Paul T

If nothing else was improved despite adding an export function that goes directly to a spreadsheet it would still be one of the best updates we've seen in this game. Manually putting in prospect information is what eats so much time in regards to "scouting". I've got it down to about 5 minutes per player. Though when it's 100-150 players being tracked every draft that's 12 and a half hours alone just putting the players into the database. 
 
Adding an export function wouldn't cheat the managers that do the extra work because you still have to follow through and actually build the database of players and put in the time assessing it and compiling your own rankings. It would just lift a massive time investment off of those that already do it and maybe make the process more approachable to managers that don't scout the draft in depth.
 

Because I'm in a post-y mood today.  This is mostly a copy and paste from a thread I started over a year ago, with a few items removed, but still think all of these suggestions would be great for the game.
 
(1) PLAYER STATS
 
I would LOVE the ability to export player/league stats into excel.  At the very least, have the league stats page show more than the Top 20.  Maybe top 100-200.  Additionally, I think it would be cool to have some type of stats archive for each league by season - and team by season.  I guess I'm just hoping for some better/expanded options for current season and historical stats without having to dig into them by team and/or player.  For example, if someone wanted to see stats for their league from two seasons ago... or their own team's stats from two seasons ago, etc.
 
(2) DRAFT PREP
 
I feel that drafting should be a big part of this game.  There are quite a few reasons why managers trade away their draft picks and I think one of the main reasons is not wanting to spend the time preparing for the draft.  I know a few guys on here that do their research and it takes them many hours (15-20 hour range).  Of course you don't have to put THAT much effort into it, but every team gets 2 draft picks and with leagues expanding to 28 teams, there's a lot of data to review.  There has to be an easier way than looking up each player one by one, especially with everything to consider (Current Overall, Improvement, Individual attribute ratings, Stats, Traits, Injury history, Height/Weight).  That's a lot of info to sort through.  I think managers should be encouraged to put some time into the draft, but it should be more efficient.  Not even sure what I'm asking here.  Maybe a way to export some of this info into excel, even if it's just the base info like Overall Rating, Height/Weight, Hand...? 
 
(3) TACTICS BY LINE
 
This one might need a separate thread/vote.
Initially discussed here:  http://forums.gmgames.org/topic/8862-adding-more-tactics/
 
My suggestion was that team should be allowed to play different tactics per line.  So for example, a smaller faster line for transition rushes... a bigger physical line who can crash the net, etc.  I think it would allow managers to get more creative with their lines.  Even if teams were only allowed to become fully familiar with 2 tactics instead of all 4 to keep some sort of identity.  Maybe instead of being familiar with only 1 O/D tactic, teams can be familiar with 2.  I don't know if this is possible and I'm not looking to make this too complex, just looking to add a bit more depth to the game, if possible.
 
(4) SHOOTOUT LINEUP & STATS
 
This one has been discussed a few times over the past 2 years.  I would love the ability to set a lineup for shootouts.  Pick your best 5 players... and if the shootout is tied after 5 shots, have it repeat.  A lot of important games have ended in shootouts recents and you are helpless to the result as you have very little control over it.  Additionally, it would be great if there were separate stats for shootouts.
 
Discussed here:  http://forums.gmgames.org/topic/5142-shootout-lineup/
 

Warning:  Another book of a post written by Paul T.  Please proceed with caution.
 
There are many factors involved in training such as the intensity level, offensive/defensive/general, and what tactics you play - but I think the most important factor is the Player Role.  I think this because I have tracked my players progress for quite a few seasons, both new and old worlds.
 
I could list many examples, but to save everyone some time, I'll give a specific one.  My 19 year old Hemminki Jokinen.  Below is a table that shows his development per attribute for the minors (Cage S1) and his first season as a pro (Cage S2).
 
Attribute   Minors   Pros
Skate         +5         +2
Pass          +3         +1
Puck          +7         +3
Shot          +3         +2
Def            +8         +2
Phys         +1         +1
Spir           +6         +4
End           +1         +2
 
Now most of the rates seem to be in line with my previous research that shows that players "typically" improve at a rate of 50% in their first year as a pro as compared to the minors (again, there were exceptions in my research, which are likely due to the other factors mentioned above + the hidden potential and ratings caps, etc.).
 
