The majority of people who follow hockey know that hockey is a very popular sport globally. Many probably even follow the game quite closely. For those who don’t necessarily know much about the game, however, here is a short guide on how to become a hockey analyst.
Table of Contents
The Basics
To become a hockey analyst, you will need to do the following:
- Graduate from a reputable university
- Apply for a job as an analyst with a reputable company
- Obtain professional certification (i.e., CMA, CFA, or ICAA)
- Pass a background check
- Have previous work experience
- Be willing to relocate if necessary
- Have excellent communication skills
- Be a self-starter
- Be versatile
- Research and be up-to-date with the latest news
- Be accurate and diligent
- Be a team player
The Difference
Hockey is a much more complex game than many people realize. For instance, the positions of a hockey game are much more defined than those in football or basketball. This is why, although the majority of people who play hockey are very skilled, it is only a few who are truly capable of becoming good analysts. Below you will find a brief overview of the key differences between common hockey positions.
The Forwards:
The forwards (or “forwards” for short) are basically responsible for scoring goals. In ice hockey, a team’s scoring chances increase as the number of forwards they deploy on the ice increases. This is why you will often see very fast and skilled forwards such as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Evgeni Malkin playing important roles for their teams.
In modern hockey, teams usually have several centers, or players who can play center, to distribute the puck to their other players. Typically, teams play a 3-on-3 game with the puck, so they can use their speed and skill to make moves against their opponents.
The defensemen (or “defensemen” for short) are responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring. This is also why they are called the “defensive side of the puck.” The primary role of the defensive team is to stop the puck (usually by hooking, slapping, or punching it) and to block shots (usually by using their body or stick to shield the puck).
While the forwards are usually skilled players, there are many defensemen in the league who are extremely talented as well. Therefore, just because a player is small doesn’t mean that they cannot be effective on the defensive side of the puck.
The Goalies:
The netminders (or “goalies” for short) are responsible for stopping the puck and preventing the opposing team from scoring. This is why they are often referred to as the “veteran players” of the hockey world, due to the fact that they are usually the last line of defense when it comes to stopping the puck. Most goalies wear a mask to protect their identity while playing, but without them, their true face would be visible to everyone.
The position of a goalie in hockey is very similar to that of a netminder in soccer. They stand at the top of a small slope, or hill, known as the “iceberg” and stop all shots that come their way. Due to the nature of their job, goalies have to be very athletic and strong. They also have to be quick on their feet because the game speeds up as it goes along. This combination of speed and strength makes goalies some of the most effective athletes in hockey, able to stop the puck even when distracted or pushed off-balance by an errant stick or body check.
The Roster
As mentioned above, teams in hockey consist of several players who each has a specific role to play. There are also a few notable exceptions to this rule, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have a special role called the “fourth line” that is more of an identity than a position.
Below, we will discuss the typical roles that make up a hockey roster.
The First Line:
The first line is usually made up of a set of top-level players who the coaching staff trusts to score goals and make plays. In most cases, this is the line that the coach turns to when he wants to create some offense. They usually play a very fast-paced game and try to tire out their opponents as much as possible. They also need to be able to distribute the puck effectively to the rest of the team. This is why they are usually the only ones who wear black-and-white striped jerseys.
The Second Line:
The second line is often considered an offensive catalyst for a team. They are usually composed of two skilled forwards and one or two big, strong defensemen. This combination of speed, skill, and size is what makes the second line one of the most potent offensive forces in hockey. Offensively, they are usually responsible for driving the pace of the game and creating opportunities for teammates. As mentioned above, they also need to be able to distribute the puck effectively to the rest of the team.
The Third Line:
The third line is usually made up of a couple of big, strong defensemen and a couple of speedy, skilled forwards. Simply put, the third line is a mix of David and Goliath. Big players on small teams, or vice versa. This line is usually deployed behind the net to protect the goalie from being beat on the wings. However, teams are starting to realize that having a third line near the opposing net can be quite helpful in breaking up the opponent’s defense and opening up shooting and passing lanes. This line also works well on the power play, where they are able to pinball the puck around the rink, creating countless chances for their teammates. When a team is struggling, a coach will often try to put a fresh face on the bench to perk things up. This is usually done by moving a struggling defenseman to the third line and plugging a younger player into his spot on the second line. While this may not solve all of their problems, it will certainly improve their play and help them win games.
The Fourth Line:
The fourth line is made up of a couple of big defensemen and a couple of speedy forwards. They are often deployed near the opposing team’s net to create an offensive zone advantage for their team. Offensively, this line is responsible for taking the puck away from the opposition and using it themselves. They are also usually the team’s final line of defense, responsible for protecting the goalie from being beat on the net. This line is an essential part of every team’s defense because they can transition fairly quickly from a defensive to an offensive game mode.
The Coaching Staff
As mentioned above, teams in hockey are usually made up of several players who each has a specific role to play on the team. However, there is also one more important player who does not have a specific role but is vital to the team’s success: the coaching staff. On any given team, you will always find at least one coach, or a pair of coaches, who have a specific title with a specific role. However, aside from being a vital part of the team, they also have a lot of influence over the players. This is why they are usually the ones who decide which players make up the roster and which ones are sent down to the minor leagues when the season ends. They are also the ones who decide which players wear which numbers on the jerseys, as well as which sticks each player uses.
In short, the coaching staff is responsible for ensuring that the team plays the game in the right manner. For instance, if the coach decides that the team should play a more expansive game, they will probably tell the players to push their bodies more and try to create more scoring chances. If the coach decides that the team should play a tighter game, they will probably instruct the players to try and stop the puck more and focus less on scoring goals.