1 General information
1.1 Player representation/properties
The players are the main actors in the game. In order to be able to assess a player correctly, it is important to have an overview of the characteristics and abilities of the players. .
talent | Max. ability | Max. playing strength |
none | red | 4 |
less | green | 6 |
present | bronze | 8 |
large | silver | 10 |
very large | gold | 12 |
>12 (absolute world class) |
The special abilities are indicated in the game by small symbols and mean that the player is better or worse in a training area than his playing strength would suggest. There are ten different training areas for field players and five for goalkeepers.
training area | benefit |
skating | player is fast e.g. with counterattacks or solo runs |
positional game | player stands well, can be useful when making moves. |
Pass game | More ideas in attacking game, useful for moves |
double fight | High assertiveness in duels and solo runs |
Puck control | Player is hard to separate from the puck. |
Shot strength | A good shot can be worth its weight in gold. |
check | In the defense a good check is very important. |
Bullies | This player will have good chances at the Bullie |
shot accuracy | shots are better placed, harder for the goalkeeper to hold |
stock technique | Puck is not given away carelessly, secure passes |
Reflexes (TW) | Fast shots can be parried better |
Pass Game (TW) | Secure passes to other players, advantages when countering |
1:1 situations (TW) | good against penalties and solo attempts |
positional play (TW) | The goalkeeper is not easy to overcome, e.g. even with long-range shots |
game overview (TW) | The goalkeeper plays well - advantage at the opening of the player and at shots on goal |
Abbreviation | Position |
TW | goalkeeper |
V | defender |
RA | right attacker |
LA | left attacker |
C | Center |
A player has a main position and possibly a secondary position. If a player is not in his main position, he cannot play his full strength..
Position | playing style/-strength |
master position | 100.00% |
secondary position or position on other side | 80.00% |
Other field position | 50.00% |
In addition, motivation, form, condition, freshness and size of the player influence the way and strength of the game. . .
Something in the background, but often important, is the character and the characteristics of the players. There are several different character traits and attributes, the effects of which can reach up to the player strength. If an all-rounder is on the team, he can play with at least 70% of his strength on all field positions, a fair player gets less penalty minutes and a lazy player has a harder time training..
All information about a player can be obtained by right-clicking on the player picture.
1.2 Player contracts/agreements
Either a contractual relationship or an agreement can exist between a player and a club. In professional leagues, only contracts can be concluded with players. These are limited to a certain period of time. Within this period, the player can only leave the club with the club's consent..
In non-professionals contracts can be concluded, but this is more expensive than an agreement. Agreements are valid indefinitely, but the player can leave the club at any time if he is dissatisfied or receives a better offer from another club.
The game does not have waiting periods after player changes, but direct player changes are therefore only possible until January 15th within the season. After this date, the change can only be made for the next season. The same applies to the loaning of players.
New is the function to inform the player about the interest in a commitment. You can do this e.g. on the info screen that appears after a right mouse click on the player. If you have indicated your interest to a player and your club is accordingly attractive, the player will not renew his contract hastily, but will wait for a corresponding offer from you..
1.3 Player development / tendency
On December 15th and June 15th of a season the strengths of the players are adjusted. In the game, the probability of a player's strength adjustment is often referred to as a tendency. If it is positive, the strength increases with this probability; if it is negative, the strength decreases with this probability.
1.4 Direct negotiations
In the game there are more frequent negotiations with the most diverse parties. The way of negotiation always follows the same pattern. On the right side the mood of the negotiating partner is shown. In addition, the goal and status of the negotiation is indicated. How satisfied a negotiating partner is, can be seen in the face of the negotiating partner and is also written out under attitude..
If a certain amount of negotiation time has passed in negotiations with players, the negotiation is broken off, this is clearly written on the partner's face. When the negotiation dialog box opens, look at the negotiation items on the left side. With the + and - buttons you can increase or decrease the corresponding negotiation parameters. Only with a click on "Submit offer" you transmit your offer to the negotiating partner.
But do not overdo it, otherwise the negotiation will fail. If you are satisfied with the result, confirm it by clicking on "Sign contract". This type of negotiation is used in many places in the game and always proceeds in this way.
1.5 Rating with symbols
To simplify comparisons and assessments, the game uses a value system with the gradations bronze (bad) - silver (medium) - gold (good). For example, if the number of fans is represented by two bronze and one silver symbol, the number of fans is only average. If, on the other hand, two bronze, two silver and two gold symbols were displayed, this would indicate a high number of fans. To simplify the display, often only the symbol with the highest number of fans is shown, which is why, for example, a team with one silver ball is better than a team with five bronze balls. For the talent stars and the skills, the following gradation from bad to very good is used analogously: Red - Green - Bronze - Silver - Gold.
Players' notes are represented both as numbers and as symbols. The sequence red-yellow-green is used here.
1.6 Trainer skills/dates/property
There are several opportunities in the game to gain advantages through coaching skills, dates or property. To make the overview as simple as possible, the advantages and disadvantages are briefly summarized on a map. Trainer abilities can only be used once. Only a certain number of appointments per month can be used. The acquired property brings you a permanent advantage.
1.7 Trainer level
The trainer level is in the range of 1 to 10. If you are successful as a trainer and manager, the level increases, if the opposite is true, the trainer level decreases. The higher the level, the better the team can be trained and hired. Furthermore, with each level you have the possibility to get better trainer skills.
2 Further
2.1 Data Slots and Steam Workshop
Data can be exchanged very well with other users via the Steam-Workshop. We offer the slots 1-9 in the program under the folder DB, each of which can be filled with different contents..
In the game the slots are selected on the start page. The contents under DB_Default should not be edited directly, because we also update them. But you can copy the contents of DB_Default to another slot and edit it there. Please have a look at the Steam-Workshop-Tool manual.
You get to the Steam Tool by clicking on Steam in the game view. There is a settings button on the right side (third button from the right). Click on it with the left mouse button. Then click on "Manage - Browse local files" to go to the installation folder of the Hockey Manager 20|20. In the folder "SteamWorkshopTool" you will find the file to be executed and also the documentation for the corresponding tool.
2.2 "Real career", "club selection" or "founding your own club"?
After clicking on the button "New game" you can enter your name and your birthday. Furthermore you have the possibility to choose your position as a player, if you want to join the games of your team as a player coach. Furthermore you have the possibility to choose a predefined manager portrait or to use your own picture in the game. Here you can integrate any .jpg image into the game. Please use the corresponding buttons. Professionals can also use a .tga image with a black background and alpha channel.
