Description
Aggression, more specifically fights between players, has always been a central part of the National Hockey League (NHL). Many spectators enjoy watching fights during hockey games and they make the games more entertaining. Since fighting is such a central part of hockey culture in America, we wanted to analyze various factors that may play a role in the outcome of a fight. By using NHL provided and fan-reported data from hockey fight websites, we ran an archival study of the nature of fights and various interacting factors from the past four seasons of the NHL. We found that although difference in height doesn't predict fight outcome, weight does; the heavier player is more likely to win the fight. Also, we found that the more "one-sided" a fight is (fans decided a clear winner), the fight is perceived as more exhilarating (rated higher by fans). Lastly, fans are more likely to participate (vote on a winner) if a fight is perceived as more exhilarating.
Be Big or Go Home: What Determines the Winner of Fights in Hockey?
Aggression, more specifically fights between players, has always been a central part of the National Hockey League (NHL). Many spectators enjoy watching fights during hockey games and they make the games more entertaining. Since fighting is such a central part of hockey culture in America, we wanted to analyze various factors that may play a role in the outcome of a fight. By using NHL provided and fan-reported data from hockey fight websites, we ran an archival study of the nature of fights and various interacting factors from the past four seasons of the NHL. We found that although difference in height doesn't predict fight outcome, weight does; the heavier player is more likely to win the fight. Also, we found that the more "one-sided" a fight is (fans decided a clear winner), the fight is perceived as more exhilarating (rated higher by fans). Lastly, fans are more likely to participate (vote on a winner) if a fight is perceived as more exhilarating.