Wharton High School
Data Science Competition:
Ice Hockey Performance Predictions

Deliverables and Judging Criteria

Based on a complete regular season of fictional World Hockey League (WHL) data, student teams will report WHL team power rankings, predicted tournament match-up outcomes, key ice hockey performance stats, and data visualizations. 

Submissions will be scored on the accuracy of the predictions and performance stats, clarity of visualizations, and the strength and rigor of your methodology.

Teams that advance from Phase 1 will prepare a slide deck explaining their work in Phase 1. Limit your slide deck to no more than 7 slides. A template will be provided.

Phase 2 submissions will be judged based on these criteria:

• Clarity and Specificity (20%): Are the methods used to analyze the data fully described and communicated?
• Methodologically Robust (30%): Is the methodology and results fundamentally sound?
• Style and Data Visualization (30%): Are the data presented in a visually appealing manner using graphics to highlight insights?
• Creativity (20%): Does the analysis provide insight into new models and new ways of thinking?

If your team is selected to advance to the finals, this is the slide deck you will present live to a panel of judges.

Teams advancing to the finals will present their slide deck from Phase 2 in a live Zoom meeting to a panel of judges.

• Phase 1: Ice hockey WHL tournament power rankings, performance analytics, and data visualizations will be auto-scored and/or graded following rubrics by Wharton High School Data Science Competition staff.
• Phase 2: Teams will have the opportunity to submit details about their results, which will be reviewed and scored by a defined rubric.
• Phase 3: The top 5 teams present via Zoom live to judges. Judges deliberate and announce a first, second, and third-place winner.

Tips for Success

• Excessive sports/analytics jargon does not necessarily dazzle the judges. Your report should reflect your team’s voice.
• Do not use precious space repeating known facts. You may choose to demonstrate that you understand the concepts beyond the given scenario.
• Before diving into the data, take time to understand the prompt, review the data dictionary, and outline your team’s approach.
• Complete each phase before or by the deadline to ensure there are no questions about whether you completed your work on time.
• Use the Online Modules provided during the competition as a tool for your work.