Data Scientist, Hockey Analytics

Job Title : Data Scientist, Hockey Analytics

Department : Hockey Operations (Hockey Strategy & Analytics)

Perks and Benefits:

FREE: breakfast, lunch, parking, on-site gym and training classes, gym membership at Chicago Athletic Clubs, Blackhawks tickets, and annual merchandise kit. Unlimited snack and nourishment kitchen in office, free Peloton membership, casual dress environment, access to United Center concert events, yearly stipend for home office equipment, flexible work schedule where applicable, competitive total rewards package, full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid life insurance), comprehensive PTO package, social events, volunteer opportunities, and focused learning and development.

What It’s Like Working Here:

The Chicago Blackhawks experience isn’t just on the ice. Our office, located in the United Center, promotes a fun, engaging, fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere where we can celebrate both hockey and each other. Our commitment to curating an environment where all individuals feel empowered to bring their best self to work each day can be seen throughout our organization. Whether you are a job seeker looking to join the organization, a current member of our amazing team, or someone looking to help support our mission, our goal is the same – to reimagine the potential of hockey through memorable, inclusive experiences.

The Top Shelf :

The Chicago Blackhawks are seeking a data scientist to join their Hockey Analytics team. The role focuses on using the tools of data science to derive insights from hockey datasets to support player evaluation, player development, roster construction, in-game strategy, and more.

As a member of the Hockey Strategy and Analytics team, this position will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with members throughout the hockey operations department (in addition to the subgroups of the HSA team, this may include scouting, development, performance, coaching, etc.) and have a meaningful impact on the direction of the Chicago Blackhawks.

How You’ll Contribute:

• Support development of the Hockey Analytics function to enable efficient, timely, and actionable data-driven decisions that enhance current and future performance across Hockey Operations.
• Communicate findings through written reports, presentations, and informal conversations.
• Build, maintain, and optimize statistical models to evaluate specific aspects of player value and to answer other hockey research questions.
• Develop new project ideas and assess their potential impacts, feasibility, and importance.
• Work collaboratively with the Hockey Systems team to build informative data visualizations, reports, and other end-use tools for use in automated reports or internal web applications.
• Maintain projects to run daily throughout the hockey season.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders throughout Hockey Operations to formulate hypotheses, analyze data, and effectively deliver insights to optimize player evaluation, player acquisition, player development, roster construction, in-game strategy, and more.

Player Stats and Qualifications :

• Demonstrated passion for hockey and familiarity with rules and terminology.
• Values: Inclusive, team player, driven, humble, curious, innovative, positive, results-focused, accountable.
• High degree of professionalism and ability to be trusted with confidential information.
• Degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, business analytics, or related field.
• Ability to leverage a technical mindset with a creative and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to manage priorities and coordinate tasks to solve day-to-day challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Experience analyzing datasets and training statistical models using R, Python, or equivalent.
• Ability to relocate to Chicago, IL.
• Strong understanding of machine learning libraries and frameworks, probabilistic programming, etc.
• 2-3 years of work experience in statistics, computer science, machine learning, mathematics, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, organizational and project management skills.

The Team :

The Chicago Blackhawks started their journey as one of the NHL’s “Original Six” professional ice hockey teams in 1926. Members of the Central Division in the NHL’s Western Conference and six-time Stanley Cup Champions (1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015), the team calls the United Center home.

The Blackhawks proudly show up every day #ReadyToWork to make Chicago Proud and reimagine the potential of hockey. At its core, the team and greater organization uphold its mission through its core values centered around integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality. They are fiercely dedicated to evolving and delivering new and legendary fan experiences and captivating new and diverse audiences, both on and off the ice. As part of their unwavering commitment to drive impact and purpose in the Chicago community, the organization opened the Fifth Third Arena (the team’s official practice facility and community space for youth hockey development), continues to make expansions to the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, and acquired the AHL team the Rockford IceHogs.

The Chicago Blackhawks continue to grow in its commitments to honor and celebrate Black Hawk's legacy by offering our platforms, making meaningful contributions, collaborating with Native American people, and reimagining ways to support the many Native American people and communities they live amongst and alongside. They engage in this work through their formal partnership with Black Hawk’s ancestral tribe, the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma, which the tribe established with the Blackhawks in 2021.

The Chicago Blackhawks is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.