In modern hockey, controlling space is just as important as controlling the puck. By analyzing which areas of the rink each player “owns,” coaches can make smarter decisions about positioning, pressure, and counterattacks. Players can also gain insights into their own positioning.
A tool that’s increasingly common in other sports – and now hopefully in hockey too – is the Voronoi diagram. These diagrams divide the rink into zones based on which player is closest to each point. The result is a visual map of surface control.
With Hockeylytics, you can perform Voronoi analysis directly in your browser. By observing how control changes in different scenarios – such as during penalty kills or counterattacks – you can adjust your game system based on real insights.
One key benefit of the tool is the fast visual feedback from combining Voronoi diagrams with custom-drawn scenarios. Both players and coaches can use it to evaluate positioning in real time.
Voronoi diagrams in hockey aren’t just a smarter way to visualize the game – they’re a practical tool to improve defensive structure, offensive movement, and your team’s overall spatial awareness. Try it for yourself in Hockeylytics and see how your rink control evolves!