Student Taps into Data to Drive the Future of Pro Hockey

Abbie Ives turns passion for hockey into a career, using data-driven insights to help shape NHL team’s strategy

Key Highlights

• A former hockey player and SHU assistant coach, Abbie Ives brings firsthand experience on the ice and behind the bench to her work in hockey analytics
• As a hockey operations analyst in the NHL, she supports the Minnesota Wild’s front office, coaching and pro scouting staff through data-driven insights that shape team strategy
• Sacred Heart University’s computer science graduate program, including supportive faculty mentorship, helped her gain technical and real-world skills she now uses daily 

Sacred Heart University graduate student Abbie Ives ’26 is proof that there is no single path to success—especially in the rapidly evolving world of sports analytics. Combining a lifelong passion for hockey with growing expertise in data and technology, she is building a career at the intersection of athletics, analytics and innovation.

Set to graduate in May with a master’s degree in computer science & information technology, her interest in hockey has been shaped by years spent both on the ice and behind the bench. After playing collegiate hockey at Quinnipiac University, playing professionally for three years and later serving as an assistant coach for the women’s ice hockey team at SHU, she developed a deep understanding of the game from multiple perspectives.

Recognizing the growing importance of analytics in hockey, she was inspired to return to school and pivot into computer science. “Hockey has such a big market and can lead to many opportunities,” said Ives, who hails from Bedford Hills, NY. “I knew there was an opportunity there, and I wanted to see where it could take me.”

That curiosity paid off, leading to a position with an NHL team: She works with the Minnesota Wild’s analytics department as a hockey operations analyst, assisting the front office, coaching staff and pro scouting teams by supporting decision-making through data analytics. In this role, she helps translate complex data into insights that directly impact team strategy and performance.

Ives credits Sacred Heart for helping her take the leap into analytics. “I’ve had amazing professors,” she said. “The tools and [computer] languages we’ve learned have prepared me with practical, hands-on skills I use in my profession every day.”

In addition to being supported by faculty, Ives participated in TechPACT, a national organization of technology professionals dedicated to increasing diversity in technical fields. Ives was part of TechPact's mentoring program, which works on software developed by Sacred Heart professors and students. 
Through the program, Ives was matched with Ralph Lauren’s chief technology officer, meeting monthly via Zoom to gain industry insights and career advice.

“It was an incredible opportunity to pick someone’s brain, ask questions and get advice from a person who has already navigated the tech world,” Ives said. “I’m thankful my adviser, Rick Robustelli, told me about the program.”

As she prepares to graduate, Ives reflects on a journey defined by adaptability, mentorship and a willingness to follow opportunity wherever it leads.