Founded at Link枚ping University, the conference has now been held for the fifth consecutive year and has developed into a central meeting place for both research and practical applications in the field.
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From research to practical application
The first day, Academic Day, focused on research. Presentations covered topics such as statistical modelling, player analysis and machine learning. Several contributions demonstrated how advanced data can be used to analyse performance, decision-making and development over time. The day concluded with a student competition, where analyses of, for example, power play situations and goal-scoring opportunities were presented.
In the following days, the focus shifted to application. Representatives from federations, clubs, technology companies and media discussed how data and AI are used in practice 鈥� from player development and decision support to integration within organisations and broadcasting. Data quality and interpretation were recurring themes.
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Strong research environment at LiU
Data-driven analysis and visualisation is a rapidly growing area within sport 鈥� one in which Link枚ping University has developed a strong research environment. While football has long been at the forefront, ice hockey is developing quickly, and today elite clubs analyse almost everything that happens both on and off the ice.
At Link枚ping University, a research group has been working on sports analytics since 2017. The group is led by Patrick Lambrix and Niklas Carlsson at the Department of Computer and Information Science, bringing together expertise from several areas related to data analytics in sport.
Collaboration key in a growing field
A central aspect of the conference is the exchange between academia and elite sport. Participants from universities, NHL organisations and European clubs shared experiences, although competitive considerations influence what can be openly discussed.
鈥� Many are surprised to learn that not all teams in Sweden have dedicated analysts, whereas NHL organisations often employ larger full-time analytics teams, says Patrick Lambrix.
Among the speakers was Erik Lignell from HC Fribourg-Gott茅ron, who highlighted the importance of communication in analytics work:
鈥� You can work remotely and still be close to the team. And you can sit in the same building and still work far apart.
He also emphasised how crucial collaboration is:
鈥� When you are successful with communication, you realise how poor your communication was before.
Strengthening Link枚ping鈥檚 position
Hosting the conference in Link枚ping reflects the university鈥檚 strong position in computer science and its links to application areas such as sport. By bringing together research and practice, the conference contributes to the development of a growing field where technology and sport intersect.
The conference concluded with awards for best research paper and best student contribution.