You can now choose whether you want to select your first club, start a real management career or found your own club.
If you select your club directly (and optionally select a national team), you will be employed there directly without any contract negotiations. The coach level you start with depends on the team you choose, but will rarely be higher than three. If you check the box "Contract cannot be terminated", you will not be dismissed by the club and can play without pressure. The contract can also be cancelled in the game under the menu item Person. You can set a date for a hearing with one of the clubs. You will then be taken to the overview screen, where your options are not limited due to the fact that you have no coach. If you start the week there by clicking on the arrow in the bottom right corner, time will pass and you will get closer and closer to your negotiation date..
If you successfully complete the negotiation, you will have the opportunity from the following week to view your new club, determine the training and set up the team. You start with trainer level 1.
If you want to start your own club you will get to a menu where you can make more detailed settings for your club. Besides the club name, further data of the club and the position on the map, you can define the starting investments in different areas of the club. Depending on the distribution of the investments the starting conditions for the club will change. Furthermore you have the possibility to enter names in the name pool, which will then appear in the youth and amateur section of your club. When you have entered everything, the club will be founded with a click on "Found a club". The club starts in the lowest league of the home country and you can not be dismissed as team leader of the club.
2.3 Inbox and online instructions
We have introduced two functions to increase access to the game. In the lower right area you will find the inbox. This will send you mails at the start of the game and then in the further course of the game with hints which actions are useful at this time. Some of the mails contain links that lead you directly to the relevant menu item or a website..
To keep the clarity, the mails are deleted after 30 days, alternatively you can delete the selected mail by clicking the button itself.
In the weekly overview in the upper left area you have the button "Instructions". If you click on it you will get detailed information about the menu screen you are currently on. But only as long as you stay on the menu item with the mouse..
2.4 What should I pay attention to in the first week?
The first two emails in your inbox will give you good hints what to do, just click on the appropriate button and you are in the right menu.
Hiring a co-trainer can be very helpful, as it takes care of many tasks for you.
If you want to hire a co-trainer or a goalkeeper trainer, you can do so in the "MANAGEMENT - Employees" section. A dialog box will open where you can click on the button "Search for coach". Available trainers will then be displayed with their salary expectations, their competence and their reputation. Select one of them and negotiate, similar to menu item 1.4..
In the first week of the season you should make sure that you plan your training for the whole season in advance. In the main overview, select the training area (Team - Training) to access the annual training plan. There you can determine the next training week with the buttons in the lower left corner. After you have specified the training week, the selection will automatically jump to the next training week, so that you can only click on the offered training weeks to specify the training for the entire season.. You will receive one or more trainer skills at the beginning. Go to the Person section and select "Skills". Look at the skills in the lower area. If you want to try out one of them, click on it and in the following dialog box, if necessary, specify the player on whom the skill should work..
The seasonal calculation can only be changed for the first 4 weeks. Click on the "Change calculation" button in the menu item below and set the values as desired. It can be important here, for example, to adjust the number of spectators or to plan construction work on the ice rink.
2.5 Co-trainers and other "co-functions
The co-trainer can take over tasks for you if you wish. First of all the assistant coach can do the line-up of the team. For this purpose you can click directly on the "Co" button during the line-up. You should also do this during the ice age so that the co-trainer can also provide the blocks with the necessary playing times. If the team is lined up according to special criteria, it is also possible to let the coach determine the line-up and the defense system.
For the attack and defense tactics the co-trainer can define the tactics by clicking the "Co-trainer" button. It is also possible to let the co-trainer determine the annual training..
The co-trainer can save a lot of work during the games if you instruct him to perform automatic row changes. There is a button for this purpose in the top left-hand corner.
You can hire a co-trainer and a goalkeeping coach under the menu item MANAGEMENT - Employees - Co-trainers. In general, the co-trainer always makes settings for the whole team, whereas you can choose whether you want to make the setting for the corresponding block or for the whole team..
3 Office
3.1 Game
3.1.1 List
Lineup: In the team line-up the composition of the rows and the game system can be selected. The settings are initially only valid for the selected block. By clicking on the button "For all rows" the settings of all blocks will change according to the current settings. The game system is selected with the buttons in the upper right corner. The first number indicates how many players should check the opponent, the second number describes players who attack more hesitantly, while the third number indicates the defensive players. In the lower right area the current block of your own team is shown. In the player list you will find all players of your team with corresponding information. To line up a player, click on the name in the list and drag && Drop the appearing player info field to the desired position. If you hold the field over a certain position, you can see directly what strength the player would have at that position. If you want to remove a player from the line-up, select the player and drag the player info field over the player list and drop the player there..
If you do not want to set up the list manually, you can also set up according to special criteria, which are hidden behind the "Special" button. The "Fill" button automatically fills up the setup. If the club has employed a Co - Trainer, there is also a "Co" button. In this way the co-trainer can quickly and easily set up the list for you. A click on a player with the right mouse button opens the information window for the corresponding player.
3.1.2 Ice Age
Here you get an overview of the blocks that are relevant in the respective game situations. With the arrows in the upper area you can switch between the different game situations. By clicking on the button Team/Envil you can switch between the view of your own blocks and the view of the opponent. You can set the ice time of your own blocks by using the left and right arrows in the front area of each block. Here you can also compare the strengths of the respective row of your own team and the next opponent. You also have the possibility to swap players between the blocks by drag and drop. You can get more information about the corresponding player with a right mouse click.
3.1.3 Defensive behaviour
With the buttons in the upper right corner you can choose between six defensive settings. In the top left corner you can set the stake / hardness / counter play. To help you with these settings, you can compare some team values with those of the opponent. With the help of these values you can estimate which settings are necessary to be successful with the defense. The higher the team's commitment, the better your chance of winning a game even if you are the defeated team. On the other hand, a high level of effort requires a lot of strength. If your team plays with a higher level of hardness, your team will be stronger in a duel, but at the same time you run the risk of having more time penalties and thus a disadvantage in the game. If your team has a high level of stamina and your opponent is inferior to you in this area, it makes sense to score many goals by counterattacking. In general, the setting of the defensive system and the Hardness/Use/Counter parameters only apply to the current row. By clicking the button "Apply to all rows", the current settings are applied to all blocks. You can get more information about the corresponding player by right-clicking..
