Playbook

Everything you need to know to run your club: how the game works, what matters on the ice and off it, and answers to the questions managers ask most. Search for a word, or start with a section.

Sections

Getting started
What you manage, how a season runs and what to do in your first week as manager.
Players
Positions, the ratings you see, how much you know about other teams' players, and how players differ on the ice.
Lineups and game plans
Lines and pairs, ice time and deployment, game plans, and how the automatic lineup steps in.
Special teams
Power play, penalty kill, overtime, the empty net and the shootout, and which ratings count there.
On the ice
How a game is played out, and which ratings matter in each part of the game.
Watching games
The live broadcast, the commentator, the match report and replays, without spoilers.
League, playoffs and cup
Divisions and series, points and tie-breakers, the playoffs, promotion and relegation, the cup and the team rating.
Contracts and the squad
Squad limits, salaries and contract lengths, buyout clauses, releasing players, renewals and juniors.
The transfer market
Auctions, private offers, buyout clauses, free agents and the transfer window.
Money and the board
Where money comes from and goes, the weekly books, the board and its salary budget, debt and fans.
Your arena
Stands and places, building and condition, facilities, atmosphere and your arena's look.