Michael Parkatti Hired As Oilers Analytics Chief

Cult of Hockey

Published Sep 21, 2023 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read

Edmonton Oilers CEO of Hockey Ops Jeff Jackson addresses the media on 2023 Aug 03 Photo by OilersPLUS.com

After years of dipping their toes into analytics, the Edmonton Oilers have now jumped into the deeper end of the fancy stats pool.

The club announced this (Thursday) morning that Michael Parkatti has been named the Oilers Senior Director, Fata & Analytics. Quote, from the news release:

“Working closely with the hockey operations department, Parkatti will lead the creation & operation of a new analytics department, providing insight-driven recommendations for the team”.

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A deeper involvement in the analytics side of the game was one of the promises that new CEO Jeff Jackson brought with him to the organization. And it did not take especially long for him to deliver on that.

There are, generally, two camps on analytics: Those who believe it is a critical part of today’s game and those who still firmly believe that the eye test is the more crucial factor. Surely, there is room for some middle ground here. I tend to be an “eye” guy, myself. However, it does seem close-minded to not turn over every possible stone in the search for a Stanley Cup. In my own field (broadcasting), data is seen as vital…whether you act upon it or not. More information is almost always a good thing, and that is what Parkatti will deliver. And that he has often talked about “intergration” of analytics would seem to suggest a progressive yet practical approach.

The Oilers nudged further toward the analytics world when Brad Holland joined the organization. The Jr. Holland is a firm believer in the approach, and deeper analysis of their on-ice performance statistically led to the acquiring of both Zach Hyman and Warren Foegle. A further step was taken earlier this fall when Mike Fanelli joined the Oil as Video and analytics coordinator. But the Parkatti hire is a much firmer foot in the door.

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If you are more than a passing fan of the game, chances are you will recognize Michael’s name. He and his data-driven observations have been on The Internet for all to find. What I like about Parkatti is that he has applied experience in the field, having spent years in the energy industry. Of his jobs in that field was Manager, Advanced Analytics, SUNCOR Energy. He is also a well-educated and thoughtful man, having studied at Georgia Tech, the London School of Economics and University of Alberta.

Michael also held a consulting role with the club for a few years, until 2014. And over the past few years he has been on the leading edge of a number of analytical approaches to the game. So, not a mere student of the science but an innovator, to some extent, as well. That the club can fill this role with a home-grown hire is the cherry on top.

Add to my observations, this…from my Cult of Hockey colleague Bruce McCurdy:

“Analytics is not the be-all and end-all, but it is — or should be — an important cog in the larger wheel. As Kevin Lowe stated in an interview for Discovery channel back in the day, the idea is to find advantages out in the margins, the “2% difference” that might provide an edge, or at minimum keep up with the competition. 10 years later, the organization has taken its most significant step in this direction since parting ways with Tyler Dellow in 2016. Dellow has since become Vice President of Analytics for New Jersey Devils. Not saying it’s the only reason, but the Devils have made impressive progress during his now four years on the job”.

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Also, on the 2013 Oilers Hackathon, which Parkatti entered, competed in and won:

-an initiative of the Oilers Analytics Working Group in which a public competition was held. His paper explored the impact of coaching decisions re: line stability and line matching on team success. Basically – do more stable deployments equal more standing success.

More to come…

Now on Threads @kleavins. Also, find me on Twitter @KurtLeavins, Instagram at LeavinsOnHockey, and Mastodon at [email protected]

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