3.1.4 Offensive behaviour
You can choose how your team should try to score goals in the attacking game.
You can define the way of playing and the frequency of moves and distance shots. The relationship to each other is also important.
Look at the special skills of your players, the defensive lines of the opponent and the training comparison with the opponent.
If you have hired a co-trainer, you can make these settings via the displayed "Co" button.
You can also define which moves your team should work with.
You have to consider how complex the move is. Less complex moves are learned faster in training, but also offer a lower chance of success. Complex moves take longer to learn, but will have a higher goal rate than simple moves.
With one click you can choose if the move is used by your team in the game (golden puck) or not (bronze puck).
How exactly moves are trained and also how to create your own moves can be found under the corresponding menu item.
In addition you have the possibility to activate the zone pressing. This increases the chance of scoring many goals relatively quickly. However, it costs your team a lot of energy and should therefore be used carefully. Often it makes sense to activate the zone compression only in certain parts of the game..
Another tactical option is power skating. This is also a bit more power-intensive than a normal game and should be used mainly when you need to catch up or when your condition is really excellent..
Therefore both actions are reset at the end of the game.
More information about the corresponding player can be obtained with a right mouse click.
3.1.5 Tasks
Here you can set the rankings for the team captain and the assistants as well as the penalty shooters. The team captain with his character and ability has additional influence on the team, especially when the mood or the will to win is low and the team atmosphere is tense.
For the Penalty Shooters you should pay attention to their special skills and playing strength. It is quite possible that the 2nd or 3rd player on the list will be the penalty shooter, depending on the game situation.
3.2 Planning
3.2.1 weekly planning
In the weekly planning you can see all planned training units of the following week. The number of available training units depends on the league your team plays in. You can change the set training week or individual training units here. Click on a training unit to get to the selection dialog box of training units..
The training weeks marked with "free" can be edited freely. They can be renamed with a right click on the button. Changes to individual training units remain in effect when one of the three training weeks is selected and are saved with the score. This way you can create individual training weeks and use them in your annual planning.
In the upper area you see a comparison of the condition and freshness values of your team with those of the next opponent. If you are not satisfied with the comparison, you can make short-term changes in the training week. In the lower area you have the possibility to save or load all your training weeks. Thus, they can be used independently of the score..
3.2.2 Annual planning
You can define a training week for each week of the season. For this purpose you have an overview of the weeks on the right side. The display is divided into two parts, so that you have to click on the arrow below to view the second half of the year.
mark a week and use the left buttons to select the corresponding training program for that week.
If you want to delete the existing annual plan, click on the button "Delete training". If you have hired a co-trainer, they can prepare the training for the year by clicking on the "Co-trainer" button.
The dark blue training diagram shows you changes in the freshness and condition of your team over time. The button above the diagram allows you to switch to the schedule for the corresponding week. In this way you can estimate exactly which stresses and strains the players will face in the corresponding week. In the upper area you will find buttons to load and save your training plans. The training plans can then be used in all scores..
3.2.3 Individual training
The players of your teams can work on improving their special skills during training. In the diagram, the players are shown in a row at the top. Below the player, the skill the player is currently working on in training is displayed. If a player is not working on a specific skill, a star is displayed there.
A progress bar is displayed next to the displayed ability. If the progress bar reaches to the end of the line, the player gets the new ability. By clicking on the player, you can select below on which ability he should work on. Changing to another ability costs a large part of the progress made on the previously selected ability. Therefore, a change of the skill to be trained must be confirmed by clicking on "Train newly selected skill".
The greater the talent of a player, the higher the level of a skill can be. For example, a player with no talent cannot acquire a skill. You can see the ability and talent levels under point 1.1..
If no skill is selected, the player works on all skills. Over time, the color of the star changes up to gold (yellow). In this case a new special ability can be acquired immediately by selecting it. This process takes significantly longer than learning a skill directly, but is useful for older players who may lose skills..
below the currently trained skill, the position that the player is currently learning as secondary or main position is displayed. This cannot be set or changed during individual training, it simply results when a player is used in positions other than the main position. The learning progress is also shown by a progress bar. When it reaches the end of the line, the player gets the position as a new secondary or main position.
3.2.4 Infirmary
In the infirmary you can see which players are currently injured or ill and what kind of illness they have. If you want to make the player happy, you can visit him. Only one visit per week is possible.
3.3 Moves
3.3.1 Train moves
Here you have the possibility to train moves. Less complex moves are learned faster, but offer less chance of success.
Complex moves take longer to rehearse, but will usually achieve a higher goal rate in the game than simple moves.
By using the buttons next to the move you can now choose which moves are currently being trained and which should be used in the next game (when the button is lit, the move is activated). The more moves you train, the lower the training effect for the individual moves. If you don't train a move for a longer period of time, the playability of the move will decrease again. The effectiveness of a move is determined by the complexity and the level of experience of the move..
3.4 Training, motivation and test games
3.4.1 Training measure
You have the possibility to support your training activities with training camps and similar dates. With the buttons in the upper left corner you can select the month. Below the button you will then see the calendar scheme for the corresponding month.
You will find the possible training measures on the right side. All measures are available in 3 variants or price categories.
To set a date, drag the corresponding field over the desired date so that the gray arrow on the left points to the line.
An appointment can only be used for a limited time in one season. On the overview of the event, next to the item "Number", small symbols illustrate how often the event can still be used by you..
With a click on the button "Training camp/Motivation co-planning" you can let the program set the tasks appropriately.
3.4.2 Motivation
With a click on the button "Training camp/Motivation co-planning" you can let the program set the tasks appropriately.
3.4.3 Test game
You can arrange up to 3 test matches in the preparation phase of the season, which will be played during the course of the week. These games offer the possibility to test tactical variants and increase the team's level of experience. All domestic teams can be chosen as opponents. However, strong teams require a higher share of the spectator income. Otherwise the handling is analogous to the menu items 3.4.2 and 3.4.1..
3.5 Team
3.5.1 Team
Youth players can improve over time. This also depends on your investment in the youth department.
When a youth player turns 17, you can test him/her in your team or sign a contract or agreement with him/her. Then he will play as a normal player in the team. An uncommitted player in the 2nd year of the A-youth changes to the amateur division in the next season.
