I was looking at body checking frequency data recently and sampled data from the NHL and a few other sources. I found it interesting to see heatmap representations confirm some previous data from lower leagues that I completed many years ago.

Thios data suggested high intensity and frequency of body checking along the walls (Defensive Zone, DZ) and clusters of intensity low in the corners but also linked to scoring areas now know as high danger scoring chance locations. Although less frequency these "dirty areas" as we coaches like to call them suggest high impact locations with less integrity when it comes to technique. This may be because defenders are acting in desperation in defending these locations.

The implications for coaching at all levels is that we must build awareness and readiness amongst players by teaching good technique use in vulnerable areas!

Here is the .pdf of the original data blended into a visual representation that was presented to coaches at a symposium. Light yellow = areas of body checks, Darker yellow areas of greater frequency of body checks, burst outlines (thin red) locations of greatest intensity and lowest technique integrity.