7 types of technology you can use to improve hockey practices and experiences
Hockey is a game of strategy, skill and endurance where you constantly try to outplay and outplay your opponents. Not to mention the occasional checks, punches, fights. But at the end of the day, there’s no substitute for the feeling of skating on ice, stick in hand and the wind in your hockey hair blowing the back of your helmet.
If you really want to be the best player you can be, you need to practice on and off the ice. There are several pieces of technology that can help you do this, and we’ll identify seven of them in this article.
1. Catapult Vector Performance Tracking System
The Catapult Vector Performance Tracking System is a technology used in sports training to track and analyze athlete performance. It is commonly used in team sports such as football, soccer and hockey.
The system consists of a small sensor that collects information about the movements and actions of hockey players during training or during a game. This data is then transmitted to a computer or mobile device where coaches and trainers can analyze it.
The sensor tracks a wide range of metrics, including a player’s speed, acceleration, distance and sprint count. It also provides information about the athlete’s heart rate, work rate and player load. In addition, coaches can analyze data to identify patterns in team performance, such as which players are working harder or which areas of the pitch are being used more.
2. Digital Stickhandling Trainer
The Powerful Digital Stickhandling Trainer is a one-of-a-kind training tool to help you improve your stickhandling skills. It consists of a puck and a ball with built-in sensors, as well as a set of obstacles that can track the ball’s movement.
When you pass the ball under the obstacle, the LED shows your score. This allows you to practice stickladling exercises and techniques in a more interactive and engaging way.
You’ll also get real-time feedback, meaning you can adapt in the moment to improve muscle memory and overall technique. Most importantly, with this device, you will be able to practice speed, timing and control on your own in your own space.
3. Puck Tracking Radar
Puck tracking radars like NetPlayz Radar allow you to measure the speed of each of your shots. Features include silent operation, large LED displays and audible notifications to indicate speed.
Puck tracking radars can measure puck speed between 3 and 150 mph. So even if you can get shots through the net (like Shea Weber at the Vancouver Olympics), the puck-tracking radar will tell you exactly how much steam you’re creating.
4. Helios Core Performance Monitor
The Helios Core performance tracker is a wearable performance sensor that uses special machine learning technology to track, evaluate and gamify your performance as a hockey player.
The performance sensor attaches to your shoulder pads and uses AI and smart technology to continuously monitor your skating stride, highlight your strengths and weaknesses, and make training recommendations to make you a better player.
The Helios mobile app provides real-time and post-session data, including benchmark skill assessments by age group, progress over time, and a community for development through games.
To access the full power of the Helios system, you must subscribe to one of three membership types after the first six months: Rec, Elite or Pro. Each level unlocks certain performance tracking features. For example, subscribing to Rec will give you practice and game tracking, weekly progress tracking, and access to your rush score. By subscribing to Pro, you’ll get access to instant video clips (with iPhone/iPad integration).
5. Pak Pass Experience
Passing coaches do exactly what their name suggests: they help you practice your passing skills. How exactly do they work? For example, the Extreme Passer Puck Rebounder.
This training tool attaches to the edge of any synthetic ice surface or practice mat. It is made of sustainable materials; inside you’ll find a thick elastic cord that returns the pucks to you. This way you can practice backhands and forehands as well as one-stroke shots.
6. One-time Hockey Player
Delayed hockey passes are devices that throw pucks in your direction so you can practice one-wrist shots, quick shots or slap shots without needing another player to pass the ball to you. Since they use balls, they work best for practicing ball hockey skills.
The Franklin Sports Automatic One-Timer Hockey Passer features an automatic dispenser that holds nine official-size (2 5/8″) hockey pucks at a time. An LED light lets you know when a pass is coming, and you can get ready to put the ball where Grandma keeps the cookies. All you need is a few D size batteries and you’re good to go!
7. Shockbox hockey helmet sensor
The Shockbox Hockey Helmet Sensor may look unremarkable, but make no mistake: this little device packs a lot of value-adding sensors. By mounting this small sensor on the top of your hockey helmet, you’ll receive a smartphone alert when you or your coach take a hit that’s hard enough to potentially cause serious injury.
The device uses long-range Bluetooth technology and is charged via USB. It fits any hockey helmet, and with the Shockbox smartphone app, you can view a history of all the times you’ve been hit in the noggin.
There’s nothing like scoring a goal and hearing the crowd. Whether you’re a junior hockey player or aspiring to make the next junior national team, there’s a gadget you can use to make you faster, stronger or safer on the ice.
After reading this guide, you should have a better idea of the tools you can use to improve your hockey training. The initial investment is worth it, so we encourage you to review it and decide which one best suits your needs.
