Tablets in the sports world are becoming more common as technology and analytics become more comprehensive.
With the ability to instantly break down footage of a play with instruction from a coach, iPads are earning their spot on the bench in hockey next to smelling salts, water bottles, and Gatorade.
A prevalent new tool, NHL coaches now have the instant ability to decide whether they should challenge for goaltender interference or a potential off-side, a pivotal split-second decision that could cost them a timeout if they lose the challenge.
It can also provide coaches quick examples when trying to explain what a player should’ve done on a certain play, and give the player a close-up replay of a gaffe or a good play instead of having to watch it during the intermission. Goals, assists, passes, shots, hits, penalties, takeaways, breakouts, entries, exits and stickhandling are just some of the common types of activities a coach or player will look at.
During Saturday night's game in Montreal where the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Habs, head coach Jon Cooper was caught on the camera’s holding a tablet on the bench. Pacing back-and-forth behind the bench, Cooper noticed that a fan trying to catch a peep at what Cooper was looking at.
As you could see, Cooper was simply just checking himself out.
Coaches are never usually caught out of their serious manner on the bench, and it was refreshing to see Cooper break out of that character for a brief moment.
(h/t Brady Trettenero)
