WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF HOCKEY, SAYS BESTSELLING FUTURIST KEYNOTE SPEAKER

OK, so future of hockey speakers and virtual speaking presenters aren’t always in consensus on what’s next for the game. Even so, if you were to tune into meetings, events and conferences as of late, you’d hear some commonalities in terms of their predictions and discussion topics. To put things in perspective, we turned to the best future of hockey speakers today to find out: How do consulting experts see the future of hockey evolving?

• Player safety improvements – Equipment, rule changes, and concussion protocols will aim to reduce injuries, especially head trauma.
• Data analytics expansion – Advanced data tracking and analysis will inform coaching, player evaluation, roster construction and in-game strategy, or so future of hockey speakers note.
• Wearable tech integration – Players will use more biometric tracking sensors to analyze and enhance performance.
• Increased diversity – Hockey will expand minority and international participation through outreach and youth programs.
• New synthetic ice – More affordable, eco-friendly synthetic ice rinks could help grow youth hockey.
• Equipment innovations – Sticks, pads, skates and pucks will continue incorporating new materials and engineering, a growing topic of discussion among future of hockey speakers and sports futurists.
• Specialized training – Off-ice skill training and conditioning will become more scientific and specialized by position.
• Rule changes – Rules may adapt to increase pace, scoring and skill, similar to how NBA added a shot clock.
• Virtual reality – VR will be integrated into training, future of hockey speakers say, as well as broadcasting and fan experiences.
• Global growth – The NHL will work to expand fandom and youth participation in non-traditional markets like China.

While hockey will leverage tech and analytics more, experts see it retaining physicality and skills like skating and stickhandling at its core in the future.