Online Hockey Sim - MetroHO

[RendeR]

I've got one team (river rats) that is just waiting for the playoffs to end and two others (buffalo bengals and titanics) that are just about to start theirs. Give us a week and we should be ready to roll.

[Travis]

I've got two teams in limbo right now and a second that is on the last day of the regular season (playing in a league with the Bengals/Titanics/Bbors).

[Travis]

bbor you got screwed. Given the season records there's really no way that guy should have beat you on the road and it should have been a coin flip in his barn.

Wonder what he sacrificed to the hockey gods before the playoffs...

[RendeR]

How lucky am I? got two teams into the playoffs...in the 4th and 5th seed spots.... I can't win for losing =)

[Travis]

How lucky am I? got two teams into the playoffs...in the 4th and 5th seed spots.... I can't win for losing =)

Heh, noticed that too, now hurry up and eliminate one of yourself so we can get round 2 going ;)

[RendeR]

lol

[bbor]

bbor you got screwed. Given the season records there's really no way that guy should have beat you on the road and it should have been a coin flip in his barn.

Wonder what he sacrificed to the hockey gods before the playoffs...

Bah....can't beleive i got washed out so fast...good luck guys.

[Travis]

Hmmm, to congratulate Render or to console him, what do you do when a guy actually beats himself to advance?

[bbor]

I'm sure Render 'beats' himself nightly:D

[RendeR]

OH har har har ;) you guys are hilarious =)

My oldest team defeated my youngest team in 3 games. Home Ice is the Bengals best friend.

Bring it ON =)

[Travis]

No pressure Render, but if we can both hold serve it'll be an all FOFC finals.

And yes, I did wait until after winning game one at home in my series to post this to avoid looking like a total ass ;)

[RendeR]

Heh, yeah, it seems my "home ice" thing is a bit rocky in round 2. Both games have been won by the visitor. hopefully home ice gets me into the finals for the first time!!

[tucker rocky]

I've got one team (river rats) that is just waiting for the playoffs to end and two others (buffalo bengals and titanics) that are just about to start theirs. Give us a week and we should be ready to roll.

I've got two teams in limbo right now and a second that is on the last day of the regular season (playing in a league with the Bengals/Titanics/Bbors).

How lucky am I? got two teams into the playoffs...in the 4th and 5th seed spots.... I can't win for losing =)

You can own multiple teams?
So long as trades aren't made between them?

[Travis]

It's going to be interesting. So far home ice has held serve in my series but it took OT for me to win my game while we got spanked in their building. Not exactly all that confident heading into game 3 even though it's my own barn.

[RendeR]

You can own multiple teams?
So long as trades aren't made between them?


AS long as you're not doing it to break the rules and boost one team faster than it should be, then you're usually fine. I never actually play out the games between my teams if they are in the same league and I never trade between them. So there really isn't anything to gain from having more than one other than enjoying more games of hockey.

[RendeR]

WHOOOT!! My first visit to the CUP FINALS!!! I destroyed my opponent 7-1 at home in game 3 of the second round.

Can you Bring the big guns Travis or do I play the 7 seed in the Finals? =)

[samifan24]

WHOOOT!! My first visit to the CUP FINALS!!! I destroyed my opponent 7-1 at home in game 3 of the second round.

Can you Bring the big guns Travis or do I play the 7 seed in the Finals? =)

I hope you make good on your first visit! I just had mine this past season but we lost.

I'm currently sitting alone in a computer created level 5 league. Will any of you be joining me when your seasons end? I hate the long break between seasons.

[bbor]

grats Render!!

[RendeR]

I hope you make good on your first visit! I just had mine this past season but we lost.

I'm currently sitting alone in a computer created level 5 league. Will any of you be joining me when your seasons end? I hate the long break between seasons.

Unfortunately my teams areonly level 3 so no lcuk for me joining your league.

[Travis]

Well, washed out by losing a one goal game at home. Seems like all my teams have been regular season wonders lately then can't even make the final round of the playoffs.

Good luck Render, clean the ice with him.

[RendeR]

Awe man that sucks! I wanted to take on an FOFC'er. I'll mop him up for you travis =)

[RendeR]

BOOYAH, talk about intense. I win game 1 3-2 at home in Double OT. Overtime ran 31 Rounds!

I thought I was screwed when they picked up the tying goal on a power play on the FINAL tick of the game in regulation. My OT record isn't stellar.

Now I just gotta take 1 out of 2 for my first ever CUP!!!

[RendeR]

Dropped a tight one 3-2 on the road, he was up 3-0 after 1 period but I came back with 2 goals in the third but couldn't get the tying goal.

Game 3 at home. Gotta put our money where our fans are =)

[Travis]

Good luck tomorrow Render, bring the trophy home man!

[RendeR]

I'm confident at this point. I tend to play far better at home than on the road. How many FOFC'ers have won cups so far? we should put a list of trophies won on the first post.

[bbor]

i think i have won 1 or 2....i know one for sure.

Good luck!

[bbor]

just double checked.....shotblockers have won 2 finals.....bbors have lost the 2 finals they have been in.

[RendeR]

Gah, the team didn't even show up, we got a pity goal near the end from our star Ferhinger...6-1 loss at home. Guess I settle for a finalist trophy this year. Thats really sucks.

[Travis]

Aw that sucks man, congrats on a hell of a season though.

Now back to trying to beat your guys into the ground next season ;)

[RendeR]

Yeah yeah, gimme a few days to rework some contracts and I'll have 3 teams ready to rock.

[Travis]

I've got two teams currently in seasons, but this one will be ready pretty much the day after we're released I believe.

Who else is around to join a league? I'm assuming we'll be looking for an all levels league?

[RendeR]

My teams are all level 3 so a level 3 league would work best for me. I don't fancy getting spanked by higher level teams ;)

[Travis]

Heh, gotcha. That may preclude me then as I think I'll be bumped up to level 4 because of my regular season standing (as will bbor).

Just checked my team over and if I draft a 2nd line or better level sniper I'll be ready to go asap, if not then I need to sign one then I'm good to roll. So just let me know if you guys are sticking to level 3 or are willing to try an open league and I'll follow suit as well as I can.

[RendeR]

When do they update the levels? The Titanics are actually my youngest and highest ranked team overall. And the bengals just made the finals, so when should I wait to see if they upgrade or not?

[Travis]

My understanding is that (in 10 team leagues) the top two after the regular season get bumped up a level and the bottom two go down a level after the playoffs wrap up.

We'll find out for sure tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure that's how the dynamic works.

[samifan24]

I've got two teams currently in seasons, but this one will be ready pretty much the day after we're released I believe.

Who else is around to join a league? I'm assuming we'll be looking for an all levels league?

I'm sitting with another team in a level five league since there aren't any "all levels" leagues open right now.

[RendeR]

If thats the case then the bengals will be Level 4 and the Titanics and River rats will be level 3. Still not strong enough to bag you level 5 guys =)

[RendeR]

Strangely enough in the power rankings my teams are ranked in reverse order by age.

Titanics, then a few spots down the rats then further down the bengals.

[Travis]

Well, by now age shouldn't have too much to do with it. Just how strong your starting lineup is and after 3-4 seasons your team should be mature enough to be past the expansion team weaknesses. For me my oldest team is my second strongest (but only level 5 team), middle team is my current strongest and my newest is by far my weakest (only team I have without a 94 goalie too).

[Travis]

Hey, for those of you not currently in a league, has offseason trading been implemented? If so, I'll have a 93 rated goalie up for grabs once the season is over (he'll be 28 with a year left a $2.7 million).

If anybody is interested, let me know and I'll hang on to him for you, otherwise I'll be trade blocking him and looking for a pick.

If offseason trading isn't in effect yet, then just ignore me ;)

[samifan24]

Hey, for those of you not currently in a league, has offseason trading been implemented?

Not yet. I just tried to trade with you and got the "only teams in the same league" message.

[Travis]

Not yet. I just tried to trade with you and got the "only teams in the same league" message.

I'm not 100% on how it's supposed to work, but from what I read I think only teams currently in their offseasons will be allowed to trade. Technically I'm still in the league until tomorrow so I'd assume that may be an issue even if offseason trading is allowed now.

[RendeR]

I've got 2 teams ready to roll. Titanics and River Rats (both level 3)

The Buffalo Bengals did NOT move up in level, they are still listed at L3 as well.


Anyone know how to shut down a team? Do you jsut release everyone? Actually I don't think you can release everyone unless you have megabucks saved up....


buying out contracts once you get to a level 3 arena is almost impossible. yer looking at 12k per buyout! (my last game netted 4k in income and a buyout is 3x your last games take.)

anyway, fun stuff. I'm pondering starting another team to experiment on a couple things. THe info in the strategy guide in the forums is quite good.

[samifan24]

Anyone know how to shut down a team? Do you jsut release everyone? Actually I don't think you can release everyone unless you have megabucks saved up....

Do not release everyone from your team. You will get banned for doing so. I'd suggest you just start a new team with a different e-mail address. I've read Adam's posts on the forums and he's been banning players that release most of their roster and flood the market.

[RendeR]

Good to know. I'm surprised that he doesn't seem to have a way to "fold" a team though. He could limit it to the off season so you don't hurt an in action league. There's gotta be tons of teams doing nothing at this point because people lost interest or the team just sucked too much.

[samifan24]

For those of you with very large fan bases, how do you increase them so quickly?

[Travis]

I'm ready to join a league now, but if it's to be with you guys we'd have to wait for an all levels league to open up. If not, no biggie.

As for the fan base question, your fan base increases depends on your arena level and how often you win. It also increases more in the playoffs than during the regular season.

So far my recommendation would be to save double the number of credits you need to purchase the level 2 and 3 arenas when you go to buy those (so that you can immediately purchase all the upgrades) and to only upgrade to those levels just prior to the playoffs starting (as playoffs are always sellouts).

For level 4 and 5 arenas, save 1.5x the upgrade cost and upgrade immediately once you hit that number. It'll get you all but the restaurant upgrades and the increased capacity of the arena ensures that you won't get a drop off in attendance like the lower levels. Your income will almost always increase right after upgrading to level 4 from level 3, so no need to wait for the playoffs to do so, and the increase in income is pretty huge.

[Travis]

Dola, I see offseason trading has been implemented, so if anybody needs a goalie, let me know.

[RendeR]

What are his stats again? I'm not sure what I have to work with but I'll check if I need him.


The Titanics and the River Rats have joined the new level 3 league that is forming up. THe buffalo bengals will be joining IF they can fill out a roster. This has been a rough offseason for the bengals.

[Travis]

What are his stats again? I'm not sure what I have to work with but I'll check if I need him.

Rating: 93
Age: 28
Contract: $2.7 million (1 year)

[Travis]

Also, if any of you has a highly rated sniper (90+) you need to clear for cap purposes, I'm in the market for one. Preferably not many years left in their deal (more looking for a rental than anything). I know it's not likely, but just in case ;)

[samifan24]

So far my recommendation would be to save double the number of credits you need to purchase the level 2 and 3 arenas when you go to buy those (so that you can immediately purchase all the upgrades) and to only upgrade to those levels just prior to the playoffs starting (as playoffs are always sellouts).

