Wanted: 17 New IceHL GMs!
Before you read this, I recommend scrolling down to read last week's IceHL update.
I'm now in the process of getting the 2011-12 IceHL fantasy hockey season off the ground. Last week, I got in touch with the team owners from our inaugural season in 2010-11 to see who would be returning. As it happens only 12 of the 20 are sticking around. But we're also adding in the other 10 IceHL teams that weren't used last year.
We use ESPN's fantasy hockey league website to operate the IceHL. It only permits 20 teams per league. Since there 30 IceHL teams, we'll be opening up two separate leagues this season, split up by conference, with 15 teams each. That means we'll need 17 new owners for 2011. (Really, only 16 because I'll be taking on a team this season.)
Now let's talk about what it takes to become one of the lucky 16.
Dedication
Managing an IceHL team isn't about how much experience you have playing fantasy hockey. It's about how much you're willing to commit to participating and keeping the league competitive and fun. If you're worried you'll lose interest halfway into the season, please sit this one out and give someone else a shot.
Applying for a team
Last year, more than a hundred people applied to own one of 20 teams. I anticipate a similar turnout this year. So if you're not serious about it, please don't apply. Save the space for someone who is.
You may apply for a team by posting a comment below with the following information:
- Your first name and last initial (ex.: Chris S.), no pseudonyms
- Your email address (if you enter it into the box that says "author email," it will only be seen by me and no other users; if you include it in the body of the comment, everyone will see it)
- In the body of your comment, please note your experience playing fantasy hockey and list your preferred IceHL team choices, in order, from the list below. Please pick no more than 10. (If no teams on your list are available, one will be assigned at random.) Also please note whether you designed any of the winning IceHL logos.
You have until the end of this weekend to apply. I need all of the owners decided quickly so we can start making league decisions together. That will include a live chat with all of the owners.
Selecting owners and teams
Last season, owners were selected entirely at random. I think that was the fairest way to handle it and we'll do the same thing this year. Just be aware that demonstrating your dedication and commitment to fantasy hockey will increase your odds. I'm looking for people who aren't going to lose interest halfway through the season.
Keep in mind, however, that simply being awarded a team doesn't guarantee you'll keep it. If any owner becomes inattentive or doesn't respond to communications and emails, I reserve the right to replace him/her with or without notice. Sorry, but I want to keep this league exciting and competitive.
Available teams
Here are a list of all 30 teams. You may select from any of those that do not already have owners.
| Alaska Huskies Owner: Steve S. 2011 Champion |  |
Atlanta Arsenal |  |
| Baltimore Blue Crabs |  |
Boston Colonials |  |
| Boulder Beasts |  |
Calgary Cavalry Owner: Joshua S. |  |
| California Wave Owner: Jon W. |  |
Chicago Hitmen |  |
| Dallas Outlaws |  |
Detroit Motorheads |  |
| Edmonton Kodiaks Owner: Ed P. |  |
Hamilton Steelcats |  |
| Houston Hellcats Owner: James L. |  |
Milwaukee Lagers |  |
| Minnesota Mammoths |  |
Montreal Olympiques Owner: Chris S. |  |
| New Orleans Gators |  |
New York Guardians |  |
| North Carolina Nighthawks |  |
Portland Pioneers |  |
| Quebec Armada Owner: Curtis L. |  |
Regina Renegades |  |
| Salt Lake City Scorpions Owner: Kyle G. |  |
Saskatoon Sharpshooters Owner: Brian H. |  |
| Seattle Aviators |  |
St. Louis Archers Owner: Ryan L. |  |
| Tampa Bay Barracudas Owner: Chris S. (commissioner) |  |
Vancouver Lumberjacks Owner: James W. |  |
| Washington Sentinels Owner: Simon C. |  |
Winnipeg Winterhawks Owner: Daniel R. |  |
If you want to apply, just make sure you follow the instructions outlined above. Good luck!
Chris
Application deadline: Sunday, September 4 at 3 PM Eastern (noon Pacific)
Reader Comments (161)
been playing all fantasy sports for about 5 years now, played hocky most of my childhood grew up on the ice, would love to represent the boston team because it is my home team because i am a home fan. and also big fan of the site.
