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.

This data suggested high intensity and frequency of body checking along the walls (Defensive Zone, DZ), with clusters of low intensity in the corners, but also linked to scoring areas now known as high-danger scoring-chance locations. Although less frequently, these "dirty areas," as we coaches like to call them, indicate high-impact locations with lower 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 are 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.