For level 4 and 5 arenas, save 1.5x the upgrade cost and upgrade immediately once you hit that number. It'll get you all but the restaurant upgrades and the increased capacity of the arena ensures that you won't get a drop off in attendance like the lower levels. Your income will almost always increase right after upgrading to level 4 from level 3, so no need to wait for the playoffs to do so, and the increase in income is pretty huge.

I have a level 2 arena right now but am some 3,000 credits shy of being able to purchase a level 3 arena. I wish there was an option to sell players for credits!

[RendeR]

Rating: 93
Age: 28
Contract: $2.7 million (1 year)


Whats he looking for in a new contract? My current guy is pretty much the same but on his second contract and its pricey.

[Travis]

He's asking for 6.5 to extend right now, but I'd assume he'd sign for somewhere in the 5.75-6.00 range after the season (assuming no other offers). I haven't tried signing goalies in free agency so I'm not sure how firm to their demands they tend to be.

[samifan24]

Quick question: Does a player's salary automatically increase if his ratings improve over time?

For example, let's say I sign an 18 year old, 60 rated player to an eight year contract at 400,000 per year. Now, let's say that the player improved to a 70 in one year (unlikely but just follow me). Since the 400,000 salary is only available to free agents rated between 50-69 (the lowest ratings group), does that mean that my player's salary will increase as his ratings increase?

I don't think that the game does this but I just want to make sure. I was reading some hints and tips in the game forum and suddenly wondered about the correlation between minimum salary and rating.

[Travis]

From what I've seen, his asking price goes up as his rating does, so it's just whenever you make the offer.

I've made offers to pending FA's at the beginning of a season that they've accepted once the season ends even though their asking price by the end of the season is higher due to in season rating increases.

Or am I reading your question wrong?

[samifan24]

Let me rephrase my question: If I sign a player to an eight year contract at 400,000 per year, am I guaranteed to pay only 400,000 per year regardless of how much his ratings increase?

[bbor]

yes...he only gets the 400 000 for 8 years.

[RendeR]

Yes, thats exactly the case. Thats the key to this game, find them young, sign them to a long term contract at garbage salary and develop them into superstars.

I had a 90+rated guy making 1.2 million last season. So it can happen. =)

[samifan24]

My team has really been struggling all around, especially defensively, so I posted a question on the MetroHo forums. It turns out that almost everyone plays their home games by hand except me. I did it my first season but stopped after that because I thought the games took too long. I've started playing them out again and haven't had much luck. I'm in an all levels league and am a level 5 although two level 3 teams are running away with the league. I think my team is probably more like a level 3, I have no idea how we got to be level 5.

Anyway I was wondering if you guys have any tips for managing your defense. Here are my team's stats:

Goals For: 85 (5th of 15 teams)
Goals Against: 96 (15th of 15 teams)
PP %: 18.3% (15th of 15 teams)
PK %: 74.5% (3rd of 15 teams)

My defensemen (Rating, Offensive/Defensive, Plus/Minus):

95 (O, +14) - 83 (O, +12)
78 (D, -1) - 77 (D, Even)
76 (O, -11) - 74 (D, -12)

Lately I've tried putting one of the high 70s defensive defensemen on the top unit with my top guy but it hasn't had much effect. I need to do something about my third pairing but I don't want to pay through the nose for an older free agent with a rating between 70-79.

My starting goalie is a 94 and my backup is a 91.

Any suggestions on what I can do to shore up my defense?

[bbor]

You definatly need to get your top 4 guys in the mid 80's.I usually only use 70 guys on my 3rd pairing and they only get minimal icetime.

[Travis]

Yeah, for D you want your top pairing to both be 85+, your second pairing to both be 80+ and your third pairing to be 75+. Ideally you'd bump each of those around 5 points and be 90/85/80 but that takes more luck than anything to achieve.

Other points, have you hired staff? Setting your team strategy to reflect your head coaches rating seems to make a difference. Also, how do you have your forwards arranged style wise? If you have a majority of offensive style players (Snipers/Playmakers/Power Forwards) you're prone to giving up more goals.

Also, I've got 3 teams on the go and I've never played out a full game (aside from the first playoffs I went through). There is supposed to be an advantage to playing home games out (I think mostly being able to select your best lines for PP/PK).

As for checking relative strengths in those all levels leagues, better to check your power rankings and compare that way than levels. The levels would even themselves out if people were forced to play the level leagues, but with the all levels, because some people didn't have full lineups set when the initial rankings were done, the normalizing adjustment of the regulation system never gets a chance to even out the playing field.

Not saying that's a bad thing, just why you'll see some level 3 teams that are stronger than level 5's and the reverse when you check the power rankings.

Not a perfect system, but I think still better than leaving everything generic.

[samifan24]

Other points, have you hired staff? Setting your team strategy to reflect your head coaches rating seems to make a difference. Also, how do you have your forwards arranged style wise? If you have a majority of offensive style players (Snipers/Playmakers/Power Forwards) you're prone to giving up more goals.

I have hired staff. I usually play the first option for game strategy but lately I've tried the other two options. I have a pretty good mix of fowards so most lines are Sniper-Playmaker-Checker/Two-Way with the Playmaker always at center. I'm fine with scoring goals although my top line scores much more than my other lines (hence the high +/- ratings for my top two defensemen).

I train most of my young players the most since I've found that hardly anyone over 25 improves through the drills. My top sniper is a 90 and has been a 90 for the last five or six seasons and I haven't trained him once (he is 28 years old).

[RendeR]

Switch your play style to the trap. Your defense needs all the support it can get right now with those ratings.

Also I've had a lot better luck pairing defenders 1 offensive with 1 defensive and setting their individual play stypes to +1 off for the offensive guy and +1 def for the defensive guy.

really depends on your players though. If you're getting pasted start experimenting. It can't get any worse? =)

[RendeR]

Ok, who owns the cementheads? He's gotta be smoking crack.


offers me a trade:

My 93 rated defenseman

for his 72 rated defenseman and a 3rd round pick


W


T


F?

[Travis]

Hey, before you accept that deal, I'd totally upgrade that to a 75 D and a 2nd.

Actually wait, how old is your D first? ;)

[RendeR]

LOL

[RendeR]

Sidney won't be going ANYWHERE =)

[Travis]

Okay fine, a 75 D, a 2nd and a 3rd.

You're killing me, but I'll give in to your demands.

[RendeR]

LOL

I do have a 92 rated goalie on the block. My younger and cheaper guy just drilled up to 92 as well so maclin's my guy now.

80+ rated sniper or picks to be determined gets him.

[Travis]

Just wrapped up my 7th regular season with my main team (3rd in level 5 leagues) and for the first time since the levels were introduced the dominance trophy is going to be won by a team with 45 or less wins (right now two teams are tied at 44 with one team having one game left to play). Usually there's still somebody in that 48-50 win range but this season there's two at 44, myself at 43 and two more at 40 wins. Been an absolutely insane league competitively speaking. I think I might look for an all levels league to just recharge a bit before diving back into trying to beat the game developer, heh.

[Travis]

How are you boys doing so far in the new league? I just went 2-1 on the road to even up my playoff series at 3 with the deciding game 7 tomorrow on home ice to decide who gets to face Adam for this season's Cup (which is likely bad news for me as this guy is 2-5 at home but 5-1 on the road so far).

And Render made a suggestion earlier of compiling team cups/stats. Do we want to start a new thread once this is collected (haven't seen 21C too much in this thread lately)? What info would we want included?

[samifan24]

This season has been really rough for my team. It looks like this will be the first time I miss the playoffs.

We're 27-28 and the #11 seed in the "Excellence - S3" all levels league. I've never seen such a strong league before. The top team is 38-24 and the #9 team is 30-27. I should add that my team has given up 168 goals in 55 games, the third lowest total in the entire league.

Are you suggesting creating a FOFC records thread separate from this thread?

[Travis]

Not necessarily a separate thread, but start a new thread, have that info in the first post, then just continue on with any comments/discussion in that thread and let this one fade away.

And speaking of, I know I've got Samifan on my friends list over there, is there any interest in using that feature more? Just used it to check in on the league you're in sami, and wow, you aren't kidding. Only 3 teams really out of the hunt right now, but only a 9 game gap between 2nd and 12th? 5 games between 5th and 12th, yeesh. Going to be a hell of a stretch run in that league.

[bbor]

This season has been really rough for my team. It looks like this will be the first time I miss the playoffs.

We're 27-28 and the #11 seed in the "Excellence - S3" all levels league. I've never seen such a strong league before. The top team is 38-24 and the #9 team is 30-27. I should add that my team has given up 168 goals in 55 games, the third lowest total in the entire league.

Are you suggesting creating a FOFC records thread separate from this thread?

Excellence s3 is the bane of my existence.....currently in 5th...barely hanging on to a play off spot.On the bright side my 84 sniper has 61 goals...if he goes down i am screwed.

[samifan24]

Excellence s3 is the bane of my existence.....currently in 5th...barely hanging on to a play off spot.On the bright side my 84 sniper has 61 goals...if he goes down i am screwed.

Yeah I saw that your guy is leading the league in goals. How do you get him to perform at such a level for so long? He's playing way above his rating!

[bbor]

Playing with a 100 playmaker helps:)

[samifan24]

Playing with a 100 playmaker helps:)

Wow I had no idea you have '92-'93 Pat LaFontaine on your team! Wow!

[Travis]

Sweet, took game 7 at home to advance to the finals. Odd part is that I've made the finals in every odd season with this team (winning in seasons 1/3, then getting a finalist trophy in season 5) but have never made the finals in an even year.

Looks like next season is pretty much toast already, heh.

[Travis]

Nice way to start the day. Took a road game against Adam's team to go 1-2 in the first 3 games of the finals, but I have some hope as all 3 games were 1 goal affairs (two of them went to OT including the one that I won). Hopefully I can take at least 2 at home tomorrow to at least force a game 7 (already been to game 7 in each round prior to this during this playoff run, may as well do so in each series).

Also stole a road game in a deciding game 3 with one of my other teams (the Lynx) to advance to the finals in that league's playoffs where I'll have home ice advantage. Only hitch there is the team I'm facing just swept the top seed in the semi's, so home ice may not be that big of an advantage against these guys.

For anybody interested in using the friends list over there, these are my ID's (I believe the number is all you need to add somebody as a friend/rival):

Knights - 182
Hunters - 466
Lynx - 467

[samifan24]

My team number is 174 if you guys want to add me too.

[Travis]

Here's my fun trade request of the day:

Enforcers offer me:
Bramlette (85, 21 yr old sniper, $4.5/7)
Higgens (73, 22 yr old playmaker, $400,000/4)
Parrish (69, 20 yr old power forward, $400,000/6)
1st/2nd/3rd round picks

for my:
Boda (96, 23 yr old playmaker, $1.3/7)
Scheidegger (89, 24 yr old offensive D, $550,000/2)
Ayo (80, 26 yr old power forward, $400,000/6)

So yeah, 85, 73, 69 and picks for 96, 89, 80.

This is an offer from the (currently) 1st place team to the 3rd place team so he couldn't even try and sell this as me wanting to sell assets due to being out of the playoff race. I mean, why even offer a deal like that? I'd need both the first and second round picks to be out of this world for this deal to come even close to evening out.

[samifan24]

I've only ever received two or three trade offers in the six or seven seasons I've played and they've almost always been ridiculous offers.

I'm also getting tired of the free agent process where I miss out on a guy because the team that got him offered 5,000,001 or 5,001,000 and I offered 5,000,000. It's getting to be like eBay. Good thing I only use free agency to sign complimentary guys and spare parts.

