A Study of Face-Off Analysis in the IIHF Men’s World Championship Top Division

This study analyzes the face-off performance of Team U.S.A., the champion of the 2025 IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championship Top Division, to evaluate the impact of face-offs on game outcomes and tactics, while suggesting strategies for improving South Korea's ice hockey performance. First, face-offs are identified as a crucial tactical element that influences game outcomes depending on the situation and location. Notably, Team U.S.A. achieved a face-off win rate of 61.02% during Power Play situations, playing a pivotal role in offensive transitions. However, the team's win rate in Penalty Killing situations was lower at 42.55%, indicating a need for improvement in defensive strategies. Second, Team U.S.A. exhibited a high face-off win rate of 72.31% in the defensive zone(D-zone), demonstrating strong defensive capabilities and rapid offensive transitions. This result highlights the significance of defensive training and strategic planning, reflecting the team's tactical characteristics. In conclusion, this study confirms the significant impact of face-off outcomes on the flow of the game and tactical strategies. It recommends strengthening face-off focused strategic training and tactical approaches to enhance the competitiveness of South Korea’s ice hockey team in the future.