The only two that seemed to have material variances are Defense and Spirit.  Defense did not continue to progress as it did in the minors and Spirit progressed the most, despite progressing 3rd overall in the minors behind Defense and Puck.  The main reason for this is because Jokinen played a Two Way role in the minors and last season I had him as a Grinder all season, thus the decrease in Defense and increase in Spirit.  Training was also on Hard and General.
 
This poses two questions for the Admins.
 
First, in terms of training, when does the game take into account all the factors for training??  For example, if a player plays a game as a Two Way, but then his role is changed right after the game to Playmaker - does the player train as a Two Way or Playmaker?  I would assume it is whatever the player role is at the time the training runs, but I also know that ice time plays a factor (taking faceoffs in game improves faceoffs), so maybe the opposite is true... would be nice to confirm!
 
Second, are there plans to have more advanced training in the future, such as training for a specific role eventhough the player currently fills another role?  Obviously if a player is 99 Shot and 85 Passing, you want to play them as a Sniper, but would prefer the player trained Passing.
 
Back to the first point, if the answer is right before the training occurs, more active managers could play certain roles and train as others, but obviously this would have to be toggled daily and be quite time consuming.  Having the second point as an option would eliminate the need for that. 
 
The End.

I'm not sure I totally agree.  In almost every NHL game you see teams use all of these strategies in a single game.  One shift they are cycling the puck down deep, the next shift they dump and chase, the next shift they get a takeaway and transition up ice quickly.  Often times a single line will use 2 or 3 of these tactics per shift.  I don't think teams are limited to a single tactic.  I get why the developers set the game up this way as it simplifies things quite a bit and forces managers to focus on obtaining players that fit their tactical choice.  This is also why I suggested an alternate solution of limiting teams to become familiar with 2 tactics instead of all 4.  That might be a good mix of keeping the original theme while adding a bit more depth to your overall strategy.

I like all the suggestions here except the 3rd one (tactics by line). Usually a real team has a certain way to play hockey, and usually it's some version of the existing archetypes. Perhaps more variation for the line focuses. Perhaps an option to make one line, for example, play two-way while your team tactic is puck possession, but make it a two-way with more direct play that would benefit more physical players. I don't know if I'm being clear enough on this, but it's just two cents out of my murky brain.

Because I'm in a post-y mood today.  This is mostly a copy and paste from a thread I started over a year ago, with a few items removed, but still think all of these suggestions would be great for the game.
 
(1) PLAYER STATS
 
I would LOVE the ability to export player/league stats into excel.  At the very least, have the league stats page show more than the Top 20.  Maybe top 100-200.  Additionally, I think it would be cool to have some type of stats archive for each league by season - and team by season.  I guess I'm just hoping for some better/expanded options for current season and historical stats without having to dig into them by team and/or player.  For example, if someone wanted to see stats for their league from two seasons ago... or their own team's stats from two seasons ago, etc.
 
(2) DRAFT PREP
 
I feel that drafting should be a big part of this game.  There are quite a few reasons why managers trade away their draft picks and I think one of the main reasons is not wanting to spend the time preparing for the draft.  I know a few guys on here that do their research and it takes them many hours (15-20 hour range).  Of course you don't have to put THAT much effort into it, but every team gets 2 draft picks and with leagues expanding to 28 teams, there's a lot of data to review.  There has to be an easier way than looking up each player one by one, especially with everything to consider (Current Overall, Improvement, Individual attribute ratings, Stats, Traits, Injury history, Height/Weight).  That's a lot of info to sort through.  I think managers should be encouraged to put some time into the draft, but it should be more efficient.  Not even sure what I'm asking here.  Maybe a way to export some of this info into excel, even if it's just the base info like Overall Rating, Height/Weight, Hand...? 
 