[Travis]

I hear you on FA though that said, I treat it like you. If I can sign an under 30 guy who has a 77-79 rating then I'll do it, otherwise it's just rentals each season (and usually looking for guys to fill holes until I can draft a suitable player for that spot). I think I likely overpay most of the time but I don't want to get rooked by a buck or two so I'll throw an extra half mill in the offer to avoid going through the process again.

Beat Adam in 2 of 3 today (I think all 3 games were 1 goal affairs) so the series is tied at 3 and I've scored 1 more goal than him through 6 games.

So for the third time in these playoffs for my team, it's time for game seven, except this one isn't on home ice :S

[bbor]

Good Luck!

[samifan24]

It's you and me Bbor! If you lose your last game, we're tied at 37-35. I'm not sure the tiebreaker rules but we could conceivably tie in goals for as well, which is probably the first tiebreaker. Of course, if you win, it won't matter and if the teams behind me win, it won't matter either.

[Travis]

I'm not 100% on this, but I think the first tie breaker is +/-

Lost to Adam today in game seven, which unfortunately means the better team did win, but I was hoping to get a steal. Forced a 3rd and deciding game in the other finals I'm in right now. So far the road team has held serve so I have to hope that pattern changes tomorrow if I want back to back titles for the first time with any of my teams.

[samifan24]

bbor and I finished tied at 37-35 but he made the playoffs with the #8 seed and I missed as the #9 seed. I see now that the tiebreaker is team goal differential, which means I missed the playoffs by seven goals.

[bbor]

Oil rig could still catch me i believe.

[Travis]

I see bbor, samifan and I are in a league together right now. Good luck gents and if either of you are looking to make a trade, let me know ;)

[samifan24]

I see bbor, samifan and I are in a league together right now. Good luck gents and if either of you are looking to make a trade, let me know ;)

As a matter of fact, I just put a few players up on the block today. I'm trying to free up some cap space to resign a couple of guys before the season ends. I have a 93 rated young goalie with several years left on his 1M contract available if you're interested. I can also part with a few young scorers, too.

[samifan24]

I had a great day today and went 5-0 on the day. My team has found its consistent scoring touch and just in the nick of time, too. The only problem I see is that I am too aggressive on the PP and have given up six shorthanded goals in 54 games this season, more than any whole season total in my team's existence.

[bbor]

5-0 ...NICE!.....god i wish my team could play on the road

[RendeR]

I don't think I'm in a league with any of you atm?

Titanics Are fighting for a dominance trophy in level 3 league
River Rats got demoted to level 2 and are wiping the floor with their league
Galacticans are a level 1 test platform and I'm currently leading that league as well.

My original team, the one I started and played before I actually knew anything is by far my weakest squad, fighting for a home playoff game in the level 3 league the Titanics are in. This team might just Implode at the end of this season.

[Travis]

Heh, just lost to Adam again in the playoffs. Hopefully I can reverse that trend next season.

[samifan24]

Travis I sent you an offer to your Hunters team. I'm looking to make a couple of moves before the deadline. By the way, I saw you trained a defenseman from the high 50s up to a 91. I see you trained him over 100 times. Do you train the same guys every day?

[Travis]

Sorry man, just style wise I need to hold on to him for next season.

As for training, a majority of my drills go to the same guys. I'll generally go with anybody within a couple of a ratings boost (so guys close to 90, 85 or 80), after that it's all about youth.

[samifan24]

If anyone is looking to make a deal, I need to move some salary this off-season. Well, ok, my team is just starting the playoffs tomorrow but we can have a deal in place once I'm out of the league.

Available players:

Owen Dudek - 90 R - Sniper
Age 29 - $8,775,000 salary - 5 seasons left
Career: 554 GP - 383 G - 712 PTS
41 PTS in 42 Playoff Games

Terrell Rehagen - 94 R - Goalie
Age 29 - $3,510,000 salary - 4 seasons left
Career: 266 W - 2.52 GAA - .914 SV % - 35 SO in 460 GP

If you are interested in other players, just ask. I'm looking to get younger and gain salary cap flexibility.

[RendeR]

Well the Bengals and Titanics ended up facing one another in the first round of the playoffs...for the THIRD straight season!!! GAH and the weaker Bengals won! They then went on to lose in the second round. So two of three teams that had saolid seasons got knocked off right away.

The Cincinnati River Rats who played so poorly they got relegated to Level 2 this season dominated their league and then went on to WIN MY FIRST METRO CUP!!!!!!!

WOOOOOHOOOO WEEEEEEEEE are the CHAAMPIONS MY FRiendss..........

Its nice to finally win one after being a finalist so many times.

The Galactians got knocked off in the finals of their level 1 league and then got promoted to level 2.

So now I await the results of the ending of seasons so I can dig into the offseason work. The Galacticans needed nothing but some draft picks so they're on their way in a new level 2 league.

The Buffalo Bengals might well fall totally apart right now. We're hard on the cap and we've got 5 or 6 stud players ready to get new contracts and its just not going to happen. This team will fail miserably in its next league and most likely get relegated back to Level 2 as well.

The River Rats will most likely get Elevated back into level 3, lets hope they can maintain their solid play.

The Titanics are an enigma. Great players, solid Goaltending, just not winning the big games. *shrug* They're also in the best shape offseason wise. With only 3 players up for contracts and one of them I will not be retaining which opens up the cap space to resign the other two. Life is Good in Titanic land.

[samifan24]

I'm free from my league now if anyone wants to make a deal. Team # 174.

[Travis]

Congrats Render, keep adding to the trophy cabinet!

[samifan24]

The layoff between seasons is way, way too long. Adam needs to do something about it.

[Travis]

Really? What levels are you having that issue with? I think at worst I've gone 5 or so days between leagues (once I've had a league compliant roster). That said I'm usually going into created leagues (levels 4 and 5).

[RendeR]

Level 3 took quite awhile just recently but there were 2 other levels 3's already running so that added to the problem

[samifan24]

I'm a level 5 team even though my team really should be a level 3 or 4.

[RendeR]

All 3 level 3 teams made the playoffs and yet again one is playing a second so one of them will be boiunced early.

The real good news though:

THE GALACTICANS WON THE LEVEL 2 METRO CUP!!!!

WHOOOOOOT!

Thats two titles for me so far in this game. I'm starting to really enjoy this now that I actually understand some of it =)

[samifan24]

The more I play this game, the more I believe that the only way to ensure long term success and stability is to build through the draft.

[RendeR]

The more I play this game, the more I believe that the only way to ensure long term success and stability is to build through the draft.


You speak wisely.


FA should only be touched to fill cheap holes in your lineup.

[bbor]

I agree wholeheartedly

[samifan24]

How do you guys get thousands of credits every season? How many do you have? The teams in my league have six digits. I only just upgraded my arena to a level 3 so finally I'm seeing a pretty good revenue stream and have maxed out everything except for the restaurant. Is a good arena how all these other teams have 500,000+ credits? How are they doing it?

[RendeR]

Yes, once you max out your level 3 arena and get some playoff games in you'll be seeing a much more solid revenue stream. I just upgraded one team to a level 5 arena, 20,000 capacity, its freakin awesome =)

[samifan24]

Yes, once you max out your level 3 arena and get some playoff games in you'll be seeing a much more solid revenue stream. I just upgraded one team to a level 5 arena, 20,000 capacity, its freakin awesome =)

Does the restaurant really make that big of a difference?

[Travis]

I've got all 3 of my teams with fully maxed out level 5 arenas. I think each has been there for around a season now, but this is what I have for stats:

Team - Fan Base - ~Avg Crowd (last 5 regular season games) - Avg Income/Game

Knights - 128,696 - 16,000 - 790,000
Playoff Income - 1,023,000

Hunters - 114,358 - 12,500 - 600,000
Playoff Income - 860,000

Lynx - 87,025 - 10,800 - 520,000
Playoff Income - None in last 20 (missed the playoffs for the first time with any of my teams, yeah, bad timing I know ;))

[samifan24]

It never occurred to me to immediately max out my arena until this season, my ninth in the game. My fan base is only 3,600 and I'm only now taking in about 5,000 credits per home game. I guess everyone else figured out the max out arena trick right from the bat because I am languishing behind in fan base and credits from those numbers and most of the teams in my league, too.

[RendeR]

Everything you add to your arenas increases your income immensly. At level 1 adding afood stand doubles your income and brings in more fans, adding the beer stand to that almost triples your original income.

Always always always upgrade your arenas.

[samifan24]

If anyone is looking for an offseason trading partner, I am looking to move some big contracts. All three guys I want to move are between 85 and 95 ratings.

[RendeR]

How does the "consuming" of a contract work? If I consume a contract does it count against MY cap or am I spending credits on it? I don't understand how that works.

[Travis]

If you trade a player in the last year of his contract and consume his contract, essentially you're eating the rest of the contract (this option is only available during the last year of a players contract).

Essentially it's there so you can add picks from a team that otherwise couldn't afford to add the contract.

[RendeR]

Thanks Travis!

[samifan24]

If any of you guys are looking for a league, please join the Manitoba Invitational. We need four more teams and take all levels. I've played against a bunch of these guys before and we always seem to have competitive seasons.

[Travis]

I'm assuming it'll be filled before any of my current seasons end, but if it's still needing a team when I have one open I'll jump in.

Also, hit #5 on the power rankings today. Trying to swing one more trade for a consumed salary before my season ends so I can really load up for the playoffs, but this is the highest I've ever been ranked.

Now here's hoping I don't blow it.

[bbor]

If any of you guys are looking for a league, please join the Manitoba Invitational. We need four more teams and take all levels. I've played against a bunch of these guys before and we always seem to have competitive seasons.

I'm already there.

[samifan24]

I'm assuming it'll be filled before any of my current seasons end, but if it's still needing a team when I have one open I'll jump in.

Also, hit #5 on the power rankings today. Trying to swing one more trade for a consumed salary before my season ends so I can really load up for the playoffs, but this is the highest I've ever been ranked.

Now here's hoping I don't blow it.

You've always had good teams so I'm not surprised to see you ranked so high in the game. Now, what's your secret? :D

[samifan24]

I wish the game would remind you the day before your season starts that you need to set endorsement deals for the upcoming season. Half the time I never remember to set them and you can't set any of them once the season's started.

[dbd1963]

I wish the game would remind you the day before your season starts that you need to set endorsement deals for the upcoming season. Half the time I never remember to set them and you can't set any of them once the season's started.

+1

I also wish I had known you can't sign people after you are knocked out of the playoffs. I saw on a guy on the waiver wire I wanted and dropped a guy using my first rounder, only to be told YE CANNA DAE IT SONNY! (Only not in a Scottish accent. I might have taken it better if it had been..)

Little things like these are killing me..

[bbor]

ouch....that sux

[Travis]

Well, here we go. Just made the finals in the Winter Classic III All Levels league.

Why am I posting this? A couple reasons.

First, I haven't won a metro cup with this team since season 5 (currently in season 11), and that was the only metro cup I've won with this team.

Secondly, through drills and daily updates, my team is currently power ranked #3 in Metroho (one 91 rental player and a 92 rated upcoming UFA that I'll lose in the offseason that'll knock me back to my usual 20-50 ranking with this team), the highest I've ever had any of my teams.

