The GIST’s Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Fantasy Hockey

🏒 What is Fantasy Hockey?

Fantasy hockey is a game where participants act as team managers, drafting and managing a roster of real-life NHL players. Points are scored based on the players' performances in actual games, with categories like goals, assists, and saves making all the difference.

🤔 Understanding the Basics

Key Terms to Know:

• Roster: Your team of NHL stars.

• Draft: Where the magic happens—you pick your players.

• Waiver Wire: Undrafted players still up for grabs.

• Lineup: The players you start each week.

🤝 Joining a League

League Types:

• Redraft: Fresh start every season. Perfect for newbies.

• Keeper: Hold onto a few players each year.

• Dynasty: Keep your entire squad season after season.

If you’re playing in a points league, prioritize players who fill the stat sheet across multiple categories, like those power forwards who rack up points and penalty minutes.

Setting Up Your League

• Platform: Popular platforms include ESPN, Yahoo, and NHL.com.

• League Size: Standard leagues have 10-12 teams.

• Draft Type: Snake draft (common) or auction draft (advanced).

In a Snake Draft, draft order alternates each round. Meanwhile, an Auction Draft lets you bid on players with a set budget. Go big for that top goalie or save your cash for some late-round steals—either way, manage that bankroll!

📋 Preparing for Draft Day

Research and Rankings:Before draft day, check out player rankings and do a few mock drafts to get the hang of it.

Draft Flow:

• Early Rounds: Snag elite goalies and high-scoring forwards.

• Middle Rounds: Look for hidden gems.

• Late Rounds: Take risks on up-and-comers.

💪 Top players to add to your draft day wishlist: Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oileres), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning) and David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins) will likely be some of the first players off the board that you'll want to try to get your hands on.

Otherwise, drafting the best player on your favorite team can make for a more fun season, like Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) or Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers).

May the draft order odds be ever in your favor.

✅ Building Your Winning Team

Understanding Positions

• Center (C): Often the playmakers. Look for those who also take a lot of face-offs.

• Wingers (LW/RW): Typically your goal scorers and point producers.

• Defensemen (D): Can boost your team with points from the blue line and blocked shots.

• Goalie (G): The backbone of your team. Scores points through wins, saves, and shutouts. Be wary of goalies on teams that allow a lot of shots—they could rack up save points or sink your week with a few bad games.

🔄 Roster Management 101

• Setting Your Lineup: Always start your stars—unless they’re hurt or on a bye. Keep an eye on matchups and injuries each week.

• Waiver Wire: Keep tabs on rising stars who weren’t drafted.

⭐ Most importantly, don’t forget to update your lineup weekly: Injuries and matchups all impact which players you should start (the ones that can contribute points to your team’s total) and which ones will be riding the pine. P.S. you can also trade, drop, and add players to your lineup all season long. Happy managing!

📈 Maximizing Points Throughout the Season

Staying Informed

• Follow News: Keep up with NHL news, injuries, and player performances.

• Expert Analysis: Listen to podcasts, read articles, and follow fantasy analysts.

Advanced Strategies

• Streaming Goalies and Defensemen: Use the waiver wire to swap out goalies and defensemen based on favorable matchups.

• Handcuffing Goalies: Draft the backup for your star goalie to protect against injuries.

❤️ The GIST’s Special Sauce

Fantasy hockey is about more than just stats—it’s about community, competition, and having fun. Here are some ways to make the most of the experience:

• Listen to Our Podcast: Get weekly hockey news and plenty of laughs from our experts.
  Follow Us on Social: Stay up-to-date with the latest news and join our vibrant community of hockey fans.

✨ Fun fact to share on draft day:

Fantasy hockey might not be the biggest fantasy format, but it was the first! Fantasy hockey launched on the web in early 1995 and it paved the way for all other fantasy formats.

So whether you're chasing the championship or just in it for the camaraderie. With these tips, you’ll be ready to dominate the season. So, sharpen those skates, set your lineup, and let’s go, GISTers!