Fantasy hockey turns every game night into a friendly competition. You draft real NHL players, their stats become points for your team and you compete against friends or family. Here is how to start a free league, even if you have never played.
- How fantasy hockey scoring works
- How to create a free league
- Draft tips for beginners
- Daily and weekly lineup basics
How Fantasy Hockey Works
Each person in the league is a manager. You take turns choosing NHL players in a draft. When your players score goals, record assists, make saves or win games, your team earns points or wins categories. You face one other manager each week, or compete in a season-long points race.
Free Apps to Start a League
The two apps below let you create free private leagues. ESPN describes all of its fantasy games as completely free to play.
You can also manage your team on the web at ESPN Fantasy Hockey or Yahoo Fantasy Hockey.
Points or Categories?
| Format | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Each stat is worth points; the highest total wins | Beginners: easy to follow |
| Head-to-head categories | You try to win more stat categories than your opponent each week | Fans who like strategy |
| Rotisserie | You are ranked in each category over the whole season | Patient players |
Common Scoring Stats
- Skaters: goals, assists, plus/minus, power play points, shots on goal, hits and blocked shots.
- Goalies: wins, saves, save percentage, goals against average and shutouts.
- Settings vary by league, so check the scoring page before your draft.
Create Your League in 6 Steps
- Download the app and create an account.
- Tap “Create a league” and choose a free, private league.
- Pick 8 to 12 teams for your first season.
- Keep the default scoring and roster settings.
- Invite friends with the link the app creates.
- Schedule the draft at a time everyone can join.
Draft Tips for Beginners
- Use the app rankings. They are a good guide for a first draft.
- Goalies matter a lot. Get at least one reliable starter early.
- Look for power play players. They collect extra points.
- Do not draft only your favorite team. Spread your risk.
- Use autodraft if you cannot be there.
Managing Your Team
- NHL teams play several times a week, so check your lineup every few days.
- Bench players who are not playing that day, and start the ones who are.
- Keep an eye on injuries and on goalies who are resting.
- Use the waiver wire to pick up hot players, and trade with other managers.
The free official NHL app is great for checking injuries and starting goalies before game night.
Fantasy Hockey Words to Know
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Commissioner | The person who creates and runs the league |
| Snake draft | The order reverses each round, so picks are fair |
| Waiver wire | Players no one owns, available to add |
| Games played limit | A cap on how many games each position can count in a week, in some leagues |
| Streaming | Adding players who have more games in a given week |
Make It Fun for the Whole Family
- Pair a beginner with an experienced fan as co-managers.
- Let kids pick team names and design logos.
- Play for bragging rights: the winner chooses the next family dinner.
- Talk about the week in the league chat, not just about winning.
Mid-Season Tips
- Do not panic after a slow week; hot and cold streaks are normal in hockey.
- Check the schedule: weeks when your players have four games are gold.
- Watch for players moved to the power play or the top line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fantasy hockey cost anything?
Not in ESPN or Yahoo private leagues, which are free. Avoid real-money contests if you are starting out.
Can I start a league after the season begins?
Many apps let you create a league during the season; scoring starts with the games after your draft. Check the app’s deadlines.
How much time does it take?
About 10 minutes every couple of days to check your lineup. You can spend more if you enjoy it.