Lastly, my opposition. Not sure if any of you have faced trogdor1009 on there or seen him in the forums, but he's a bit "my way or the highway" on the forums and in a few situations his comments to other players have rubbed me the wrong way. Certainly nothing personal or over the top, but a guy I sure wouldn't mind putting away to nab my second MetroCup with this squad. His team is #11 in the power rankings right now, so this should be tight.

One big factor that may play against me is that I've always simmed my games. I know there is supposed to be an advantage to playing them out, but to this point I've got a horrible record when I play them myself, so for the last couple seasons I've straight out simmed with all 3 of my teams. Not sure what I'm going to do for this series, but I'm contemplating playing out at least 1 of my 3 home games tomorrow (it's a best of 7 series) and if that goes well I might play them all out.

If I get hammered then I'm just flat out simming the other two and hoping for the best.

[samifan24]

My team has never won a Metro Cup and we're in our 11th season so good luck. I've reached the finals twice but fell short both times, once in a game seven.

I know what you mean about trogdor1009. I'm not a big fan of the guy. He's very pushy on the forums over there.

I always play my games out ever since I learned that there can be a benefit to doing so. I just started having my team play a certain style and now suddenly we're scoring goals like crazy.

[Travis]

This team has been my most frustrating. It's been the highest power ranked team I've had since almost the very start, and does well during the regular season (this season was my 4th dominance trophy with them), but other than the 1 MetrohoCup (season 5), they've never even made the finals until this season. Definitely the choke artists of my 3 teams.

This is how the finals matchup stacks up:

New Bedford Hax (#11, 3 Dominance, 2 Finalist, 41-31 this season)

Akbar (94, Sniper) - Schwinghammer (91, Playmaker) - Rawls (93, Power)
Ermitano (90, Two-Way) - Mugg (91, Playmaker) - Engelking (90, Sniper)
Kao (88, Power) - Smerkar (83, Playmaker) - Vilardi (89, Sniper)
Wascom (80, Sniper) - Wettach (76, Playmaker) - Pry (83, Power)

Sabbagh (92, SaH) - Spice (94, SaH)
Tibbles (89, SaH) - Clearman (88, SaH)
Miyata (83, Offensive) - Hoopes (88, Offensive)

Hardigree (94, Stand Up)
Avalos (91, Hybrid)

vs

The Hunters (#3, 4 Dominance, 1 Metroho Cup, 48-24 this season)

Newville (95, Two-Way) - Boda (96, Playmaker) - Boyd (92, Sniper)
Genous (90, Two-Way) - Caylor (92, Playmaker) - Saka (91, Sniper)
Steinmeyer (87, Two-Way) - Villarin (85, Playmaker) - Harger (91, Sniper)
Getty (82, Two-Way) - Schwager (83, Playmaker) - Ayo (80, Two-Way)

Harger is my rental and ideally I'd have a sniper on the 4th line RW. I've got a guy who is close (Gallwas, 79) but will need to hit the 80 OA to get inserted into the lineup.

Piatak (92, SaH) - Scheidegger (91, Offensive)
Sudbeck (85, SaH) - Carethers (90, Offensive)
Lienhard (85, SaH) - Nevares (83, Offensive)

Dancey (94, Hybrid)
Hohlfeld (94, Hybrid)

My best hope is for his starting goalie to go down, but assuming that (likely) doesn't happen this really has the makings of a 7 games series (I really hope I don't get swept, I think the last time I met him in the playoffs he beat me 4-1, oye).

[RendeR]

God I hope you beat him, the guy was a royal butthole to me in messages. Wouldn't shut up and kept trying to get me to do convoluted trades and roster moves.

[Travis]

heh, he accused me of cheating the last time we met up because I just simmed my home games and he couldn't figure out how I played out games so fast that the played time was the same for all 3 games.

I think he'd lose his mind if he lost a series to me with me simming the games. Apparently the thought of somebody just simming playoff home games was enough to throw him off for quite a while.

[RendeR]

He's freaking anal. I had to tell him "NO I don;t want to sign someone, trade him to you and eat the contract for any number of picks, go away" like 5 times over a period of 3 days.

[Travis]

heh, I had planned on playing out at least my first home game today, but to get the lineups I posted above I clicked on shinny against him, nabbed the lineups then closed the screen. When I logged on today it had simmed out that shinny game with my team winning 5-1, so I did my drills then simmed out the first game to see how I'd do.

5-3 for the good guys. Currently have game 2 in the sim waiting list. Fingers crossed I can take at least 2 of 3 because I'm pretty sure he'll win at least 2 of his home games tomorrow.

[Travis]

Wow, game 2 simmed quickly.

He scores the only goal of the first on the PP. The second see's more action as we tie it 8 minutes in, but they answer 2 minutes later to reclaim the lead. Brad Genous pulls us back into a tie at the 15 minute mark and we head into the third dead locked.

Two minutes in rental forward Scott Harger puts us ahead. He also takes a penalty at the 8 minute mark, but after that it's pretty smooth sailing as we take a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3 added to the sim list.

So far we've outshot them 27-21 and 31-23. One more solid effort like that and I'm in good shape for tomorrow.

[Travis]

Game 3

The Hax take an elbowing penalty at the 6 minute mark but we can't capitalize. Lance Saka gets us on the board a couple minutes later though. The period ends with a scrum after Brian Sabbagh takes a charging penalty.

Not only don't we score on the PP, we hand them an opportunity right back as Nevares takes a roughing penalty just after our PP expires. The Hax make us pay, tieing the game at 1 thanks to a tally by Wascom. For the second straight period the Hax take a penalty at the 6 minute mark, another charging penalty and this time we finally put one on the board as Ross Boyd gives us back our one goal lead. We exchange penalties midway through the period, and again the Hax goon it up as the period comes to a close, this time a boarding call at the 20 minute mark (side note, both penalties as time expired were drawn by Dexter Scheidegger).

With a chance to potentially put this game and the series out of reach with a period opening power play, we fall flat. Thankfully our 5 on 5 play comes to the rescue as Lance Saka extends our lead 5 minutes in, then ices the game at the 18 minute mark. Both teams played a very clean game in the third as no penalties were called.

Final score is 4-1 and we outshot them again 35-26.

So worst case is we'll be coming home for game 7. If we can pluck one game on the road, this series is over.

[bbor]

Good luck Travis...give em hell:)

[Travis]

I feel bad in a way as this guy likely doesn't know (or care) who I am, but I'm going to be ticked if I lose to him again. It's one thing playing one of you guys or matching up with Adam, but this guy and gm666 are the only two on the forums who I've developed any sort of disdain for, so I *really* don't want to drop the ball.

Especially now that it would take him sweeping me to do it. That'd sting really bad.

[BillyNYC]

Decided to give this a try, after not doing any online games since semiretiring from Hattrick.

Signed all my players, signed up for the first Level 1 league available, did a few shinnys to get the interface down. Made a few UFA bids, as I wanted to sure up a few spots.

Just played out my first 2 games. Before that, got 2 messages. My 2nd best D-man was injured for 3 days. And the 76-rated D-man that I bid on was mine. Good timing?

Not as good timing as my 1st line sniper scoring in OT...in both games. Guess I can't complain about a start like that, right?

Scoring and shots both seem a bit low (one of the OT games had 32 shots COMBINED), but can deal with that for now. Still, if the issue is systematic (is it?), would think would be easy enough to tweak.

Seems that unlike in Hattrick, a brand new team can sometimes beat much older (and better) teams. Was in the chat room talking about my new team and a 9-season old team shinny'ed me. My new Shaolin Landfills won 3-2. While this is nice (especially since my series has 3 non-newbie teams in it, one of which I beat tonight), it's also a bit concerning. If I feel like my team can win 75% of the time or lose 75% of the time just due to randomness...or if I feel like all my decisions have very little effect on my team's performance, then I feel I might lose interest.

For now, happy to be 2-0 and the honeymoon period is still on.

Update, an hour later: The non-newbie team hosted his games...and I beat him again...in OT again. Different goalscorer this time at least. 3 games, 3 OT wins. Odd.

Any random advice for a newbie?

[samifan24]

Any random advice for a newbie?

Don't acquire players through free agency if you can avoid it. It's better and cheaper to develop your own talent through the draft. You control your young players for longer and a cheap rates. If you fall from contention, I would deal all of your veterans for draft picks.

[Travis]

Ended up picking up the sweep on the road. Was down 2-0 midway through the first then the boys shut the door and decided to play a little offense.

He's got a new league created, I think I'm going to take a break from him for a season though and check out one of the other open level leagues.

[RendeR]

I thought trogdor WAS gm666?? I thought he just changed Usernames.

picked up another finalist trophy with the Galacticans, makes 2 finalist and 1 cup title in 4 years with that team.

Got the Rats ready to roll in I believe level 4 now. the Bengals and Titanics are still waiting on some players.

I'm actually impressed at how well I stick with this game. Its very basic but it plays out quickly enough to keep me interested.

[Travis]

He could be RendeR, I'll fully admit I don't keep all that up to date on their forums and would explain why I'm not overly fond of either/same guy :D

And I'll fully agree. I think the season lengths help too as even if you're having a bad season, it's only a few days from that realization until the next season gets going. Even with just a bit of luck it doesn't take too long to get your team turned around through the draft/good UFA rentals.

[samifan24]

Is anyone else in a holding pattern because of the overhaul of the drafting system? I was going to draft new players, then cut a high priced veteran and then join a league but now I just have to wait until the new drafting system is implemented so that I can join a league, play the season and then draft players after the season is over. I also can't cut the veteran because it would cost me a draft pick now, not credits which is what I planned to do. I also can't replace that player with my unsigned draft picks because now drafting takes place at the end of the regular season but not the off-season. I think the new drafting system will make the game better but it's frustrating to have to wait like this.

[bbor]

totally agree....i went after FA's to fill my team just so i could actually play and not have to wait.

[samifan24]

This is bullshit.

The way that Adam is going about "upgrading" to the new drafting system makes all current picks void. I lost two RFAs this off-season and received one 1st and one 2nd round pick as compensation. Now I'm told those two picks, and all five of my picks, are worthless. I can't do anything with them except to buy players out. That's ridiculous.

[tucker rocky]

Any ideas on the new drafting system?

I had no picks after the "downtime", I now have a 1st rounder.

Another question is the +/- off. and def. orders on the players, more, less, or neutral.

My team is: "The BDD" id 37.

Never really played seriously, being a casual gamer.

[aran]

I've read through a few pages of this thread. Seems like it could be a fun game. I'm somewhat concerned about the EA Sports-style player ratings that are all crammed into the top 30 values. Some statements about the randomness of the game bother me, as well.

Is player skill important? Do a lot of people play the game? Is there a microtransaction aspect that makes higher-level play cost money?

[tucker rocky]

I've read through a few pages of this thread. Seems like it could be a fun game. I'm somewhat concerned about the EA Sports-style player ratings that are all crammed into the top 30 values. Some statements about the randomness of the game bother me, as well.

Is player skill important? Do a lot of people play the game? Is there a microtransaction aspect that makes higher-level play cost money?

It's more about "types" of players, snipers, playmakers, power forwards,
2-way forwards, and checkers on offense. Defense is either offensive or defensive defenders.

How these types are placed in your lines is a strategy in itself.

One problem I have is length of the offseason.