In addition, you can also look at the success of your youth teams. The better youth players you have in the youth departments and the more money you invest in youth, the higher your youth teams play. Youth teams in higher leagues in turn attract more talent from the surrounding area. If things aren't going so well with the youth teams and the club has money left over, the first step towards improvement is to increase support for the youth department.
3.5.2 Promotion
3.6 Second team
Second team: For the second team there are two cases to be distinguished
a.) If the team is not active, it can be activated as soon as you play at least two leagues above the lowest league (in Germany in the delivery database this is the 1st league), and then it automatically advances to the lowest league. The corresponding button appears in the upper left corner (but only at the beginning of the season).
If the second team is not active, you can set the allowance for the team on the left and on the right you can see the most promising talents from the second team. You can get an approximate impression of the player's strength and abilities by using different colored symbols for attack and defense strength. By clicking on the name, these players can be signed up.
b.) If your second team in a lower league is actively involved in the game, your influence is much greater: By clicking on the button "Give formation instructions" you can determine the game system and specify which players should or should not play..
You can also define the trainer yourself by clicking the corresponding button.
You can test and sign players in the first team by clicking on their name. In general, your second team must have at least 20 players.
You will also receive information about the next opponent and the current table situation. In the "Tasks" section you can specify the penalty shooters and the captain. You can find out whether an increase of the allowance is necessary in the finance section.
4 Office
4.1 Employees
4.1.1 Co-Trainer
Under this item you will see, if available, the contracts with the coach, the goalkeeper coach and your own contract. At the same time, you can hire new coaches and goalkeeper coaches and thus replace the previous ones, if you had already employed a coach.
Click on the button "Search trainer". All currently available trainers of the country will then be displayed. You then have the possibility to negotiate with a candidate. A co-trainer will help you with training and various other tasks. A goalkeeper coach improves the goalkeeper training and thus the training values of the goalkeepers. If the coach's contract has only 1 year or shorter, you have the possibility to extend the contract. The corresponding button appears below the contract duration.
4.1.2 other employees
The right employees can have a strong influence on the success of the club. You will notice the effects in the long run. For example, don't be surprised about frequent injuries if you cut the medical department's budget. The costs are shown here per year, but the deduction is weekly. You can increase or decrease the allocation of the budget by clicking on the guide bar of the puck. The co-personnel manager submits proposals for personnel expenses at the touch of a button. He takes into account your club environment and financial situation.
4.2 Transfers
4.2.1 Transfer list
On the transfer list you can see players who want to leave their clubs. At the same time, you will also see players who are not currently playing for any club. The buttons 1 - 13 refer to the player strength and serve as filter function. By clicking on the sorting buttons, the players in the list are sorted according to the corresponding criteria.
If you want to engage a player, select the player and click "Negotiate". You will then be told whether the player wants to negotiate with you and you can set a date for the negotiation if a date has not already been set. Under "Condition" you will see the conditions under which the player can change..
If you agree with the player at the trial date, the following applies to the change:
condition | meaning |
purchase | |
purchase (amount) | |
loan (amount) | The player is loaned for one year against payment of the amount |
Free | The change does not entail any costs |
immediately | The player currently had no club |
4.2.2 Search clubs
Select the continent, country, league and team to specifically poach players from other clubs. In the squad overview of the selected club you can retrieve information about the players and arrange negotiation dates. Of course, both players and club have a say in the process. If you cannot sign a player because he is contractually bound to the club and does not receive a release, the player is marked with a red arrow. It is also possible that the player does not want to join your club - in this case the player is also marked with a red arrow. Players with a yellow arrow can be signed, but the club would like to have a correspondingly high release. Players with a green arrow do not have a contract or have been put on the transfer list by the club. These players can therefore be signed on without a transfer or for a moderate payment. You can also click on the corresponding buttons to watch the player or to express your interest in signing a player after the end of his contract. In both cases, the player will then appear in the watch list.
4.2.3 Search player
If you can't find the right player on the transfer list or when searching the clubs and you have a little more money available, you can search for the right player. Adjust the listboxes and buttons according to the criteria of your choice. If you don't specify anything for a point, the system will search for all possible combinations.
When you click on the "general search" button, the lower list will be filled with players that match the selected criteria. You can then select one of the players to negotiate with or get information about the player. However, it is quite possible that the found players cannot or do not want to join your club, which you will learn after selecting the player and clicking on "negotiate". If you only want to search for players that you can also sign, click on the button "Candidate search".
4.2.4 Watchlist
Here you can see on the left side all players you are watching. By clicking with the right mouse button on the player or with the corresponding button you will get all further information about the player..
On the right side all players are displayed to whom you have already indicated an interest in changing to your club. These players will now think twice before you rush to renew their current contracts. Here too, the right mouse button will provide you with more information about the player.
4.2.5 Change
Here you can see which changes are pending at your club or in the whole country at the end of the season.
4.3 Squad
4.3.1 Contracts
Select this menu item to get an overview of the current contracts. You can see how high the player costs are expected to be in the season and what share of your budget they will have. Based on this information, you can assess whether you can still sign players, with which players the contract should be extended or which players should be put on the transfer list..
Select the action you want to perform ("Renew contract", "To transfer list", "Lend") and then click on the corresponding player.
In addition to the contract you will find some important data, for example the development trend of the player.
If you put a player on the transfer list, he often does not agree with it. Most of the time you have to pay a sum of money or put the player on the transfer list freely, i.e. without demanding a transfer fee.
If the player is ready to be put on the transfer list, you can choose whether you want to have a fixed amount or an amount still negotiable for the player.
If a player is on the transfer list, the color of the contract length display changes. If you would like to remove a player from the transfer list, click on him/her with the selection "On transfer list".
If the player does not have a contract, you will only receive money for the player if he is appropriately young and training compensation can be claimed.
Insurances can also be taken out by selecting the corresponding button and then clicking on a player. In the event of an injury, the insurance company continues to pay the salary of the player in question so that the club is not burdened twice.
4.3.2 Management planning
"Squad planning" also shows information that can help in the assessment of the team and possible new commitments. It is possible to extend contracts, add players to the transfer list, lend players and move players to the second team.
Under this menu item, however, the focus is on the positions and the benefit of the players. You can see how many players are present on each position and how to estimate them. Based on this information, your team can be strengthened in a targeted manner.
A player's benefit is determined by the team, the characteristics of the player and his performance. The menu item "Player Rating" (see 3.3.8) shows how the utility of a player is determined. This is only a help that you can use if you want to change your squad.
