ship on that.

There are, typically, two camps on analytics: Those that imagine it’s a vital a part of at this time’s sport and those that nonetheless firmly imagine that the attention take a look at is the extra essential issue. Certainly, there may be room for some center floor right here. I are usually an “eye” man, myself. Nonetheless, it does appear close-minded to not flip over each potential stone within the seek for a Stanley Cup. In my very own area (broadcasting), information is seen as very important…whether or not you act upon it or not. Extra info is nearly all the time a very good factor, and that’s what Parkatti will ship. And that he has usually talked about “intergration” of analytics would appear to counsel a progressive but sensible method.

The Oilers nudged additional towards the analytics world when Brad Holland joined the group. The Jr. Holland is a agency believer within the method, and deeper evaluation of their on-ice efficiency statistically led to the buying of each Zach Hyman and Warren Foegle. An extra step was taken earlier this fall when Mike Fanelli joined the Oil as Video and analytics coordinator. However the Parkatti rent is a a lot firmer foot within the door.

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If you’re greater than a passing fan of the sport, likelihood is you’ll acknowledge Michael’s title. He and his data-driven observations have been on The Web for all to seek out. What I like about Parkatti is that he has utilized expertise within the area, having spent years within the power trade. Of his jobs in that area was Supervisor, Superior Analytics, SUNCOR Vitality. He’s additionally a well-educated and considerate man, having studied at Georgia Tech, the London College of Economics and College of Alberta.

Michael additionally held a consulting position with the membership for just a few years, till 2014. And over the previous few years he has been on the forefront of a lot of analytical approaches to the sport. So, not a mere pupil of the science however an innovator, to some extent, as properly. That the membership can fill this position with a home-grown rent is the cherry on high.

Add to my observations, this…from my Cult of Hockey colleague Bruce McCurdy:

“Analytics isn’t the be-all and end-all, however it’s — or must be — an vital cog within the bigger wheel. As Kevin Lowe acknowledged in an interview for Discovery channel again within the day, the concept is to seek out benefits out within the margins, the “2% distinction” which may present an edge, or at minimal sustain with the competitors. 10 years later, the group has taken its most vital step on this route since parting methods with Tyler Dellow in 2016. Dellow has since develop into Vice President of Analytics for New Jersey Devils. Not saying it’s the one motive, however the Devils have made spectacular progress throughout his now 4 years on the job”.

Extra to come back…

Now on Threads @kleavins. Additionally, discover me on Twitter @KurtLeavins, Instagram at LeavinsOnHockey, and Mastodon at [email protected]

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