How long you sign your players is important also.
If it's a franchise player, I will give them the max allowable for rookies.
Roster filler and marginal rookies, I usually give at most, 3 years.

RFA's and FA's, I rarely touch, unless absolutely needed.

[samifan24]

My league still needs another team to sign up but I went from having 2 1st, 2 2nd and one 3rd round pick to 1, 1, 1 under the new system. I am not happy about that.

[tucker rocky]

My league still needs another team to sign up but I went from having 2 1st, 2 2nd and one 3rd round pick to 1, 1, 1 under the new system. I am not happy about that.

I had a 1st, 2 2nds, and 2 3rds, lost all after the "downtime", only received a 1st rounder back, no 2nd or 3rd.

Maybe I'll get a 2nd and 3rd after my leagues playoffs end.

[samifan24]

I had a 1st, 2 2nds, and 2 3rds, lost all after the "downtime", only received a 1st rounder back, no 2nd or 3rd.

Maybe I'll get a 2nd and 3rd after my leagues playoffs end.

It may depend on how "new" the league you're playing is. If your league was at day 15 or below in the schedule, you receive the new drafting system this season. Anything later gets next season I believe.

[tucker rocky]

It may depend on how "new" the league you're playing is. If your league was at day 15 or below in the schedule, you receive the new drafting system this season. Anything later gets next season I believe.

That's not right, it should be for all teams, regardless of what day it was.
I am sure that there are players that feel this is unfair.

Some teams get the benefit, while others have to play out another season, for his untimely "downtime".

It was he(Adam) who wanted a new drafting system, and he should make it available for all, not just the lucky ones.

By him not having a back-up database, some players ended up screwed, and some gained unfairly.

He could've compensated the ones that lost draft picks, if he wanted to.
Says he couldn't, but I know better.

It's disappointing that he chose to let what happened, happen.

[samifan24]

That's not right, it should be for all teams, regardless of what day it was.
I am sure that there are players that feel this is unfair.

Some teams get the benefit, while others have to play out another season, for his untimely "downtime".

It was he(Adam) who wanted a new drafting system, and he should make it available for all, not just the lucky ones.

By him not having a back-up database, some players ended up screwed, and some gained unfairly.

He could've compensated the ones that lost draft picks, if he wanted to.
Says he couldn't, but I know better.

It's disappointing that he chose to let what happened, happen.

I agree that the idea was poorly implemented. I'm not sure what else he could have done though.

[tucker rocky]

I agree that the idea was poorly implemented. I'm not sure what else he could have done though.

The first and foremost thing that he should've done, is backup the database.
That way, if there were any issues, then the backup gets put in place.

This should've been a no-brainer for Adam.

Maybe next time, he'll do this.

By not compensating for the loses of the unlucky ones, is bad for anyone running a web game. I would assume that this is a learning process(trial and error)for Adam.

[Travis]

So the goalie cap has been eliminated (now goalies too can achieve up to a 100 rating).

My worst team gets a +2 bump to their goalie today, making him one of 7 or 8 goalies in the game now with a 96 rating.

Only catch?

Yep, he's currently injured and wasn't available for games today, heh.

Now if only one of my two "good" teams could get that bump, then we're talking.

[RendeR]

I've got all 4 teams in their respective off seasons. The new drafting thing baffles me to know end. If you forget to set your order you apparently get...nothing? I had two teams never have a draft class loaded for them.

Whatever. The more he complicates the game the less fun I'm having. At the very least it may well end up with me letting a team or two fall to the side and concentrate on one team only.

[samifan24]

I HATE this new drafting system. My team got two goalies in the first two rounds! I wanted the first goalie but in the 2nd round I got another 17 year old, 80 R goalie. I purposely moved all goalies to the very end of my rankings to avoid this happening but it happened anyway. All I can think of is that this is a bug. At least during the old system you could pick which type of player you wanted so you had some input into the type of team you were building. Now I just get stuck with someone based on rankings which are ignored anyway. It appears the game goes by the default rankings and not the scout rankings which makes absolutely no sense. :mad:

[RendeR]

I'm with you. I hate the new drafting program, its terrible and it gives you zero control of who you actually get.

I've got all my teams just sitting for now. I've lost interest in it since he did the draft change. Ruined the game for me at this point.

[Travis]

Re: Drafting

I've done two so far with no issues selection wise. I scouted some of the guys to see how my scouts liked them vs the league wide ranking, then for each round would reorder them based on what player types I wanted.

Now just to be clear, did you guys change the "Your Rank" order for the guys you've wanted? I've only ever re-ordered enough guys on my list to cover where my pick would fall for that round and haven't had anybody lower than the last guy on my short list be picked (and a couple times got higher guys just because other teams were picking guys I didn't include on my short list).

The reason I ask and am looking for clarification is because I've got a couple drafts coming up in the next week so just trying to figure out if there are some issues that have cropped up since my last draft.

I guess for me I'm the oddball as I think this style draft is a lot more realistic and while you don't control the player type you have a lot more control of player quality provided you do some scouting. Seems a bit more in line with real life in the sense that in the first, if you do it properly, you're going to get a good player, but depending on the year, the type may not mesh exactly with your team needs so you have to decide whether to take a lower caliber player to fit a certain need or to go for that better player and maybe create a log jam at a certain spot.

[BillyNYC]

Just finished my first ever draft and had no problems. Just ordered "your rank" down to whatever number pick and got the top player on my ranking list that was left.

Nice draft too:
83 playmaker (1, 9th pick)
91 goalie (1, sandwich (10th))
83 goalie (2, 19)
69 playmaker (3, 28)

As 1st place team, I picked last, but had a decent idea of which player I'd get, so no real surprises. Based on scout rankings and stats, I didn't love any of the 2nd rounders, so grabbed another goalie. We'll see how it works out.

In league, rolled through the season at 56-16 and got Dominance Trophy (on up to level 2...yay), but lost my first game in the semis today. Oh well.

[samifan24]

To answer your question, Travis, yes I adjusted my rankings based on what my scout told me. Now I have a 17 yo 89 R goalie and a 17 yo 80 R goalie with my first two picks. Swell.

[bbor]

Not big on the new draft system,but i will still be playing.

[samifan24]

Although he was unable to find a bug, Adam did credit me with a free month of donation status, which I thought was a nice gesture. I guess it was my mistake since no one else reported seeing the same problem in the forums.

[Travis]

Although he was unable to find a bug, Adam did credit me with a free month of donation status, which I thought was a nice gesture. I guess it was my mistake since no one else reported seeing the same problem in the forums.

That is a nice touch really. It's been nice to see that he is pretty easy to get a hold of and is willing to put the player/customer first while also improving the game on a pretty consistent basis and certainly isn't afraid to hand out some perks to make up for rough spots. Makes it a bit easier to continue to support the game even if there are some aggravations from time to time.

[samifan24]

I've started the FOFC League, a 15 team, any level league. Please join.

[tucker rocky]

I've started the FOFC League, a 15 team, any level league. Please join.

I can make it, but it'll be at most 12 days before I can join.
My league is only on day 20, so including today I figure 12 days.

[Travis]

Hey guys, who all is still playing? I see a few active guys still in there. Speaking of, looks like Bbor and I have a decent chance of having a show down for the MetroHo Cup in our current league. We're currently sitting 1st and 3rd with around 15 games left to go in the regular season.

[tucker rocky]

Hey guys, who all is still playing? I see a few active guys still in there. Speaking of, looks like Bbor and I have a decent chance of having a show down for the MetroHo Cup in our current league. We're currently sitting 1st and 3rd with around 15 games left to go in the regular season.

What league would that be?

[Travis]

It's called "All Levels League", currently in day 18.

[tucker rocky]

I'm currently run the following teams there:

The BDD HC
The Blades of Glory
The Little Pucks
The Slingin' Dirt

If you're wondering, all my teams play in different leagues, and no trading between them.

[tucker rocky]

It's called "All Levels League", currently in day 18.

I'm in 7th.

[tucker rocky]

I'm currently playing a shinny against your team Travis.

[Travis]

And did quite well I see, heh.

I'm still running the Lynx, Hunters and Knights. At cross roads with the Hunters, nearly have the Lynx rebuilt (having a 99 rated goalie has accelerated the results but the team in front of him is nearly to how I'd like it) and the Knights are also almost through a rebuild. Just trying to draft a few guys so that each team has a true checking line (now that you can designate PK and PP lines).

[BillyNYC]

Just finished my third season, and first in level 2. Missed playoffs for first time (15-team league, so not demoted). Have been building nicely and after FAs, should be around top 100 ranking. Game's still fun, especially with all the random shinny tournaments people put together.

Oh, I'm Shaolin Landfills btw.

[samifan24]

My team, the Whale, are still around, in like their 10th season without ever winning a Metro Cup. I'm going to create another 15 team league when I sign enough forwards.

[RendeR]

I'm glad some folks are still playing this. I haven't done anything with my teams in a couple months or more. Might take a gander at them when I get bored again but I got kinda tired of it after while and the change in drafting really threw me.

Good luck to you all!

[bbor]

I'm currently run the following teams there:

The BDD HC
The Blades of Glory
The Little Pucks
The Slingin' Dirt

If you're wondering, all my teams play in different leagues, and no trading between them.


I'm in a leagye with BDD HC right now:)

[tucker rocky]

I'm glad some folks are still playing this. I haven't done anything with my teams in a couple months or more. Might take a gander at them when I get bored again but I got kinda tired of it after while and the change in drafting really threw me.

Good luck to you all!

I only draft for need, and pretty much make a guess who might be rated decent enough.

[samifan24]

I hate the new drafting system and think it needs an option to avoid drafting a certain type of player in this draft to make things easier.

[tucker rocky]

I'm in a leagye with BDD HC right now:)

A question bbor.
How is it that your team sits in 3rd place, with less wins than the 4th place?

[bbor]

In a 15 team league there are three divisions.......1st place in the 3 divisions are automatically top 3 in over all standings.

[tucker rocky]

In a 15 team league there are three divisions.......1st place in the 3 divisions are automatically top 3 in over all standings.

I see that now, dumb me.
I rarely play in 15 team leagues, and forgot about the standings thing.

[samifan24]

I'm now, finally, losing interest in this game. It's been a lot of fun but I've never been able to put a winning team together and the overhauled draft system has really hurt my team.

[bbor]

:( That sux...i still am really into the game.

[BillyNYC]

Still into it, albeit only in my 4th season. I like the pace such that if you have a "lost season", a new one is a few days away (and can try to deal consumed/expiring contracts for picks).

Have had no problems with draft. Some of the draft pools aren't very balanced (ie. no stay-at-home D ranked in top 15, 4 goalies in top 12, etc) but generally feel it's helped my team and have never drafted anyone that wasn't on my preranked list.

Likely moving up to Level 3 next season where I expect to have my ass handed to me, but should be fun.

[Travis]

Hey hey, nice to see you again bbor (saw you just joined the same league as one of my teams)! How's your team been doing? Still enjoying the game?

[bbor]

Still love this game...it's a good time killer that does'nt take too much effort....my teams as usual have been meh...how about yours?

[samifan24]

I signed into MetroHo this week for the first time since earlier this year. I joined a level five league and we need players if any of you guys have level five teams and went dormant like me. Of course my team is really pretty weak right now since other teams signed my UFAs and RFAs while I was inactive.

[RendeR]

I haven't logged into that in ages...Have they changed anything? I think the best team I had was only level 3.