1.) Boston Colonials
2.) Milwaukee Lagers
3.) Chicago Hitmen
4.) New York Guardians
5.) Seattle Aviators
6.) Portland Pioneers
This will be my tenth season of fantasy NHL coming up. I have been playing leagues with buddies of mine for years, and also join a couple public leagues each year. I have a professional fantasy record of 1st - 5 2nd- 2 3rd- 4 out of 24 leagues I have played since starting in 2001. Im very dedicated to fantasy hockey and ready to play in a competitive league.
Top 10
Chicago Hit Men
Atlanta Arsenal
Baltimore Blue Claws
Minnesota Mammoths
New York Guardians
New Orleans Gators
Regina Renegades
Winnipeg Winter Hawks
Milwaukee Lagers
California Wave
Cameron F
Fantasy hockey on ESPN for the past 4 years, won twice. Leagues of 10.
Detroit Motorheads. 'nuff said.
Hey,
My name is Paul. I would love to get involved in the league. I have been playing Fantasy Hockey for 10 years now. I run my own league on Yahoo and have done so for those 10 years. I most recently ran a 14 team league and will continue that same league this season. I have been reading your blog since it was the tournament of logos and I think it's awesome. Your site and other blogs inspired me to start my own blog with a friend called TripleDeke.net. We discuss all things reguarding the Atlantic Division in the NHL. If I were able to play, the order of teams I would choose are as follows:
NEW YORK
NEW ORLEANS
PORTLAND
SALT LAKE CITY
ALASKA
MINNESOTA
NORTH CAROLINA
SEATTLE
BALTIMORE
HAMILTON
I'd love to be part of the league and hope to hear from you.
Hi,
My name is Shawn and I would really like to be a part of the IceHL. I check Icethetics at least once a day for updates and enjoy seeing everyone's work and input. I've played fantasy hockey for the better part of the last ten seasons. Last season, I juggled eight teams, including two in ESPN leagues, one of which I won first place. The other ESPN league team finished second in what can only be described as a catastrophic accidental roster move click. My level of commitment to a fantasy league can be described as nothing short of obsession. Much to my wife's dismay, I often spend at least an hour every night combing through free agents and stats. I am so dedicated that I actually brought my laptop to the hospital and made my roster moves for the night ten minutes before my daughter was born this past January....and then couldn't help but check on how my team had done after all the chaos settled down and visitors left. Yes, I'm sick, I know, but if you want an owner for an IceHL team that will definitely not let things go stagnant, I'm your guy. I should also note, that I will make this my one and only league commitment this season since it definitely seems to be a league that won't have any dropouts or stragglers. If you decide to choose me, I will happily accept assignment to any team available, but I do have my preferances:
-Boston
-Baltimore
-North Carolina
-Huston
-Seattle
-Washington
-Winnipeg
-Alaska
Thanks for reading. Hope to be joining you all soon.
Shawn M.
jaimienme710@yahoo.com
I have managed multiple fantasy hockey teams in each of the past few years and have had success in each league. I check daily and make roster adjustments. I am a very serious player.
Team Choices
1. New Orleans
2. Seattle
3. Milwaukee
4. Atlanta
5. Winnipeg
6. Regina
7. North Carolina
8. Minnesota
9. Chicago
10. Alaska
I've been playing and commishing fantasy hockey leagues for about 4 years.
Really dedicated.
1. Dallas
2. Milwaukee
3. Minn.
4. Anybody else
Played in last years iceHL as the Seattle Aviators (recently changed my email from aethier10@yahoo.com). Other than that I have played in several yahoo leagues.
1. Seattle
2. New Orleans
3. Minnesota
4. Milwaukee
5. Detroit
Fantasy player since 99-2000. Commish a keeper-league that has had 15 teams in it for past 4 years. (no preference on team)
I've been playing fantasy hockey for the last 7 years, I'm very dedicated and spend far too much time poring over my teams. I've had a strange experience of either winning pools or performing quite badly, but it's always fun either way.
Alaska
North Carolina
Boston
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Playing fantasy hockey for the past 4 years and finished in 2nd every time! I want to finally have a shot at it! Never played in the IceHL league before so it could be awesome. Have fun guys, no matter who gets to play.
1. Detroit Motorheads
2. Baltimore Blue Crabs
3. New Orleans Gators
4. Seattle Aviators
arcuryfrank@yahoo.com
I'm from Buffalo NY and you know Buffaloians are HUGE hockey fans. (Thanks Sabres) I've been playing fantasy hockey sice 2007. i won my league that a friends of mine created and won $50 too.
