Sports Analytics: Connecting Data with Industry (Finals of Big Data Cup 3)

Sports analytics is changing how we understand the game and the industry built around it. At this event, we are bringing together analysts and industry leaders from hockey, basketball, and baseball to unpack how data is pushing the boundaries across all sports. Leaders from the Blue Jays, Canadian Hockey League, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Sports Innovation Lab share the stage to discuss how data is influencing strategy from management offices down to the players.
Attendees are invited to a networking reception after the main event.

TD Management Data and Analytics Lab, promotes cutting-edge analytic tools in business through teaching and research, and is a central source of knowledge and expertise in data science, AI, and machine learning applications.

Stathletes, is a Canadian company, founded with the purpose of developing a comprehensive statistical database to drive winning in hockey through real, actionable data. Proud to serve all major North American hockey leagues, their partners and affiliates with exclusive data, reports, insights and visualizations.

Winners of the Big Data Cup 3 will be announced. The Big Data Cup is an international datathon pushing forward women’s hockey and research in the broader sphere, curated by Stathletes and sponsored by TD Management Data and Analytics Lab, Carleton University, and St. Lawrence University.

More speakers will be released as we get closer to event day. Stay tuned!

Diana Matheson, Co-Founder and CEO of Project 8

Farrah Bastien, Director Data Scientist & Engineering, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

Farah is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in sports innovation, data science and R&D management. She led MLSE’s data science practice, developed advanced data systems for hockey and basketball, and introduced crucial roles like research scientists and data engineers. In 2021, she launched the SportsX program in partnership with AWS, an experimental research space, solidifying MLSE’s position as a sports technology pioneer.

Ryan Webb, Director, TD Management Data and Analytics Lab and Associate Professor, Rotman School of Management

Ryan's research integrates neuroscience, psychology, and economics to provide insight into consumer behaviour. Ryan serves on the editorial board of PNASnexus and received a Ph.D. in Economics from Queen’s University and research fellowships at New York University and the California Institute of Technology.

Meghan Chayka, entrepreneur and Co-Founder, Statheles

Meghan is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Stathletes, a sports analytics and insights business that provides industry leading data precision within the sport of hockey. Meghan has built a team in Niagara, Waterloo and Toronto working on creating the new era of sports technology. Having a wide variety of clients, Meghan was named in the 2018/2019 season Top Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Ontario Chamber of Commerce), Top 40 under 40 (The Athletic NHL), and on the Top 100 of Power & Influence in the Hockey News.

Brodie Lawson, Manager of Content, Stathletes

Brodie is a contributor to TSN and the former host and producer for the Canadian Football League. Through her time at the CFL Brodie had interviewed the league’s top players and coaches, mega recording artists such as Shania Twain, Keith Urban and Alessia Cara. She was a regular contributor to Thursday Night Football on TSN as well as Racing Night Live on TSN, as well as TSN’s coverage of the Canadian Triple Crown.

Elicia Stevens, Manager, Digital Operations, Canadian Hockey League

A seasoned digital product leader with a track record of spearheading transformative experiences across various platforms, including mobile, web, and OTT platforms. Elicia is passionate about leveraging digital innovation to create compelling and impactful experiences that resonate with audiences on a large scale. Elicia is committed to driving continuous growth and evolution in the digital landscape.

Molly Tissenbaum, data storyteller, analyst, researcher and strategist

Molly spent the last 7 years building data tools, conducting custom client research, and producing public facing data-driven reports including , , , and report at Sports Innovation Lab. As the director of product, she lead data and research development, and interfaced with key client executives to inform data and product development strategies, investment frameworks, and broader fan engagement strategies. With a focus on the business of women’s sports, she was recognized as part of Sports Business Journal’s New Voices Under 30 class in 2022. She was a two sport athlete in hockey and softball, and graduated from Harvard University.

This event is available to attend in-person only.

Rotman Events is committed to accessibility for all people. If you have any access needs or if there are any ways we can support your full participation in this session, please email [[email protected]] no later than 2 weeks in advance of the event and we will be glad to work with you to make the appropriate arrangements.

• The event will be hosted at Desautels Hall at the Rotman School of Management (105 St. George St., Toronto, ON M5S 3E6).

Questions: [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rotman School of Management, 105 Saint George Street, Toronto, Canada