[samifan24]

I haven't logged into that in ages...Have they changed anything? I think the best team I had was only level 3.

Everything looks the same to me. I originally left because I hated the new drafting system, which I thought made it too difficult to get decent players, but I'm going to give it a shot.

[BillyNYC]

Most notable change off the top of my head was goalie fatigue.

Goalies start with a "bank" of 5 games. When it goes down to 0, the goalie temporarily loses 10% of his rating. When you play a backup, the bank goes up 5 games (with a max of 10). Essentially, it means your backup goalie needs to play about 13-14 games...and you can't have total garbage as your backup. (No fatigue in playoffs)

Looks like Level 4 Public #3 will be an FOFC heavy league. Little Pucks, Bbors, and myself (Landfills).

[Travis]

For the drafting, the best system I've found so far is to scout players, then use the difference between the public ranking and your scout ranking to determine what order you'd take them in.

So 1 (public) - 1 (scout) would mean keep the guy number one.
but if 2 (public) is a 9 (scout) and 3 (public) is a 5 (scout) then move 3 ahead of 2.

Likewise, in that scenario, if 5 (public) is a 3 (scout) I'd probably take him ahead of both the 2 and 3 public guys.

This comes into play more the deeper into the draft you go. Ie: I'd take a 42 (public) - 35 (scout) guy over a 38 (public) - 37 (scout). Seems like the more variance there is (good or bad), the higher or lower that guy may even exceed your scouts ranking by.

Right now I've still got 3 teams on the go. 2 are in the playoffs and 1 is in midseason. So I'll be league shopping in a few days, hope it isn't too late by then.

[samifan24]

Is it possible to drop down a level? Somehow my team was awarded level five status early in the game and I really don't think we're a level five quality team.

My team's power ranking is: 372
Other teams in my league: 5, 9, 12, 13, 27, 48, 193, 237

[Travis]

You get relegated based on ranked league performance.

So if you finish (I think) bottom 2 in a level 5 league then you'd be knocked down to level 4.

That said, if you play in all level leagues then you worry more about power rankings than levels. The levels have been out of whack for a while, hard to keep up with the power rankings unless you were reranked following every season and only allowed to play ranked leagues.

[chesapeake]

I just signed up as the Chesapeake Blue Crabs. Feel free to browse my team and offer any advice. How long do you think I will rot in the level 1 public league before it reaches critical mass?

Who wants my referral bonus?

[samifan24]

My level five team is currently 3-35. That's what I get for abandoning my team for a year and losing all my UFAs and RFAs. I only have two 90+ forwards and a 100 defenseman. My goalies are 93 and 92. Of course the level five league I'm playing in has something like 12 teams ranked in the game's top 20 so I knew I'd be killed. I'm hoping I can rebuild with the #1 pick and more prospects on my team and a few key big ticket FAs on one year deals.

[samifan24]

Would you do this trade?

I have the #1 pick in my draft and am not going to really content next season, either. My team is being relegated to a level four next season, too.

I give up:

100 OD, 26 years old (1 year left)
91 2-W, 28 years old (pending UFA, consumed)
#1 pick in 2nd round
Likely #46 overall pick (3rd round sandwich)

-for-

93 OD, 30 years old (1 year left)
82 sniper, 19 years old (unsigned #2 overall pick from last year's draft)
71 two-way, 19 years old (2nd round pick last season)

I'd love to acquire the 19 year old, 82 rated sniper because I think he can be a true superstar. In essence I'd be dealing one year of my 100 rated defenseman, a few days of my 91 rated forward, a 2nd rounder and an almost meaningless 3rd round sandwich pick for a year of a 93 rated defenseman whom I could deal next year if we're out of contention, seven years of the sniper and at least a few years of the two way player, who will become a RFA after this season.

Would you do this deal if you were me?

[BillyNYC]

Samifan24: Kind of an odd trade. You obviously need to rebuild, so dealing the OD and TWF make sense...yet you're also moving a pretty decent draft pick.

Similarly, you're getting back a stud sniper...but also a marginal prospect (71 turning 20....might hit mid 80s, or marginal 2nd liner for a level 3 team), and an OD that won't be very useful to you.

Seems a bit odd...or at least inconsistent.

Longterm, you'd be dealing the #1 2nd rounder and a 3rd sandwich for the sniper and the TWF. I'd give you the edge there, but not by THAT much: * My 1st round sandwich 2 seasons back (1/18), was 70 TWF 17 years. Now he's 82 TWF 19...or exactly the age/rating as the guy you're going for.
* My 1st round sandwich last year (1/15) was a 77 CK 17. Now he's 81 CK 18.

Point being, you can find similar guys to what you're seeking with your pick. But of course, there's more uncertainly and it'll take 1-2 seasons to develop. So, yes, I think you'd get the better end of the deal unless the 100 OD is crazy cheap and you can maybe get more in offseason.

[samifan24]

Samifan24: Kind of an odd trade. You obviously need to rebuild, so dealing the OD and TWF make sense...yet you're also moving a pretty decent draft pick.

Similarly, you're getting back a stud sniper...but also a marginal prospect (71 turning 20....might hit mid 80s, or marginal 2nd liner for a level 3 team), and an OD that won't be very useful to you.

Seems a bit odd...or at least inconsistent.

Longterm, you'd be dealing the #1 2nd rounder and a 3rd sandwich for the sniper and the TWF. I'd give you the edge there, but not by THAT much: * My 1st round sandwich 2 seasons back (1/18), was 70 TWF 17 years. Now he's 82 TWF 19...or exactly the age/rating as the guy you're going for.
* My 1st round sandwich last year (1/15) was a 77 CK 17. Now he's 81 CK 18.

Point being, you can find similar guys to what you're seeking with your pick. But of course, there's more uncertainly and it'll take 1-2 seasons to develop. So, yes, I think you'd get the better end of the deal unless the 100 OD is crazy cheap and you can maybe get more in offseason.

Yeah I think you're right. I'm hesitant to do the deal because of that 2nd round draft pick. I have another offer on the table for the 100 defenseman and it's a 90 defenseman who is a pending UFA, a 19 yo 77 rated sniper (3rd round pick last year) and a 3rd round sandwich pick. I don't think I'm going to take that deal either.

Is anyone interested in completing an off-season deal?

[BillyNYC]

Your team's currently not Level 5 caliber, but also your record is skewed by your league being totally insane. Arguably the strongest group of teams in a league ever.

Those guys are competitive and all. Would think you could get something for consuming your expiring UFAs. Picks at least.

Not sure what my offseason will hold. I'm at the cap and don't have much expiring...and have 7 picks in the upcoming draft. So need to figure out my pieces.

[samifan24]

What's your MetroHo username, Billy? I'll add you to my FOFC friends list.

[Capital]

I have always thougth about trying this game but never got around to doing so. I read what's available on the game site, which is not very much - probably more once you sign up, but I have a question about the draft. I understand that the league and playoffs last 30 "real" days but what about the draft? Does everyone need to be present at the same time? Would the computer pick if a person is not there? Just not sure how this works.

[RendeR]

You rate the rookies in the draft pool in teh order that you want them, the league you're in then drafts in reverse order of finish, worst team getting the guy they want most, next worst taking the top guy left on their list and so on on down through.

once you set your draft prospects order you really don't need to be there.

[samifan24]

My level 5 league is just entering the playoffs in the next few days so I estimate I'm 12 or so days away from looking for a league. Any FOFC players also looking? I can join a level 4 or an all levels league.

[Travis]

I've got two teams currently in the offseason (both level 5) and a third (level 4) about to hit the offseason. I'm considering a bit of a hiatus, but if there is a FOFC heavy league on the go I'd be willing to put a team in.

[Capital]

Made the leap last night and started a team. Unfortunately, there was only 1 other team signed up for a level 1 league so I guess I'll have to wait to get the season going. Hopefully, the wait is not too long. I can see how you can get immersed in the league.

Now, if there was only a way to narrow the free agent search options a bit. Trying to find a sniper forward through a million pages takes time...even sorted by position.

[Travis]

Use the player search feature. Set the options to sniper, UFA and designate an age and/or rating range if you like.

I never use the FA list, much easier to use the player search and make offers that way.

[Capital]

Thanks Travis...I will check that out tonight. The rating range would be important because the game restricts new players to a max rating of 79 for the first 30 days.

[Travis]

You can also use it to try and find some bargains.

For example, set the current rating max to 79 but original rating minimum to 80 with a max of 100.

You may find some veteran types who are on the decline (currently rated under 80) who had an initial rating of 80+ so you could use your staff to restore them to an 80+ level.

Usually those guys are only good to sign for a year as they'll start declining faster than you can restore them, but it's a nice way to flesh out those lower lines.

[Capital]

Does it matter when you "drill" your player? In other words, if I set the drill before I play my games that day, will my players be fatigued?

I've had minor success with drill. My thought is to keep using drill on the young players and hope they improve.

Any thoughts?

[Travis]

The fatigue listing you see there (unless there has been a change to this in the past two weeks) is only to show that you can't drill them again that day, it in no way affects their in game performance.

As for drills, my understanding is that age doesn't really matter but rating does, so the lower the current rating, the better the chance of your drill hitting a +1 or +2. I usually factor age/contract length into determining who I want to drill, but past that it's luck of the draw. I'll usually try and drill players up to around 85 and goalies to 94.

[Ajaxab]

I just finished up my first season playing the game. I'm not sure what to make of it. Somehow, we managed to finish 3rd in a level 5 public league. But somehow, a team with 2.5 million credits and 13 seasons of experience ended up in my league. They went 66-6. If the game allows teams like that in a level 5 league on a consistent basis, I'm not sure how motivated I am to keep on playing. I guess I'll see how the playoffs go and take it from there.

[samifan24]

I just finished up my first season playing the game. I'm not sure what to make of it. Somehow, we managed to finish 3rd in a level 5 public league. But somehow, a team with 2.5 million credits and 13 seasons of experience ended up in my league. They went 66-6. If the game allows teams like that in a level 5 league on a consistent basis, I'm not sure how motivated I am to keep on playing. I guess I'll see how the playoffs go and take it from there.

That team is a level five team because that's simply the highest level of the game. My team won like six games this year against the very best in the league. We got demoted to level four and I'm ok with that. Yes, we were technically level five but were no where close to as powerful as the other teams in our league, three of which were in the top 10 in the entire game.

[samifan24]

I read that player ratings increase naturally until age 24 so, basically, you can drill anyone but it's probably best to drill younger guys (21 or younger) to increase their skills.

[Ajaxab]

That team is a level five team because that's simply the highest level of the game. My team won like six games this year against the very best in the league. We got demoted to level four and I'm ok with that. Yes, we were technically level five but were no where close to as powerful as the other teams in our league, three of which were in the top 10 in the entire game.

Oops, I completely botched that explanation. This was a level 1 public league, not a level 5 league. 66-6 against a bunch of us noobs. The second place team had played 4 seasons, but the rest of us were completely new to the game. I'm not sure how the assigning of teams to a level 1 league works, but putting in a 13 season vet with that many credits was pretty poor.

[samifan24]

Oops, I completely botched that explanation. This was a level 1 public league, not a level 5 league. 66-6 against a bunch of us noobs. The second place team had played 4 seasons, but the rest of us were completely new to the game. I'm not sure how the assigning of teams to a level 1 league works, but putting in a 13 season vet with that many credits was pretty poor.