Under the item "VertrBew" you can see how the player rates his own contract. If there are bronze symbols, the player is not satisfied with the contract. A player with a contract loses his motivation this way, a player with an agreement leaves the club at the end of the season. Therefore, check the players' satisfaction with their contracts from time to time.
4.3.3 Contract length
Under this menu item you can extend player contracts without much effort. The contracts are not negotiated as intensively as during a contract negotiation during the week, but a quick extension is carried out at acceptable conditions. This menu item is intended to make the manager's everyday life easier and is only available for expiring contracts.
4.3.4 Player rating
Here you will find helpful assessments and information about the players of your team. Total points and benefits (in percent) of the player are precisely broken down in the table. The cost per point helps you to estimate how worthwhile a player is for your team. If the cost is more than 100 €, you should consider parting with this player. This consideration is also justified if the benefit of a player slips below 70%. The point "Vert.Bew." describes (analogous to the squad planning) how the player himself evaluates his contract with you.
4.3.5 Talks
At certain intervals (depending on the player's sympathy) you can have conversations with the players to influence the player's well-being and other behavior.
4.4 Merchandise
Under this point you can take care of the sale of fan articles. Ten typical articles are listed, which your club offers to the fans. By clicking on an article you have the possibility to change the prices for the articles. Be careful not to annoy the fans by particularly high prices - whether a few fans buy expensive fan articles or many fans buy cheap ones, the income will be similar and the fans will be more satisfied. If you buy large quantities, you will automatically receive a quantity discount, which will be displayed below depending on the selected product..
You have the possibility to automate the purchase of fan articles - a click on the corresponding puck is enough.
4.5 Balance sheet
4.5.1 target/actual comparison
Here the current income is compared with the calculation at the beginning of the season. Below each item, you will first see a bar (red for expenses, green for income), which represents the current amount, and below that another bar (blue), which shows the calculated amount..
4.5.2 Annual overview
The annual overview shows you all income and expenses of the club in the current season, divided into different areas. On the left side you see the course of the cash balance in the season. On the bottom left side you can see information about the conditions you have to consider at the moment. Please fulfill them as far as possible, otherwise you are threatened with immediate dismissal.
4.6 Season
4.6.1 Course of the season
Here you get an overview of various parameters important for success during the season.
4.6.2 Series
Here you get an overview of a variety of series throughout your coaching career and your current club.
5 Environment, Finance, PR
5.1 Environment
5.1.1 Overview ice rink
The item " Overview ice rink" shows you all important data about the ice rink. You can also change the entrance fees here. Here you also have the possibility to view your ice rink from all sides.
5.1.2 Peripherals overview
The item " Overview periphery" shows you what is going on in the surrounding of the ice rink. The vestibule and the changing rooms of your ice rink can be seen. In addition, you can find data about the surroundings on the right side. The fans demand a certain level of comfort in order to enjoy coming to the games of their teams. This includes sufficient parking spaces, a reasonable ticket sales, and of course a little variety and activity in the vestibule area. The currently available comfort is shown in a comfort index, which is displayed below the vestibule. If this is below the demand of the fans, you should consider extensions so that you do not lose spectators. Some of the expansions cost money or bring in money. A summary of inputs and outputs can also be found.
5.1.3 Move
At some point you may have to ask yourself if the current ice rink still meets the needs of the club. If the ice rink is much too small for your club, you have the possibility to move to a larger ice rink, as long as you have the financial means. However, a move is only worthwhile if the current ice rink is sold out throughout. If your team cannot fill your arena with spectators, it is possible that you will play in a smaller arena next season. You will be warned about this danger during the season. If you move to a new arena, most of the peripheral extensions will be lost, only extensions in the anteroom will be transferred to the new ice rink, if possible. You also have the possibility to change the name of the arena here.
5.1.4 Expansion
You have the possibility to extend the ice rink of your club and the periphery. In the right half of the display you can define the possible types of conversion. Each expansion increases the cost estimate. However, the changes and associated expenses only become effective when you order the planned conversion with the confirmation button..
To convert the ice rink, select "Hall" above. With the buttons under "Changes by click" you can choose whether you want to build benches, bucket seats, VIP seats or advertising space. By clicking on the corresponding rink field, the field will be built accordingly.
seats are less comfortable and cheaper to build, but the entrance fee is lower. Seats are more expensive and more comfortable and therefore justify a higher entrance fee. While the benches and bucket seats can seat 100 spectators each, the VIP seats can only accommodate 30. However, the spectators also pay five times the entrance fee for bucket seats. The advertising spaces do not offer seating, but will bring more money for indoor advertising from the following season. For clubs with often sold-out rinks, VIP seats are a way to earn more money. On the other hand, advertising spaces are especially useful for clubs whose spectator numbers are too small for the current rink.
If you want to add the displayboard improvement to the job, click on the "Improve" selection circle. You will then obtain the next better displayboard. Of course, the upgrade of the hall takes time. The number of weeks that must be maintained is then displayed above the area. For this period of time, this section of the hall cannot be used yet.
Click on the "Periphery" button to go to Stadium Periphery. By clicking on "Rebuild parking spaces" you can build more parking spaces and thus increase the comfort. By clicking on "Upgrade changing rooms" you can improve the standard of the changing rooms. This increases the respect of the opponents and gives your team a better feeling at home games. It is also important to ensure comfortable ticket sales. Under "Upgrade the vestibule by clicking" you can select elements which can then be installed by clicking on a field in the vestibule. Not every element is available for every type of ice rink. To the right of the element the effects and costs are described. If you build on a field on which something is already built, you will have to pay additional dismantling costs.
If you want to discard the order, you can do so by clicking the corresponding button. On the right side you can see how many seats are affected by the rebuild..
5.2 Finances
Under the item "Finances" you will find general information about the financial situation of the association and the possibility to take out loans or invest money. The budget, the past expenditures, the account balance and the association's assets are displayed.
To take out a loan or invest money, select the appropriate button. You can set an amount and the duration. The longer you choose the term, the better the conditions will be. The club has a certain credit limit.
Even so you can also use the buttons to dissolve old loans and investments before the end of the term. The costs for this will be displayed accordingly. The basic interest rates are displayed in the upper left corner. These change every year due to the economic situation.
