Hey everyone,
A new year begins, and so does a new chapter in my life as an online hockey manager. I’ve just wrapped up my very first season in the beta version of PowerPlayManager, a rising star among sports management games, and what a ride it's been!
Just wrapped up my very first season on a brand-new online hockey manager called PowerPlayManager.com, and wow — what a wild and fun ride it's been. Thought I’d share some of my thoughts, experiences, and season highlights while it’s all still fresh.
💡 So, what’s PowerPlayManager?
It’s a cool new hockey management game that’s still in beta, but already super promising. The whole project started back in 2007 by a group of passionate slovak guys who used to play another manager game called HockeyArena. They decided to build their own hockey world — with more depth, more control, and more community.
You take on the role of team manager and coach — building your lineup, setting tactics, training players, managing finances, scouting, and more. It’s a full-package deal for anyone who loves hockey and strategy games.
🐾 Enter: The Deva Red Wings
I joined with my newly created team, the Deva Red Wings, and we landed in International League 7.61. Not gonna lie, I had zero expectations — just wanted to learn the ropes, have some fun, and see how it all works.
But somehow... we ended up winning the regular season! 😲 Yep, first year in, and we topped the standings. It was a crazy ride filled with lineup tweaks, stat crunching, and a little bit of beginner's luck.
😢 The Heartbreak: Playoff Final Loss
We made it all the way to the playoff final, where we went head-to-head with Robson All-Stars. It was intense, but unfortunately, they got the better of us in the end. Gutted? A little. Proud? Absolutely.
🧱 Brick Wall Between the Pipes
A huge shoutout to my goalies — Alexandru Panait and Kristian Lipiansky — who were absolute beasts this season. Statistically, they were the best goaltenders in the league, and it showed in every match. These two kept us in games we had no business winning.
🎯 Our Secret Weapon: Michal Gasparik
And then there’s Michal Gasparik. What a player. He led the entire league with 71 points — talk about a breakout season! He’s been the backbone of our offense and clutch in the big moments. Definitely one to build around moving forward.
🔍 What’s Next?
Now that I’ve gotten a taste of the game, I’m even more hyped for what’s next. There’s still so much to explore — tactics, youth development, building infrastructure, maybe even joining some community forums and making friends along the way. It’s not just about winning (though that helps 😄), it’s about growing with the game and enjoying the journey.
Beyond wins and stats, though, this season has been about discovery. Learning the game mechanics, optimizing lineups, managing finances, scouting youth players — every day brought something new. Just as rewarding has been getting to know the community. There’s a growing sense of camaraderie among managers from around the world, united by our love for the game and the potential of this ambitious project.
If you’re into hockey and haven’t checked out PowerPlayManager yet, now’s the perfect time. It’s still early, still growing, and the devs are clearly passionate. I can’t wait to see where it goes next — and how far the Deva Red Wings can fly.
Catch you at the rink, reborn – Manager of the Deva Red Wings