Ok, yes, that's different. That's a user that has tricked the system. My guess is he plays all levels leagues a lot to avoid being promoted. He would've been automatically promoted to level two after winning your league, though. What's his team ID? I can talk to Adam about it if you'd like. That shouldn't happen.

[Ajaxab]

Ok, yes, that's different. That's a user that has tricked the system. My guess is he plays all levels leagues a lot to avoid being promoted. He would've been automatically promoted to level two after winning your league, though. What's his team ID? I can talk to Adam about it if you'd like. That shouldn't happen.

The team is the Hamilton Coyotes, ID 2471. He's played 3 seasons in level 2 and the rest in level 1.

Maybe it's a fluke that he has that many credits, but strangely, when I checked this morning I thought I saw that he has a little over 1,000,000 credits. Now it's up to just shy of 2,000,000. I could be wrong on that though. Maybe his level 5 arena helps with getting that many credits.

[samifan24]

The team is the Hamilton Coyotes, ID 2471. He's played 3 seasons in level 2 and the rest in level 1.

Maybe it's a fluke that he has that many credits, but strangely, when I checked this morning I thought I saw that he has a little over 1,000,000 credits. Now it's up to just shy of 2,000,000. I could be wrong on that though. Maybe his level 5 arena helps with getting that many credits.

He's legit. Look at his last couple of seasons at level one prior to your league. He had 40+ wins each year but wasn't promoted because he finished 3rd or lower (I believe you must finish 1st or 2nd to gain promotion to the next level.) Basically he always plays in really competitive level one leagues and did so until he ran the table in your league.

[samifan24]

Have any of you guys run into problems with specific users on MetroHo?

[samifan24]

I reported a blatantly one-sided trade in my league but as far as I know nothing came of it.

Did you ask Adam about it?

[samifan24]

I e-mailed admin with the details and didn't hear anything back beyond confirmation that they got the e-mail.

Oh well. They're usually pretty responsive about things. I actually meant if you've had any run-ins with other users on the forums, for example.

[BillyNYC]

samifan: sorry for lack of response. Looks like a pretty good deal you made. Hope it works out. My username there is Billynyc, same as here.

re: A team dominating level 1: There are no age limits in a level. As long as a team wasn't promoted to level 2 (or was demoted from level 2...), they can be in a level 1. There has been talk of making "new team only" level 1's, but nothing has come of it.

re: ripoff trade: Report it in the suspicious trades forum on the site. That part of the forums is pretty active and honestly people have a bit of a witchhunt mentality. If something is suspicious, they will look at it.

re: drills: Depends on where your team's at and how many drillable players you have. Definitely drill younger guys and also guys near level bumps (80, 85, 90, 95). The skill jump from 84 to 85 is alot bigger than 83 to 84. At higher levels, obviously need higher skills players. I still drill my 97 goalie everyday (94 goalies just don't cut it past Level 3) and have been drilling some 94 skaters to try to get them to 95.

re: credits: My level 5 arena gets me around 1M credits/game, so the jump from 1M to 2M sounds right for that guy.

re: my team: Blew a 5 game lead to lose Dominance by 1 game. I didn't lose it as much as other team won it, as they won 17 straight at one point. After 12 seasons, am in my first ever Finals. The Dominance team got upset in the other semifinal. It's a public league, so 3 game final. Tomorrow is game 3, so I play with everything on the line: My first Metrocup, promotion to level 5. My team's better (PR #15 vs #51) and was 3-1 at home against him in reg season as well as winning Game 1 handily...but I'm still uptight and expect the worst. We shall see. Cupboard is FAR from bare, so I should be as strong next season. Still, would be nice to do battle at Level 5 with the big boys.

[BillyNYC]

Game 3

I was nervous about this, maybe moreso than someone who's been playing online sims for more than 10 years should be. I was the favorite. A win and I go to Level 5, which has always been a goal of mine. Secondarily (oddly enough), I'd win my first ever MetroCup.

When I checked the preview, was surprised to see my PR up to #9, after having been #17 the day prior. The 15-team Level 5 league ended yesterday so lots of those teams were in offseason.

Would I be joining most of them in a new Level 5?

I didn't dare quicksim this. If I lost with the better team, I'd regret it. I wanted to play it out myself. I tend to follow a typical scheme to my playing: I get the rounds out of the way with my worst lines (leaving a few for my PK line if needed) and so I have my top line play late in the period. So if I get through the first half, I view it as going downhill for the second.

Press or trap? My opponent (The Bob Ross) is a press team and for most of the season, I was as well. My defense is strong (all 90+), so I like having more shots than less. Both our goalies were 97, so felt like he'd have a better chance at the upset with less chances. Press it was.

First Period

I start with a mix of normal and conservative with my 3rd and 2nd lines. Nothing notable until the 7th round:

7 The Bob Ross Goal scored by #15 Forward Frederick Blaisdell assisted by Forward Bobby Figuera AND #97 Forward Jeremy Roenick.

Down 1-0. He was outshooting me. And yes, he has a player named Jeremy Roenick.

Fine...I can do this. Just stick with my game. Period starts to wind down:

16 The Shaolin Landfills Penalty to Defenseman Tyree Bullett 5 rounds for Slashing Defenseman Lamont Widmer.

^$(($%$%^@%%@!!!! I had saved my PK line for a few rounds. But not the 4 until the end of the period.

20 The Bob Ross POWER PLAY Goal scored by #25 Defenseman Lamont Widmer assisted by Defenseman Cornell Houser AND #13 Forward Darryl Debroux.

OK this isn't good. Somehow was outshot 17-12 in the period. Down 2-0. I can still do this. Right?

2nd Period
I decided I was being too conservative. Used mostly "normal" in the 1st. Moved to "aggressive" in the 2nd. My offense is better than his. I need to generate chances.

And nothing happened. First half of period goes without any action. I kill a penalty in 13th round.

16, 17, 18, 19...

20 The Shaolin Landfills Goal scored by Forward Brent Folkner assisted by Defenseman Samuel Golubev AND Forward Gilbert Laperle.

A lifeline, just when I was thinking all was lost. Folkner's one of my favorite "pieces of data", having been a "bust" of a first round draft pick (63 rating). Then he increased via drilling...and increased...and increased. Now he's a 96 and will be on my squad for 3 more seasons with his cheap $1.5M contract. I didn't give up on him.

2-1 Bob Ross, end of 2. I outshot them 17-10 in the 2nd.

Third Period
I'm in this game and have the better team. Can't get frantic. Just need the next goal and take my chances. Bob Ross hadn't had a penalty called on them all game. I was due.

First few minutes pass. Nothing happening. And then...

8 The Shaolin Landfills Goal scored by Forward Pablo Lehto assisted by Forward Mike Benskin AND Forward Alexander Threats.

And we have a tie! 2-2! Lehto was playing his last game for me. I had traded for him a few years back when I had too many snipers. His $400k/year contract made him almost like a rental. He would not be re-signed.

OK, so now what? No reason to change strategies or be cute. 10th and 11th minutes pass. I have all 7 rounds of my top line to go. Advantage me.

12 The Shaolin Landfills Goal scored by Forward Gilbert Laperle assisted by Forward Brent Folkner AND Forward Radek Schwegel.

And I come all the way back! Laperle and my top D Golubev had come in a trade 5 seasons back for a bunch of prospects. He had scored 51 for me in the regular season, one short of the league lead. I am considering trading him in offseason, as his $7.5M salary is a bit much, although cheap for his 95 rating.

Let's slow it down. But not too much. "Normal" play style...

13 The Shaolin Landfills Goal scored by Forward Radek Schwegel assisted by Forward Brent Folkner AND Defenseman Jose Stensrud.

Insurance! And 4 in a row. Schwegel was a 3rd round pick more than a calendar year ago. Since then he went from a 69 rating up to his current 90. He was a 4th liner for 5 seasons. Prior to this year, he never scored more than 10 goals or 51 points. Centering a line with Folkner and Laperle, he racked up 33 goals and a league-high 105 points in this breakout season. I don't make very many trades, so he's another guy who I developed and like Folkner, he is signed a few more seasons.

Now "conservative". I don't need more goals. I just need to stop them.

15, 16, 17, 18, 19....20.

YOUR TEAM DEFEATED The Bob Ross. CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE WON THE METRO CUP!

Wow. That was more stressful than expected. And I'm happier than expected. Ends up I didn't get even ONE power play, so had to earn this win. I outshot Bob Ross 42-41. After a shaky start, Kris Idol, my goalie kept me in the game and got the win.

Idol was drafted as a 17 year old, 92 rated keeper. He had bumped to 94 before that offseason, so never had a chance to sign him for fairly cheap. I decided to not sign him until he was high 90s and then do a 3-year rookie contract with him. In the next 5 seasons, he increased only 3 points to his current 97. I finally signed him this year and he's been the league's best goalie in this, his rookie season.

And now, next season, he'll be key to me not getting run over in Level 5. Hurrah.

[chesapeake]

Any other level 1 folks about ready to start league play? I've got a couple more deals I am hoping to close in the next day or two to fill out my roster, and then the Blue Crabs will be looking for a league.

I felt pretty good about our debut season, 31-41 and a 7th place finish. More importantly, I won 20 home games and my star sniper got 76 pts to meet both of my endorsement goals.

[samifan24]

For anyone currently in the off-season, I have the following players available for trade:

93 OD at 5 mil for 1 season
92 PLY at 6.76 mil for 1 season
83 CHK at 1.5 mil for 1 season
74 OD at 400K for 5 seasons

[samifan24]

If anyone is looking for an all levels league, the league I just joined (Max Attack) still needs four teams. It seems like a pretty balanced league. We have one level five (PR 80), a few weaker or rebuilding level fours (like me) and then teams from the lower levels, too. Feel free to join if you're looking for a league or want to get back into the game (I noticed some FOFC friends seem to have gone inactive over there).

[samifan24]

What does everyone think about line combinations? My relatively unremarkable third line of 80 2W-81 PLY-80 SNP is really playing well at the moment. At first I thought it was just a fluke but after a few games I'm wondering if I didn't accidentally stumble upon a "good" line structure. Have you found other line combinations that really work and don't work?

[chesapeake]

I assume you are playing the 2W very defensively? Will he make enough hits consistently to get your two more offensive players the puck?

[Travis]

Re: Line Combos

Almost always put your most playmakerish guy in the middle (so playmaker or two way forward). Put your most defensive guy on the left side (checker-two way-power forward) and your most offensive guy on the right side (sniper-playmaker).

I tend to try and avoid doubling up on styles so you end up with something like this:

Offensive line: Power - Play - Sniper
Balanced: Checker/TW - Play - Sniper/Power
Defensive: Checker - Two Way - Sniper/Playmaker (preferably sniper here)

RW is the position that sits off when you're penalized, hence having your most offensive minded player at that spot. Past that I've had a lot of success with the sort of line you're suggesting without having to alter any of their individual offensive/defensive settings.

[samifan24]

I assume you are playing the 2W very defensively? Will he make enough hits consistently to get your two more offensive players the puck?

My settings for that line are 2WF: +2 DEF / PLY: +1 DEF / SNP: +0.5 OFF

[samifan24]

Do you guys only use playmakers or two-ways as centers? I have a checker as my 4th line center between a PF and a sniper and they've all been quiet in albeit limited ice time.

