Percentage Of Left Handed Hockey Players
Ice hockey is a fast-paced and intense sport that requires good coordination, quick reflexes, and skills. While it is a common perception that most hockey players are right-handed, there are also many left-handed players in the game. In this article, we will explore the percentage of left-handed hockey players and find out if being a southpaw affects a player's performance on the ice.
What Is A Left-Handed Hockey Player?
A left-handed hockey player is one who holds and shoots the puck with their left hand on the top of the stick. They have their right hand on the bottom of the stick, which is used for controlling the puck and stickhandling. Conversely, a right-handed player has their left hand on top of the stick and right hand on the bottom.
While it may seem that left-handed players are in the minority, they are still a considerable force in the game of ice hockey.
What Percentage of Hockey Players Are Left-Handed?
According to a survey conducted by NHL.com, about 30 percent of NHL players are left-handed. This means that out of the approximately 700 players in the league, around 210 of them are left-handed. While this may not seem like a large number, it is still a significant percentage of the overall player population.
The percentage of left-handed hockey players varies in different leagues and levels of play. In college hockey, for example, the percentage of left-handed players is slightly higher, at around 35 percent. In junior hockey leagues, the percentage may be even higher, as left-handed players may have a competitive advantage over their right-handed counterparts.
Does Being Left-Handed Affect A Player's Performance On The Ice?
Being left-handed in ice hockey does not necessarily give a player an advantage or disadvantage. It is all down to the individual's skill, experience, and ability to adapt to different situations on the ice.
Left-handed players may have some advantages over right-handed players, such as being able to shoot from different angles and having an advantage in certain face-off situations. However, right-handed players also have their own advantages, such as being able to make better backhand shots and having an advantage in certain puck battles along the boards.
In the end, it all boils down to the player's individual skill and style of play. Whether they are left-handed or right-handed, a good hockey player must be able to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented on the ice.
Conclusion
So, what percentage of hockey players are left-handed? According to a survey, about 30 percent of NHL players are left-handed. While this may not seem like a large number, it is still a significant percentage of the overall player population. However, being left-handed in ice hockey does not necessarily give a player an advantage or disadvantage. It all comes down to each player's individual skill and ability to adapt to the game on the ice. In the end, whether a player is left-handed or right-handed, it is the skills that they bring to the game that ultimately matter.