(3) TACTICS BY LINE
 
This one might need a separate thread/vote.
Initially discussed here:  http://forums.gmgames.org/topic/8862-adding-more-tactics/
 
My suggestion was that team should be allowed to play different tactics per line.  So for example, a smaller faster line for transition rushes... a bigger physical line who can crash the net, etc.  I think it would allow managers to get more creative with their lines.  Even if teams were only allowed to become fully familiar with 2 tactics instead of all 4 to keep some sort of identity.  Maybe instead of being familiar with only 1 O/D tactic, teams can be familiar with 2.  I don't know if this is possible and I'm not looking to make this too complex, just looking to add a bit more depth to the game, if possible.
 
(4) SHOOTOUT LINEUP & STATS
 
This one has been discussed a few times over the past 2 years.  I would love the ability to set a lineup for shootouts.  Pick your best 5 players... and if the shootout is tied after 5 shots, have it repeat.  A lot of important games have ended in shootouts recents and you are helpless to the result as you have very little control over it.  Additionally, it would be great if there were separate stats for shootouts.
 
Discussed here:  http://forums.gmgames.org/topic/5142-shootout-lineup/
 

Just in time for the start of the regular season!
 
 
Eastern Conference
 
1. Slaughterville Red Tide (Alexander Rasputin)
OFF: 88 DEF: 89 SG: 92 OVR: 89,0
 
2. Sheshegwaning Dragons (Ives Pa)
OFF: 88 DEF: 87 SG: 93 OVR: 88,0
 
3. St.Thomas Stray Cats (Erzac Ray)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 96 OVR: 87,6
 
4. Sault Ste Marie Battlin Bears (Joe Leconte)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 88 OVR: 87,6
 
5. Lake Viking Bulldogs (Max Mol)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 94 OVR: 87,3
 
6. Big Delta Stealheads (Paul T)
OFF: 88 DEF: 87 SG: 88 OVR: 87,2
 
7. Kingston Kamikaze (Antti Hänninen)
OFF: 86 DEF: 89 SG: 85 OVR: 87,2
 
8. Netherhill Nightmares (Tyrod Gibson)
OFF: 85 DEF: 88 SG: 91 OVR: 86,9
 
9. Fairbanks Union (CPU)
OFF: 85 DEF: 87 SG: 92 OVR: 86,5
 
10. Cedar Rapids Minutemen (Richard Armour)
OFF: 85 DEF: 87 SG: 90 OVR: 86,2
 
11. Mango Duhawks (Dr. Jones)
OFF: 86 DEF: 86 SG: 90 OVR: 86,0
 
12. Becancour Patriots (Nick Menard)
OFF: 85 DEF: 85 SG: 87 OVR: 85,1
 
13. Wolf Trap Claws (Fango Wolf)
OFF: 83 DEF: 83 SG: 85 OVR: 83,2
 
14. Summertown Six Pack (Jonathan D)
OFF: 82 DEF: 82 SG: 87 OVR: 82,3
 
 
Western Conference
 
1. Kegashka Prairie Stars (Ferris Mason)
OFF: 87 DEF: 91 SG: 94 OVR: 89,3
 
2. Ithaca Ricochet (Marc S)
OFF: 86 DEF: 89 SG: 93 OVR: 87,8
 
3. Red River Red Bulls (Marko Vuoto)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 87 OVR: 87,8
 
4. Scandinavia Steelers (J Jono)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 91 OVR: 87,7
 
5. Vauban Tomahawks (Ben \)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 92 OVR: 87,7
 
6. Eastern Outlaws (The Champ)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 92 OVR: 87,6
 
7. West Chicago Hawks (Richard Feynman)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 94 OVR: 87,5
 
8. Enigma Rage (Wendel Clark)
OFF: 87 DEF: 87 SG: 88 OVR: 87,4
 
9. Yonker Wolverines (Jiri Heikkala)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 87 OVR: 86,7
 
10. Eldred Elite (Steven Bennett)
OFF: 86 DEF: 87 SG: 87 OVR: 86,5
 
11. Canuck Red Dragons (P K)
OFF: 84 DEF: 86 SG: 85 OVR: 85,2
 
12. Deadwood Vandals (Kim Vandaele)
OFF: 84 DEF: 85 SG: 85 OVR: 84,5
 
13. Parkville Lightning Bolts (Jan Rosa)
OFF: 82 DEF: 85 SG: 88 OVR: 83,9
 
14. Richibucto Masons (Dr. Wendt)
OFF: 82 DEF: 83 SG: 89 OVR: 83,0
 
 
Calculated on day 7 of S3, using:
 
Team OVR = (OFF + (DEF*2) + (SG*2))/26
 
where
OFF: ovr sum of best 12 centers/forwards
DEF: ovr sum of best 6 defenders
SG: ovr of starting goalie

Nope. I had a feeling this was the case.
 
