The NHL Panthers named former West Point sports statistics professor Brian Macdonald Dir of Hockey Analytics, marking the latest in a "rash of hirings this season of academicians" in the league, according to Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. The hiring has "brought the new world of analytics" to the team. Panthers Exec VP & GM of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon said, "Analytics is the latest buzzword and we want to be part of it and use it properly. It's situational and could help in shootouts and power plays by telling us what are a guy's tendencies like when Steven Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin shoot that one-timer from the dot. What line were you playing against? Fourth? First? But where does the data come from, is the important thing. Is it a bunch of college kids watching games on TV? That's why we're happy Brian is here. It's new and we're experimenting on a regular basis to customize it to our purposes.'' Coach Gerard Gallant said, "To me, it's about winning the game. Stats usually take care of themselves." Panthers D Willie Mitchell said, "I don't put a lot of stock into it. It's the buzz item right now but I think it's going to come and go." Fialkov notes Tallon "will also use the data when negotiating contracts or discussing trades." Macdonald "gathers most of his statistics from NHL.com and other websites that he prefers to keep a secret" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 10/28).
DIVERSIFYING THE MARKET: In Miami, George Richards reports despite Panthers G Al Montoya only playing in two games so far this season, he has been "active in the Hispanic community trying to sell" the game of hockey. Montoya has gone on "Spanish-language radio to promote hockey" and he is "talking up the game at local Cuban restaurants as well." The Panthers are "offering a meet-and-greet with Montoya after Thursday’s game," during which the team will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night and broadcast it on Spanish-language radio. Montoya, the first Cuban-American to play in the NHL, said, "It’s very cool. As I’ve said, I’m blessed to do what I do. I come from a Hispanic background, one where hockey wasn’t a big sport for us. For me to play this game, put on the pads every day that’s my dream and I can’t wait to share it with the rest of the Hispanic community" (
MIAMI HERALD, 10/28).