5.3 Supporting program
If you want to offer your fans more than just a game for entertainment, you can specify an additional program here. You can hire an indoor speaker to inform the fans and encourage them to cheer on the club even more. You can publish a club newspaper for each match to inform the spectators. This newspaper can be sold at a profit or published free of charge, the information can distract the spectators from a boring game, have a take-away value and - if it is free of charge - also bring sympathy to the spectators. A break show can be organized to attract a few more spectators. Keep in mind that only an appropriate show will really bring an advantage. A too expensive show eats up the financial advantage of more spectators. For better cheering of the team and thus a higher home advantage, cheerleaders can be hired.
If you want you can use the "Co - Eventmanager" to get appropriate settings.
5.4 public relations
You can improve the environment of your club in the long term with skilful public relations. For this you have 5 possibilities with 3 variants each.
You can select the month with the buttons in the upper left corner. Below the button you will then see the dates for the corresponding month.
You will find the possible PR measures on the right side.
To set a date, drag the corresponding field over the desired date so that the gray arrow on the left points to the line.
An appointment can only be used for a limited time in one season. On the overview of the event, next to the item "Number", small symbols illustrate how often the event can still be used by you..
Click on the button "Co - PR Manager" to let the program set the tasks appropriately.
5.5 Sponsors
Here you can see your main sponsor contract, the exclusive and the premium sponsor, what the sponsor pool has achieved so far and the income from your agency contract. You can change the amount each participant of the sponsor pool has to raise here. Take a look at your team captain in front of the sponsor wall in home and away jerseys. During the first 3 weeks of a season you also have the possibility to choose the jersey colors for the home and away jerseys for the new season here.
5.6 Overview
Under "Overview" you will find all important information about your club. Especially important for you are the following data:
Fan number: There are different fan levels that characterize the number of fans of the club. The levels are relative and refer to the league. If a club rises, the fan level will most likely fall, but this does not mean that the number of fans will decrease. What was a lot in the second league is normal in the first league. The fan level in the league usually remains constant, but can rise or fall due to special events (winning a title, relegation).
fan behavior: The fan behavior has an influence on the number of spectators in different situations. Demanding fans do not come in such large numbers when playing against weaker opponents, while loyal fans do not let this deter them..
Loud fans make more atmosphere on the ranks and slightly improve the home advantage. Frustrated fans prefer to stay at home when the team atmosphere is bad, while success-seeking fans turn their backs on the club when success is not forthcoming. Euphoric fans, often followed by title wins, are eager to watch every game of their club. Most of the time, however, the fans behave completely normal.
Consideration by the fans & board confidence: These values indicate your standing in the club. Both values range from 0 to 100, but you will not experience the lower range or not for long. If these values approach the 50, your job becomes very insecure. The confidence of the board of directors decreases if you stay below the contractually agreed goal, lose frequently or do not work economically reasonable. The reputation of the fans falls or rises with the way the team plays and with the purchase and sale of players. The strength of the fluctuations depends above all on the media interest (see below), since emotions can be transported better through the media..
Setting up the club management: It depends on the setting up of the club management how sure you can be of your position after serious defeats or missed goals. Anxious leaders tend to overreact, even when you don't expect it..
Financial environment: The financial environment of the association shows you how much money you can expect from sponsors. There are ten different levels. Changes in the financial environment are quite possible for a successful team.
Media interest: The media interest shows the interest of the (local) media in your club. A high media interest leads to more spectators, but also to more violent reactions from the fans and the board. The media interest fluctuates strongly and is mainly performance-based.
All these values can change due to events, dates (see 7.4), the social program, other employees and training skills (see 7.2). On the right hand side you will find all previous successes of the club. At the bottom you will find some data about your contract with the club. At this point you can also offer your club a contract extension.
6 Statistics
The statistics section provides a lot of important information about leagues, tables, competitions etc. Depending on the selected statistic, the buttons above the statistic are used for navigation or to define filters..
In the team statistics you can get more detailed information about individual players by right-clicking.
On the left side you have further listboxes with the submenu items of the respectively selected statistic available. If you mark one of these submenu items with a right click, this statistic will be assigned to your personal favorites and marked with "F" (please use the last listbox for this purpose).
Right click again to remove this statistic from the favorites. If you click on the menu item "Favorites", your personalized statistics will be displayed..
Under Trainer of the Year you will get an overview of the top trainers who are currently in demand in national and international comparison. These lists are a good indication of which trainers have a chance of being voted "Trainer of the Year" or "Europe's Trainer of the Year" at the end of the year, but this list is subject to much more short-term influences than the jury at the award ceremony. In the lower area you can see your own score and thus be able to assess your chances and current position in world ice hockey.
7 Personal
7.1 Person
7.1.1 Person
The "Person" section gives you an overview of your situation, your contract and your previous successes. If the contract expires and you have signed a contract with another club for the next season, the key data of the new contract will be displayed instead of the contract length and options..
You still have the possibility to play as a player trainer in the team.
You start or end your career by clicking on the corresponding button.
You can also view your profile. With a click on the button "Manager picture as player picture" you can also use your manager portrait (which you might have created before from a jpg photo - see also point 2.1) as a player portrait. As a player trainer you always have the highest talent level and an initial strength of 2 to 4..
You can also see your private financial situation here. If there is still money available after deduction of the cost of living, it will be transferred to your account. You can then use it to acquire property (see 7.3). You can see your previous ownership and the effect of this in the top field on the right-hand side..
If you have already achieved everything and have advanced to the Trainerolymp (Trainer level 10), you have the opportunity to use your private assets to found a new club at the end of the season, starting in the lowest league.
As a coach of your own club you can of course not be dismissed and thus have the chance to build up the club undisturbed and lead it to the top. By clicking on the button "Found your own club" a dialog box opens, in which you have to enter some data about the club. Then you can choose how much money you want to invest and how it should be divided between the areas. The more money you invest in an area, the better the starting conditions for your club will be in it..
If you want to give up the given permanence, you can do so as well as otherwise extend the contract.
7.1.2 Family
In addition to the hard everyday life of ice hockey, it is also important to lead a fulfilling partnership and start a family. The actual events of your private life take place in the course of each week and you will receive corresponding messages. Under this menu item, you can make settings that make the occurrence of certain events easier or less likely. A very modest lifestyle does not usually attract life partners and does not always help to make the partner happy. If you do not invest time in your private life, you may have more time for field hockey (e.g. more appointments) but also less time to get to know someone. Of course your life partner also wants you to spend time with him or her. The setting that you make here is valid for the following weeks and a change of the setting will only lead to the desired result in several weeks. If you have children, the question arises how you would like to educate your children about field hockey. If you fixate your children too much on the game of ice hockey, your life partner will not be happy. As soon as the children have reached the age of C-youth, they can join the youth team of your current club. If you change the club, your children will naturally change with you. From the age of 17 your children can then start their own career.