OK, game on.  May the fairest offers get the prize.

If it were up to me I would have computer teams locked from trading for 2-3 days following a manager resign (for many reasons that I'm too tired to list right now).  Then after 2-3 days it's open game and everyone has a fair opportunity to get in their bids.  I feel like computer trading has been a lot better recently and if people are willing to give up a bit to get something in return, then have at it.  I also feel like there should be a limit to how many players you can include in the transaction. Like 2 player max for every 1 in return.  So no more 5 for 1s.  Trading is already flawed with the promotion/relegation system, it easy to exploit.   

If it were up to me I would have computer teams locked from trading for 2-3 days following a manager resign (for many reasons that I'm too tired to list right now).  Then after 2-3 days it's open game and everyone has a fair opportunity to get in their bids.  I feel like computer trading has been a lot better recently and if people are willing to give up a bit to get something in return, then have at it.  I also feel like there should be a limit to how many players you can include in the transaction. Like 2 player max for every 1 in return.  So no more 5 for 1s.  Trading is already flawed with the promotion/relegation system, it easy to exploit.   

Sometime this weekend, yes.

Just sitting here wondering if there will be an update for Season 3.
 
Calculated my own and it came to 87.1.  Ouch.  Not a great offseason for the Leopards... uh... Stealheads.

Well, I definitely agree with you guys.  But I'll say it for the 100th time, there are manager to manager trades that are much worse than trading with Computer teams (from both me and probably everyone else in this thread) - so I won't play the moral superiority game.  Hehe
 
 
 
Paging littleb and/or Pingu.....

Well, I definitely agree with you guys.  But I'll say it for the 100th time, there are manager to manager trades that are much worse than trading with Computer teams (from both me and probably everyone else in this thread) - so I won't play the moral superiority game.  Hehe
 
 
 
Paging littleb and/or Pingu.....

Not trying to be the referee of the league here, but I feel like this needed to be documented.  Eric resigned from the powerhouse Union today.  We are unsure if this was intentional or subscription related.  What was discussed in chat (among 6-7 Cage managers) was to leave the team alone for a couple of days in case he comes back or the team is taken over by another manager.
 
Obviously there are some good players to be had and there are conflicting thoughts on trading with Computer teams.  Rather than try to ban it, it is probably best to continue to accept trading with Computer teams, but do it fairly.  A few managers had put in offers, but agreed to withdraw those offers for a day or two.
 
Here's what I think we should do:
1) If any trades are put through with Union on Day 2/today, those trades should be reversed by the mods.
2) Decide when to open the floodgates - Day 3, 4, 5...
 
Hopefully some others will chime in here over the next 12 hours so we can come to a general consensus.  I don't really have an opinion on #2, but suppose majority vote over the next 12-18 hours will prevail.

Well, I definitely agree with you guys.  But I'll say it for the 100th time, there are manager to manager trades that are much worse than trading with Computer teams (from both me and probably everyone else in this thread) - so I won't play the moral superiority game.  Hehe
 
 
 
Paging littleb and/or Pingu.....

Damn. Was hoping this would get more replies. The good news is we got through a day without offers - but not sure how long that will hold. It’s only a matter of time until someone who isn’t regular in chat or forums makes an offer. I think at this point Eric is gone and 5 days might be a stretch. And the mods are clear about computer trading being part of the game.
 
Personally, I am going to hold off until trades start flowing in. Then the competitive juices will ignite and I will feel obligated to see if I can make a better offer :-D
 
Sorry again if it seems like I was trying to referee the situation. Just wanted to give Eric the chance to rejoin if it was a subscription issue.

