Just as all hockey players, and owners for that matter, are not created equal, the same can be said of owners in fantasy hockey.
There are casual fans who see fantasy hockey as a fun outlet, something to share with their buddies, but not to be taken more seriously than the occasional jab at a friend's floundering team.
Then there are the hard-core fantasy hockey owners who scour the internet for the latest news and statistics not only during the NHL season, but during the summer months, as well, seeking any edge in their more competitive leagues.
And, of course, there are those fantasy hockey owners who land somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.
No matter which category you fit into, fortunately there is a fantasy hockey league perfect for you.
So as we prepare for the upcoming season, let's discuss the types of leagues commonly found in fantasy hockey so that you choose the one that fits exactly what you are looking for.
There are three basic types of fantasy hockey leagues you need to be aware of:
- Rotisserie League: The most commonly found league in fantasy hockey is rotisserie where points are awarded to teams in each statistical category based on what position each team is in relative to the other teams in the league. So, for example, if you are in a ten-team league and your players have accumulated the most assists, your team would have ten points in that category. But if your team has racked up the fewest penalty minutes, you would receive only one point in the PIM category. All point categories are added together and this creates the overall standings in your rotisserie league. The team with the most points at the end of the NHL season wins the fantasy rotisserie league.
- Points League: Similar to a rotisserie league, a points league rewards fantasy owners for their players' performance in various statistical categories with accrued points. However the difference is that if Player A on your fantasy roster scores a goal and earns an assist one night in a points league, your team receives, for example, three points for the goal and two for the assist, so that there is more of a weighted system in how statistics are counted. The weighted value for each statistical category is determined at the start of the season, so make sure you are comfortable with the set-up before joining. The fantasy team with the most points at the end of the year wins the points league.
- Head-to-Head League: This type of fantasy league is unique in that it allows league members to face off against each other every week. Similar to the NHL schedule, this league has a weekly schedule of games between fantasy teams with statistics counted on a head-to-head basis. Each statistical category counts as a game, and the team that wins a particular category on the week gets credited with one win. The wins and losses are totaled weekly and added to the season record. The teams with the best records then compete in a playoff format near the end of the NHL season to determine the league champion.
There are several other important variables to consider while choosing which fantasy hockey league best fits your needs. Most importantly, what statistics are being considered? Most common are 6-4 formats where six offensive categories are counted along with four goaltending categories. It is important to know beforehand which statistical categories are being counted. Also, be aware of rules for lineups. Can you make changes to your lineup on a daily basis or only once-per-week? Does your league allow you to dress your entire roster or do you have to choose three forwards, two defensemen, and a goalie, or six forwards, four defensemen, and two goalies? Are you allowed to carry one player, or two, or none, on Injured Reserve?
Make sure you have answers to all of your questions before signing up for a fantasy hockey league this season. This will help you have a more enjoyable experience during the season itself.
And if you are looking for a league to play in, there are many, many sites on the internet to choose from. To get started check the web sites for ESPN, CBS Sportsline, and Yahoo. Each provides a variety of leagues to suit most prospective fantasy hockey owners.
Send your fantasy hockey questions and comments to jimcerny@gmail.com.