7.1.3 Search for a club
If you want to search for a new club yourself, you have the possibility to do so via this menu item. You have the best chances with a club whose satisfaction is not so high and whose level is approximately the same as your coach level. You can try it with the button "Request". You will then receive a corresponding feedback whether the club is interested and can then set a negotiation date.
7.1.4 Private Sponsoring
Here you have the possibility to negotiate private sponsoring contracts. The contracts will be negotiated analogous to point 1.4.
7.2 Skills
Under this point you have the opportunity to use your skills as a trainer. Already existing skills are displayed in the right area. There are several ways to gain trainer skills:
Dates (see 7.4)
Achievements: By advancing, winning a cup or championship, you can gain coaching skills that are above your coaching level..
Collect points: Under the presentation of your current trainer level you will find six areas of competence. Each week you will receive a certain number of points, which you can distribute freely among these areas. When the bar below each skill area is filled with points, you will receive this new skill, which will then be displayed further down the screen in the form of a map..
Click on such an ability card to see the effect that using this ability will have. Furthermore you have the possibility to control the priorities of the individual skills acquisition in each skill area with the "Change" buttons..
The maximum number of skills is limited by the trainer level. To use a skill click on the skill. A dialog box will open in which you may have to select a player and then click on the "Use ability" button. You will then see what effect the ability has.
When you get to a trainer ability, there is a certain probability that you will get a special ability, called "ray of hope" in the game and recognizable by the other color. These rightly lead to great changes and can be a great help.
7.3 Property
You have the opportunity to buy with your earned money and to improve your life as a trainer through your property. The left box shows the property you are currently using. The right box shows your unused property. . Asset objects have only one advantage, they only increase their value.
If you want a detailed description of an object, click on it and you will get an explanation text in the lower area under "Effects".
To purchase property, set the amount you want to spend with the ball and click on "Buy". You have no control over what exactly is bought, but usually more expensive equipment will bring more benefit than cheap ones..
7.4 Dates
You can gain coaching skills through personal commitment. Please select one of the dates. For the day you are not available to the team and the club. During the week you can then see if it has helped you. Depending on how much time you have invested in your private life in the last 2 months, you will have more or less appointments available (maximum 3).
7.5 Shares
7.5.1 Stock market
7.5.2 Treasury stock
Here you can see your stock portfolio.
7.6 betting office
In the betting office you have the possibility to bet on all pairings in the game with your private assets.
Use the tabs at the top to select the league or event you want to bet on. Below that you can select the country or the competition with the left and right arrows. The matches will then appear in the box. You can bet on victory - 1, draw (after regular playing time) - 0 and defeat - 2 of the home team.
You can now combine various games from different competitions and leagues to a bet. You can see your chances of winning in the right area. Here you can also determine your bet by clicking on the bar where the ball runs. The odds multiply the more games are combined. By clicking on the button "Place bet" the bet is placed. Under the "Open" tab you can check the status of your outstanding bets. Under Account you will get an overview of your "betting account".
7.7 Career
7.7.1 Successes
Here you can see which successes you have already celebrated as a trainer.
7.7.2 Career path
Here you will find information about the successes of your coaching stations as club and national coaches.
7.7.3 Create Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame gives you the opportunity to compile your favorite players of all times for your club and for the entire database. This way you can view the data of beloved players even after they have ended their careers.
On the left side you see a list of candidates for the Halle of Fame - up to 20 players can be added to this list.
You can add any player to this list by clicking on the "Candidate for Hall of Fame" button in the bottom right corner of the player details page. You can access the player details at various points in the game (e.g. line-up, transfer market, player search, etc.) by right-clicking on the player name or the player picture. With the buttons on the right side of the boxes you can scroll back and forth between the two sides of the candidate list. You can also use the trashcan icon to delete marked players from the candidate list.
With the two arrows between the two boxes you now have the possibility to transfer candidates into one of the two Hall of Fames. With the index cards in the upper right corner of the right box you can choose if you want to edit the Hall of Fame of the current club or your personal favorite players completely independent from the club. Of course, only the players who are currently playing at the club can be transferred to the club Hall of Fame.
8 Squad
8.1 Squad
8.1.1 Squad
If you have decided to coach a national team, you can view the squad of the team under this point. The player list contains a maximum of 25 players. You can delete players from the squad and bring new players into the national team under the menu item "Search players" (see 8.1.2). If you do not want to do this work yourself, click on the item "Co - Select best players" so that the best players in the world are included in the squad. If you would like to remove players, select the corresponding player in the player list and click on the button "Remove player". The player will be removed from the squad and if you no longer wish to be the national coach, you can resign from the position.
8.1.2 Search player
Here you have the possibility to search the clubs of the whole world for players. If you click on a player, you can see if you can select the player for the national team. Players shown in grey do not have the required nationality. To complete the squad, click on the corresponding button. When you have found a good player who is suitable for the national team, select the player and click on the button "join the squad".
8.2 Team
8.2.1 List
Ice Age Tasks
Here you can define the penalty shooters and the captain of the national team.
8.2.2 Team values
Here you can view the values of your team compared to the next opponent (if available).
It is important that you have a high acceptance as national coach, otherwise you are threatened with dismissal.
8.3 Current/Historical
8.3.1 Up to date
Here you can view the current status of all tournaments that are of interest to your national team.
8.3.2 Historical
Here all titles that have already been won are listed.
8.4 Training
Here you can set the weekly training for the national team. This function is only active if the national team is currently assembled and therefore training is possible. Otherwise the menu item is displayed in light grey, like all other menu items that are currently not available.
9 Options
9.1 Game Options
The settings can be called up above the main menu.
In the game options you can make settings for the game flow. When you set the settings in the main menu, you change the game options for each game you start from scratch. Otherwise, change the options for the current game, the options will be saved with the game score..
If there is more than one active country in your data set (a country where you can be a coach), you can also specify at the beginning of a new game whether you want to limit the number of active countries. In this case please activate "Allow selection of active countries at the beginning".