Damn. Was hoping this would get more replies. The good news is we got through a day without offers - but not sure how long that will hold. It’s only a matter of time until someone who isn’t regular in chat or forums makes an offer. I think at this point Eric is gone and 5 days might be a stretch. And the mods are clear about computer trading being part of the game.
 
Personally, I am going to hold off until trades start flowing in. Then the competitive juices will ignite and I will feel obligated to see if I can make a better offer :-D
 
Sorry again if it seems like I was trying to referee the situation. Just wanted to give Eric the chance to rejoin if it was a subscription issue.

I apologize gents. 
 
The Biscuit Deferiet Leopards were synonymous with winning.  The Cage Deferiet Leopards became known for dominant regular seasons and first round playoff exits.
 
Also I didn't like the cat logo.  In the old world there was a heavy metal hand sign logo that didn't make it over to the refresh.  It was time for a change.
 
If it helps, you can still think of the team with an 80s metal vibe.  Think part Steel Panther, part Metal Head.

Don't know why I found that hilarious but I did... 

Noooo! Huge Deferiet Leopards fan! Now I know how everyone in Hartford feels!!!

October 4, 2019 - In a surprising move, the Deferiet Leopards, have relocated to Big Delta USA and the team has been named the Stealheads.  Despite the team's continued success over the past 11 seasons, especially at home, fan attendance was slowly decreasing.  GM Paul T states "we want a market where the fans are passionate about our team and the game - and show up every night to support our club".
 
Once named after the 80s Metal band Def Leppard, which embodied their gritty play, and displaying a cat-like logo that emphasized team speed - the team has moved toward a more physically imposing name and logo with the words Big and displaying a rugged Viking looking fella wearing Steel on his head.  This begs one question... will the team shift from a faster style play (Transition) to a bigger, rougher style of play (Crash the Net)?  Only time will tell.  (but probably not)
 
The team also slightly modified their black and gold colors, which represented their manager's love for the Boston Bruins and are now ditching the bright yellow for darker, duller colors.  Below is a first look at the team's new primary and secondary uniforms.
 

I like the look of the jersey. Nicely unique color theme. There's quite a few cat related team names in the game in general, not just GHL, so... Thumbs up!

October 4, 2019 - In a surprising move, the Deferiet Leopards, have relocated to Big Delta USA and the team has been named the Stealheads.  Despite the team's continued success over the past 11 seasons, especially at home, fan attendance was slowly decreasing.  GM Paul T states "we want a market where the fans are passionate about our team and the game - and show up every night to support our club".
 
Once named after the 80s Metal band Def Leppard, which embodied their gritty play, and displaying a cat-like logo that emphasized team speed - the team has moved toward a more physically imposing name and logo with the words Big and displaying a rugged Viking looking fella wearing Steel on his head.  This begs one question... will the team shift from a faster style play (Transition) to a bigger, rougher style of play (Crash the Net)?  Only time will tell.  (but probably not)
 
The team also slightly modified their black and gold colors, which represented their manager's love for the Boston Bruins and are now ditching the bright yellow for darker, duller colors.  Below is a first look at the team's new primary and secondary uniforms.
 

October 4, 2019 - In a surprising move, the Deferiet Leopards, have relocated to Big Delta USA and the team has been named the Stealheads.  Despite the team's continued success over the past 11 seasons, especially at home, fan attendance was slowly decreasing.  GM Paul T states "we want a market where the fans are passionate about our team and the game - and show up every night to support our club".
 
Once named after the 80s Metal band Def Leppard, which embodied their gritty play, and displaying a cat-like logo that emphasized team speed - the team has moved toward a more physically imposing name and logo with the words Big and displaying a rugged Viking looking fella wearing Steel on his head.  This begs one question... will the team shift from a faster style play (Transition) to a bigger, rougher style of play (Crash the Net)?  Only time will tell.  (but probably not)
 
The team also slightly modified their black and gold colors, which represented their manager's love for the Boston Bruins and are now ditching the bright yellow for darker, duller colors.  Below is a first look at the team's new primary and secondary uniforms.