1) New York Guardians
2) New Orleans Gators
3) Winnipeg Winterhawks
4) Portland Pioneers
5) Boulder Beasts
6) Boston Colonials
Hi, my name is Noojan Mazaheri, i'm a long time hockey fan and i have been participating in multiple fantasy hockey leagues and hockey pools for 6 years. Some of these have been with friends and co-workers, while others were more competitive. The more competitive ones were on sites like Yahoo!. I have come first in some leagues, but i generally average third or fourth. It would be great if i could join the ICEHL.
1. Winnipeg
2. Regina
3. Seattle
4.Alaska
5. Portland
6. Minnesota
7. New York
8. Detroit
9. Boulder
10. North Carolina
I applied last year, but came up short. I would love the opportunity to compete in this league. I've been playing fantasy hockey in the same league since 2002. I've won three titles, including last season, and finished second twice. The league I'm currently in is very competitive, with knowledgeable owners who know how to win. I'd like to take what I've learned in that league and see how I can apply it to IceHL.
1) Boulder Beasts
2) Seattle Aviators
3) Baltimore Blue Crabs
4) Boston Colonials
5) Milwaukee Lagers
6) North Carolina Nighthawks
7) Regina Renegades
8) Dallas Outlaws
9) Detroit Motorheads
10) Winnipeg Winterhawks
Have been playing in competitive fantasy hockey leagues for the past four years.
1.Milwaukee Lagers
2.North Carolina Nighthawks
3.Chicago Hitmen
4.Regina Renegades
I joined a keeper league in 1990 that was formed in 1979. During the lockout, I left with two other members to form a successor league, which is preparing for its seventh season. All teams have names and logos. Roster submissions are due September 10, so trade talks have been intense for a few weeks now. I have a strong interest in hockey history and aesthetics. My poor wife is scared to buy me a jersey for fear that I will find fault with it. I haven't officially submitted a design since my letter to the Canucks in 1980.
1. Seattle Aviators ... a nod to the USA's first Stanley Cup winning city
2. Baltimore Blue Crabs ... I have an old Skipjacks jersey in my closet, number 26
3. New York Guardians ... despite the fact that we are Sabres season ticket holders!
4. Minnesota Mammoths ... for the great documentary movie Pond Hockey
5. Regina Renegades ... I worked banquets at the Hotel Saskatchewan many moons ago
6. Detroit Motorheads ... my son's choice!
Thanks for your consideration.
Steve H.
1. Chicago Hitmen
2. Dallas Outlaws
3. New York Guardians
4. Seattle Aviators
5. North Carolina Nighthawks
6. Alaska Huskies
Have played fantasy hockey for over 10 years, managing over 15 teams. Commished 3 leagues. Finished 1st 8 times, runner up in 6 leagues. Love this site, and love fantasy hockey. Really sad to miss out last year, hope to get a team this year.
Hey, I'd be really interested in doing this and managing a team. I've done a few keeper leagues before, but the other people stopped keeping up with it, so I left. It would be awesome to play with you guys since it seems like you'll all be really dedicated. The teams I'd put at the top of my list to manage would be:
1. Alaska Huskies
2. New Orleans Gators
3. Milwaukee Lagers
4. Dallas Outlaws
5. New York Guardians
6. Portland Pioneers
7. Boulder Beasts
8. Winnipeg Winterhawks
9. Regina Renegades
10. Chicago Hitmen
Thanks for the consideration, and I look forward to a good season!
My wife would say that I am a fantasy junkie. Been playing fantasy hockey since 2000-2001. From keeper leagues to straight roto, and anything inbetween. Also I have been a commish a few times myself which is never easy. Just consider me that bearded ole veteran when it comes to playing fantasy sports. I will add that I would love to the challenge of playing with people who actually love hockey. Thank you for the opportunity to apply to your league.
-R
My top 10 would be:
1. Baltimore
2. Alaska
3. North Carolina
4. Minnesota
5. Regina
6. Milwaukee
7. Winnipeg
8. Seattle
9. Detroit
10. Chicago
Hey I'm Jack G., I've been playing fantasy hockey for a few years now and I'm always very committed. I've followed since the NHL Tournament of Logos days, so it would be an honor to be involved in this. Here are my teams:
Winnipeg Winterhawks
Minnesota Mammoth
Baltimore Blue Crabs
Alaska Huskies
Portland Pioneers
Seattle Renegades
Milwaukee Lagers