[Travis]

I have no idea if the mechanics of the game measure up to my thought process on the matter, but it seems to have worked out well for me sticking exclusively to PM and TW as my centers then going with offensive types down the right side and defensive types down the left.

That said, I really didn't get into tweaking tactics guy by guy and instead relied on getting player types/ratings to match my needs so moving the offensive/defensive sliders for guys on that line may increase their production. Given those 3 guys though, I'd probably run the PF in the middle, keep the SN on the right and have the CH on the left side.

[samifan24]

Are you still playing the game? I thought I send you a mail message but never heard back.

[Travis]

Which account? I hadn't been on the site for about a week (taking a break until ball is over in a couple weeks) so I may have missed it. I just tried checking but I'm not seeing anything on any of them (sorry if I missed it prior to that even).

[samifan24]

Which account? I hadn't been on the site for about a week (taking a break until ball is over in a couple weeks) so I may have missed it. I just tried checking but I'm not seeing anything on any of them (sorry if I missed it prior to that even).

I don't remember honestly. Good to know you're still there because some of my other FOFC contacts have stopped playing I think.

[Travis]

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. This summer got so nutty with sports and holidays that I figured it was a good time for a break. I've got all 3 of my teams ready for leagues (lineup requirements met, coaching staff hired, etc) so that part is at least out of the way. I'm still trying to check the forums every now and then in case there are any major changes but I may just bring back 1 team for a while and see how it goes. Certainly a fun game and I stuck with 3 teams for quite a while, so we'll see what happens.

[chesapeake]

I just got promoted to level 2 after my third season. My team isn't going to be ready to join the level 2 league that is now forming; but as I look it over, my team is at least a season or two in development behind even the worst teams. I expect that I'd very likely relegate to level 1 without a lot of luck.

So, if I am going to take my lumps this season while I develop my younger guys, should I do it in a level 2 league and probably relegate back to 1, or should I try and join a private league and wait to join a level 2 league when I am actually competitive?

If anyone wants to take a look at my team, we are the Chesapeake Blue Crabs, #4464.

[samifan24]

If I were you I'd stay in an all levels league where you won't be relegated and try to pick up a top draft pick and sell off all expiring veterans to playoff caliber teams to expedite your rebuilding process.

[dbd1963]

How many FOFC folk are still playing MetroHo?

I'm managing the Pewter Pots, ID 1856. I'd like to get into an FOFC league if there are still any around. I'm early in a public level 2 right now though.

[samifan24]

I'm playing, The Whale, and am stuck in an all levels league with a lot of top 100 PR teams. I'm a weak level four and am not really a fan of the high PR teams crushing all levels leagues just because they can. I told Adam he should add more league customization options which would allow league creators (donators) to restrict teams that can sign up by PR.

[BillyNYC]

Tough to restrict by PR, as lots of ways around that (join, then sign a player afterwards, or put backups in lineup, etc). I agree it blows when a top tier team beats up on an all-level league.

As for me, I'm staying afloat in Level 5 15-team leagues. Last season, went 0-5 on final day of season to lose out on a playoff spot. (Choke!) This season, finished 7th and will take on Richmond Hill in first round (and likely get stomped).

My team's consistently top 20 PR, but I have the same problem I have in just about all "dynasty" games I play: my natural tendency is to build for the future, so I lack the balls to sacrifice that for the present. I could've traded picks and some prospects and had a top 5 PR team anytime the last 2 seasons...and haven't.

Guess it goes back to what's "better": a consistently good team (that has a shot at winning titles) or a team that goes back and forth between being a very strong contender and rebuilding.

Right now, I'm at the point where I can probably keep my team top 40 in PR indefinitely. Yet rarely will I ever be top 10.

I look at trogdor (New Bedford Hax), whose team went 4-68 in my league and who tanked from the start. He has 5-6 1st round picks and will be really strong in a few seasons (stronger than me probably). Yet I can't make myself tank like that...and one of my goals is to never be relegated...maybe I should though.

[samifan24]

How do you get your team to be so strong so consistently? Is it a goalie and top defensemen? The right line combinations? We're friends on there so feel free to check out my team and message me there and let me know what you think of my team.

[BillyNYC]

Will check your team later tonight or tomorrow.

I think the key to consistency is threefold: drafting, drilling, and contracts.

My draft starts today and I know with my 3 picks, I'll get something decent. I don't draft guys below 65 (other than 3rds in drafts with lots of sandwich picks. My current draft has enough sandwiches that my 3rd sandwich would be equal to a FIFTH rounder).

Already having a Level 5 arena, I can focus on scouting. Understanding the algorithm (essentially, the greater the positive between scout rank and pop rank, the better a player is) is vital...and misunderstood even by veteran teams. Someone's going to draft a guy pop rank 10, scout rank 25...and not even understand that a guy pop rank 40, scout rank 35 is probably 10-15 RATINGS POINTS better. (Above example is assuming a 15-team pool.) Then they're going to say how unlucky they are or that the draft sucks. NO luck is involved in that decision.

By keeping a pipeline going, it builds my team and gives me blocks to deal for even more picks and other things.

The second key is drilling. As a level 5 arena, with supporter, I get 19 drills. I can't even imagine having less. I NEED to drill my young 80s-low 90s guys. I NEED to drill my draft picks (or package and deal them if I can't drill). And I need to every single day. I don't miss days.

I try to avoid rotating guys. I have 19 guys that I drill every single day. (Sometimes 20-21, which I'll rotate slightly...). If I have more than 21, I'll deal a few for future picks or try to package 2-for-1. You get much more value out of 3 GREAT guys than 5 GOOD guys. If rotating costs a guy 1 pt a season...over 5 seasons of drills, that's 5 pts. Not small.

In coming seasons, I'll be at a disadvantage compared to some teams that understand the betting algorithm (which I've become too lazy to look into...open to suggestions). With the re-drill "prize", some teams will have 21 drills versus my 19. Not a HUGE advantage, but a few points a season is not negligible.

Other tip:
I like keeping guys unsigned or on one-year deals until they're either 79 or 84 (74 for level 1-2/new teams). It's huge to have cheap contracts for a long time. If an unsigned guy's at 79 with only a few days to go in the season, I'll stop drilling him. Then next season, sign 1 yr rookie contract and re-sign 8 years. So I get an 80+ guy for 9 seasons at $1/$1.5. (Or $3M at 84).

Houy, Gilday, Nies, Che are all signed to rookie deals that way. There's a chance I lose 1-2 of them as RFAs...but then I'd just take the free draft picks and repeat. With constant drilling, I end up with guys like Lipman and Foxwell....90+ guys for cheap for a long time.

The focus is more on cheap contracts than on positions or even needs. I figure I can always deal a good contract for a need. Can't do the reverse.

Different people have different signing strategies (see Kehmesis's articles in newsletters), but the above works for me.

[dbd1963]

I really think that MetroHo has some good mechanics, and it's very easy to use, but it has some strange peculiarities that diminish the joy for me. Why should there be so many great FAs, for instance? And how realistic is it that we want to sign these youngsters to long term contracts then dump them when they are at the top of their game?

I asked around to see if that bothered anyone else, and the consensus seems to be, not at all. Players of the game like it the way it is, even if it isn't realistic. But I've gone looking for "press" for MetroHo, and it's dang hard to find (except for Adam's tweets). The game seems to have a pretty small fan base and it hasn't been growing. If I were the game owner, that'd bug me, but I'm not so it doesn't matter what I think.

IN ANY EVENT, when I went looking for press for MetroHo, I came across another hockey sim that looks quite a bit deeper in terms of realism and strategy. It's called Hockey Arena.

http://www.hockeyarena.net/

Have any of you guys tried that yet? I just started up a team over there and have played my first game today. So far I like it, but I haven't gotten very far.

I don't know what it is about hockey -- I never watch it on TV, but it does make for a compelling sim.

I'd MUCH rather play FOF as a browser based text sim, but even if I could, I'd probably still play the hockey sims.

[tucker rocky]

Another good idea is to use your excess cash(if you have any), claim 90+ waiver players in the league you're playing in, then trade them for picks/prospects.

You could also sign a bunch of 90+ players to 1 year deals, join a league,
wait until league fills up, then trade for picks/prospects.

Don't sign 90+ UFA's in the offseason, then trade them before joining a league, as this is not allowed.

[samifan24]

Another good idea is to use your excess cash(if you have any), claim 90+ waiver players in the league you're playing in, then trade them for picks/prospects.

You could also sign a bunch of 90+ players to 1 year deals, join a league,
wait until league fills up, then trade for picks/prospects.

Don't sign 90+ UFA's in the offseason, then trade them before joining a league, as this is not allowed.

I have a pretty good core of young players and always sign a couple of 90+ vets each season. If my team tanks, I move them for picks or prospects. It works pretty well.

[BillyNYC]

I asked around to see if that bothered anyone else, and the consensus seems to be, not at all. Players of the game like it the way it is, even if it isn't realistic.

There's a lot of truth to that. I think of it as a "numbers game with hockey as a base" rather than as a "hockey sim". It's not realistic and doesn't really try all that hard to be realistic. Every few seasons, an addition is made that adds *slightly* to the realism (ie. goalie fatigue, such that you can't play a goalie every single game).

I don't think Adam has the goal of it being the most realistic sim out there....nor the goal of making $$ off of it. Pretty sure it's not actively advertised and as long as he's not losing $$, he's fine keeping it running (and playing it himself).

I think the manageable size of the userbase is in some ways intentional. It lets Adam be as responsive to individual users (and the community) as any game developer I've ever seen. It's refreshing.

It's fun for what it is. Full seasons in a month is nice. Haven't checked out Hockey Arena. Thinking if it IS realistic, would involve more time to get into it than I want to devote right now...but would be curious to hear reviews from anyone here.

[dbd1963]

I have played Hockey Arena for about a week and a half or so. Here's what I know so far:

Next to nothin'!

It does take more work, at least to get into it, than MetroHo does. It also suffers from a bad message board format. It is in English, but it's hard to figure out where what you need to know is. Not to say that I've tried real hard, but if your threshold on that sort of thing is as low as mine or lower, you may not want to play Hockey Arena.

It does look like it has a lot of depth. It has a transfer system much like FM does, which is cool. The bidding for talent is done live, like an eBay auction, except that a bid within the last minute or so extends the bidding time for another small bit of time, say 90 secs or so (I don't know exactly). Getting into a bidding war for a guy I wanted was the most fun I've had so far. I lost, but I guess the guy who won was not happy to have paid $10mil more for the guy than he would have had I not wanted him too.

Scores seem a tad unrealistic -- but my team is not very talented and I joined the league a couple of weeks after it had already started so maybe they are what they should be. At any rate, I won a game fairly close, but have lost the last two in blowouts 9-1 each time. Ouch.

I like the multiple ratings for each player and the way they advance in skill ratings according to a quality rating.

But I'm still really very "meh" about the game because it seems pretty complicated, while also being hard to learn because of the odd forum and "English as a second language" writing that is sometimes confusing.

MetroHo is very easy in comparison. My team is doing very well in a 2nd level league, so I am mostly happy just chugging along. I do wish it were a little more challenging and a little more complicated. It still bugs me that it's set up so that we build great players, only to kick them off the team when they want too much money.

Seems like a strange economy, as if the owners had all the power and the fans would put up with whatever you put on the ice..