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Michael Peterson enters his 12th season overseeing hockey analytics for the Tampa Bay Lightning, his third after previously serving as statistical analyst for nine years. He is responsible for assisting management and the coaching staff by providing analytical and statistical evaluation for hockey operations and contract valuation. Peterson also gives data-driven recommendations for the draft, free agency, trades and other areas as needed. Peterson assists other departments with special statistical projects, including ticket sales, pricing and revenue. He reports to both the general manager and assistant general managers.

Prior to joining the Lightning, Peterson worked on a consultant basis with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. He also served as an instructor at both DeVry University and Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida. Peterson currently co-teaches the graduate Sport Business Analytics course as part of the curriculum of the University of South Florida Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management program.

A native of Midland, Texas, Peterson holds bachelor's degrees in computer science and mathematics. After undergraduate, Peterson went on to get his master's in mathematics from Texas Tech University, from which he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He holds a MBA and Master's in Sport Business Management from the DeVos Sport Business Management School at the University of Central Florida. During his time at UCF, Peterson also worked as a research and graduate assistant.