Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Economics

First Advisor

Qi Ge

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effect that injuries have on team performance in the National Hockey League (NHL) and on the production of the individual athlete. By using player level statistics and team level performance metrics from the 2013/2014 through the 2016/2017 NHL seasons, my analysis adds to the current production function literature in sports economics by incorporating injury data to put forth a more comprehensive production frontier. My results suggest that there is a statistically significant negative effect on both team performance, and on individual production when players are injured. This paper begins by employing a probit regression model to identify the most significant contributors to injury in professional hockey, followed by an interrogation of individual level performance, and finally a comprehensive team level analysis, which shows that not only do injuries negatively affect a team and individual performance, but there is also a magnified effect when a player is more valuable to an organization. The results suggest shorter seasons, and more evenly distributed playing time as ways to protect players and ensure more success for teams.

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