Combining physics and programming with hockey!

[austeane]

In addition to doing the top-100 roto (which will be up this week ), I am doing a physics degree at UBC... Which might turn into a degree in Hockey/Hockey Management.
Until then, I am just doing physics but that shouldn't stop me from doing something hockey-related!
I have to do a project modelling something to do with computational physics, and I was wondering if the programmers out there might have any ideas on what I could do.
I don't have much programming experience, but we have over a month for this project, and I am a quick learner. We will be using Matlab or Maple.
The only guidelines is that it has to do with both physics and programming. So maybe seeing how easy it is to receive a pass at different points, or a very simple model of shooting a puck.
Here are the standard topics: http://laplace.physics.ubc.ca/210/Term.html
Realistically, whatever I model will have to be well defined mathematically.. So we can't get too crazy!
Any ideas?

[Pengwin7]

Shooting, yes.
Lots of good options there.

Proposal #1. Slapshot on ice vs. elevated slap shot.
You could do a comparison between slap shot types.

On-ice shot: Pros: Minimal boot interference, better/quicker rebound control for shooting team, most difficult goalie "adjustment-save". Cons: Slower (kinetic friction) + stick-interference + less ability for re-direction.
[Gretzky was the absolute KING at the on-ice slapper... and he took the majority of his shots from close enough where goalie-reaction-time was insufficient to stop a perfectly placed corner-location-slapshot.]

vs.

Elevated shot: Pros: Faster (only air-drag/minimal) + less stick-interference-on-route. Cons: More area interference (legs) & easier goalie puck-termination/save [glove saves, pad deadening of puck].


From playing hockey, I've found that when I see slapshot go directly in (untouched)... it's most comonly on ice.
But, an "elevated puck" is more likely to make it to the net & therefore a "higher rebound opportunity". An elevated puck also has greater redirection/tip ability.

My shot isn't a laser-beam, so I typically try to get it off-the-ice simply so it "gets through".
[This speaking as a defensemen shooting from the blueline looking at traffic between me & goalie.]

I've always advocated that a perfect slap shot is about 6"-12" off the ice.
High enough to avoid stick blades.
Low enough to avoid the knees of defenders and the glove of the goalie.

But I have played with guys with absolute cannons who've scored a lot with on-ice shots.


My recommendation for a study.

[Mr. Guru]

something concussion related (hits) would be pretty cool.....