Key Metrics to Focus on During Hockey Video Analysis

If you're serious about improving performance on the ice, you can't ignore the power of video. Kellian Hockey, based in Vermont, helps players and coaches unlock valuable insights through personalized hockey video analysis. Whether it's an individual player trying to sharpen puck control or a coach wanting a deeper look into team strategy, the right metrics make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll break down the most important data points to focus on when reviewing game or skill footage. You’ll learn how to use these metrics to identify habits, correct errors, and improve overall gameplay.

What Is Hockey Video Analysis?

Hockey video analysis is the process of reviewing recorded footage to identify performance patterns, decision-making tendencies, and areas for improvement. At Kellian Hockey, Coach Ian Smith uses a coach’s eye and over a decade of teaching experience to translate video into clear, practical feedback.

This service is especially helpful for:

• Players who want to raise their hockey IQ

• Coaches refining team systems

• Parents supporting their child’s development

Key Metrics That Matter in Hockey Video Analysis

1. Player Positioning and Gap Control

One of the first things to evaluate is positioning. Are players where they should be relative to the puck, teammates, and opponents? Defensive players should maintain tight gap control, while forwards need to support the puck efficiently.

What to look for:

• The distance between defenders and attacking players

• Forward-backchecking effort

• Positioning relative to passing lanes

Poor positioning leads to scoring chances against. Video gives you the evidence you need to correct it.

2. Puck Possession and Turnovers

Possession equals control. In hockey video analysis, watch closely for how often a player gains or loses control of the puck, especially in key zones like the defensive zone breakout or offensive blue line.

Key questions:

• How often is the puck lost under pressure?

• Are passes clean, or forced?

• Does the player carry the puck too long?

Tracking turnovers can quickly expose risky tendencies or confidence gaps in puck handling.

3. Zone Entries and Exits

Controlled entries and exits are essential for both creating offense and defending. This metric highlights a team’s ability to break out and attack efficiently.

Evaluate:

• Percentage of controlled vs. dump-and-chase entries

• Timing and spacing during breakouts

• Forward support during zone exits

Coach Ian often identifies these moments in the first few minutes of analyzing a game and offers specific drills to improve them.

4. Time and Space Awareness

Also known as hockey sense, this is harder to teach, but easier to see on video. A player’s ability to read developing plays, anticipate movement, and make smart decisions under pressure is essential.

Watch for:

• How quickly a player processes options

• Support plays off the puck

• Reactions in high-traffic areas

This is a huge part of what makes Kellian Hockey’s analysis effective. Coach Ian breaks these moments down in ways players of all levels can understand.

5. Special Teams Performance

Whether you're reviewing a power play or penalty kill, video helps pinpoint execution errors.

Metrics to track:

• Entry success rate on the power play

• Defensive box or diamond formation on the penalty kill

• Quick puck movement and shot generation

Even five minutes of video analysis focused solely on special teams can uncover strategy flaws that impact your entire game.

6. Shift Length and Energy Management

Hockey is a game of short, intense shifts. Too long on the ice and performance drops. Video allows coaches to check:

• Average shift time

• Player hustle during the first vs. the last 20 seconds

• Bench awareness and line changes

This is an often-overlooked metric but plays a big role in team discipline and endurance.

7. Communication and Team Dynamics

Communication doesn’t always show up in stats, but it shows up on tape. Do players call for the puck? Support teammates in transition? Adjust positioning based on what others are doing?

Look for:

• Non-verbal cues (hand signals, head checks)

• Vocal communication on breakouts or changes

• Whether players “follow” the play or help direct it

Team success often starts with clear communication, and fixing miscommunication is one of the best outcomes of hockey video analysis.

Pros & Cons of Using Hockey Video Analysis

Pros

• Objective breakdown of gameplay

• Identifies habits players may not realize they have

• Improves team strategy and cohesion

• Helps set specific improvement goals

• Supports coach-player communication

Cons

• Time-consuming if unstructured

• It can be overwhelming without guided feedback

• May require video software or editing tools

• The risk of focusing too much on mistakes without context

Frequently Asked Questions

How many games should I analyze?

Start with one to two games to identify major patterns. Then follow up after training to track improvement.

Can I send footage from my phone?

Yes! For skill video analysis, you can submit smartphone recordings of specific moves or drills.

How long is the analysis video?

Depending on the service, analysis videos usually range from 10-20 minutes, packed with specific, timestamped feedback.

Use Hockey Video Analysis to Improve Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you're a player refining skills or a coach improving systems, hockey video analysis gives you an undeniable edge. It reveals habits, uncovers potential, and offers a clear roadmap for development. At Kellian Hockey in Vermont, we combine coaching expertise with classroom-tested teaching techniques to help players and teams make the most of every shift.

Want to get started? Book your video analysis today and take your next step toward smarter hockey.

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