The 3D settings are also important here. You have the possibility to switch off the 3D engine completely, then 3D elements used in the menus will no longer be displayed. If it is not absolutely necessary we advise against it. You can also switch off the 3D scenes completely.
9.2 Sound options
You can select whether music and sound effects should be played. You can also add your own music to the game. To do so, deactivate the item "Use default directories" and select other directories for the music. You can then double-click to add music from that directory to the playlist. If you don't set a random playback, the music will be played in order.
The order can be changed using the buttons below the playlist. A double click brings a music to the first position.
9.3 Load/Save game
To load a game, select the corresponding score from the list and confirm the selection.
To save a score, enter a name and confirm this.
9.4 Switch dataset
Here you can also change the current record or data slot in the game. Since the database is saved in the game, this only makes sense if the data slot contains other graphical content. For example, you can change the skin of the application here (if another skin is available) or select a folder with other player images..
10 highscore
Under "Highscore" your career to date is evaluated and the best careers are shown. The list of the best careers will be updated at the end of each season.
11 Save
If you want to save the game, you can do so under "Save" in the upper right corner of the menu. You can also save the current state of the game at any time within the game by pressing "Control" and "S"..
12 During the week
Every time you click on the blue button in the lower right corner during the game, the time will pass within the current week. The displayed calendar sheets show you the progress of the game. Also some important game data as well as the latest events are shown at this moment. Below the calendar sheets there is a "Play" or "Stop" button. If the button is set to "Stop" the menu is shown every Monday. If the button is set to "Play", the text "Weekly run-through" appears to the right of it. This means that the program will not stop on the next Monday.
12.1 Negotiations with players
If you negotiate directly with a player during the week, for example to extend the contract, the negotiation dialog box opens. . With the + and - buttons you can increase or decrease the corresponding negotiation parameters. Only with a click on "Submit offer" will you submit your offer to the negotiating partner. While younger players are interested in shorter performance-related contracts, older players want long contracts with a high fixed salary. The happier the player looks, the more satisfied he is with the offer. If the player is satisfied with the offer, this is shown in the status and the negotiation dialog box closes..
12.2 Negotiations for players
If you play poker with several clubs for one player, you can see the opponents and your offers. You then have the opportunity to negotiate with the player yourself and improve your offer. The opponents will then either join or withdraw from the negotiation. If you are the last one left, you have "won" this part of the negotiation.
If the player was a player from your team, he will now play with a new contract. If you have negotiated with a player of another team, the modalities of the change have to be clarified. If you have to pay a transfer fee, you can negotiate the amount with the club. With the + and - buttons at "New offer", you can increase or decrease your offer. Only with a click on "Submit offer", you transmit your offer to the negotiating partner. The latter will then react to the changed offer, which you can see in the upper part of the picture. If you are satisfied with the demand, click on "Meet demand" to finally commit the player.
12.3 Events
During the week there are often events that can have a positive or negative impact on your situation or that of the team. The display of the events can be turned off in the game options, but the effects are not. On December 15 and June 15, the strengths of the players are adjusted.
12.4 Change of the trainer level
At the beginning of each month a check is made to see if you are worthy of your level. If your level is too low, it will be increased sooner or later, if it is too high, it will be reduced sooner or later.
By changing the trainer level you have the possibility to set different priorities in the competence areas. If you do not do this, the game will fill the areas evenly.
13 Game
13.1 Before the game
When a matchday starts, you will be taken to a tactical view, which again offers the possibility to make tactical settings. After pressing the "Play" button you will get extensive comparisons of the team values. With the "Back"-Button you get back to the previous screen. The handling corresponds to the corresponding menu items under 3.1 - Tactics. If there are too few players in the team you will be informed accordingly. In this case you can make further changes to the line-up.
13.2 Game description
If you have decided to simulate the games completely, you will get to the game screen after the game info. In the middle of the screen, below the scoreboard, you can make settings for game speed and game display..
In the left and right upper area you can live change the use and hardness of your team, the defensive behaviour and all other tactical settings. Below the scoreboard you can choose from several game views.
When the 3D scenes are active, the frequency of the scenes can be adjusted with the corresponding slider below the displayboard. .
above the players you can see the blocks that are useful in the current game situation. You can trigger a change directly by clicking on the button next to the row.
In the upper left area you will find a button bar with 4 buttons, these buttons have the following function from left to right:
- Stops the game and you can make tactical changes
- Have the co-trainer (if available) automatically change rows or blocks or deactivate it. Even if the Co-Trainer is deactivated, row or block changes will be made (unless you have deactivated it under Display Options), but these changes do not take into account the strengths of the rows and the settings under Ice Age.. /p>- Pause game >/p>
- time-out (once per game possible)
In the lower left area you will find the buttons for "Zone Pressing", "Power Skating" and "Show Penalties". One click on a button is enough to perform the corresponding action..
13.3 Tactics
Here you can change the game system and make changes in tactics. During the game the line-up cannot be changed.
In case of injury, the player will be automatically substituted in the match, regardless of whether you have an assistant coach and whether this is activated.
Players who were not lined up at the start of the game cannot be used after the start of the game, even if the team consists of less than the permitted number of players.
13.4 time-out
You can take a time-out per game by clicking on the corresponding button. Here you now have the possibility to motivate the team again with a short speech. You can also announce the next move of the team.
13.5 Playing/Ice Hockey News
At the end of the game, you will first get an overview of the players' results, their scores and the scored goals/assists.
Then you will see the "Ice Hockey News" with the latest news about the matchday. Above you see a general message about the matchday, below you see the result of your team's game..
Then you will get to the view of the results and the tables.
On the right side you will find some interesting data about the matchday. There you can see the best players on the respective position and the most spectators.
14 Lists
14.1 List of players in the line-up
Abbreviation | meaning |
Pos | Positions |
St | nominal strength |
Fo | shape |
Mo | Motivation |
Rn | back number |
TS | actual strength (everything out of position included) |
Fäh. | |
day | Talents |
Fr | fresh |
Ko | condition |
As | Assists |
Al | Age |
down | Absence time and reasons |
nat | nationality |
No | note cut |
14.2 List of player contracts - squad planning
Abbreviation | meaning |
St | strength |
day | talent |
Al | Age |
Vl | contract length |
VertrBew | evaluation of the contract by the player |
15 Editor and Steam Workshop
Information on using the editor can be found in the installation directory in the document Editoranleitung.pdf. Further information about the Steam Workshop Tool can be found in the corresponding manual..