Eastside Hockey Manager returns on Steam today.. (3/26)

[SirFozzie]

I wouldn't have known this except for a Miles tweet, but it looks like the latest version of Eastside Hockey Manager will be going into Early Access on Steam today around 2 PM (if I'm reading the time differential right).

This is apparently coming out of nowhere, it was referred to by SI as Project Ouch.

Here's some info and links

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Miles Jacobson and Risto Remes • EHM The Blue Line (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=13579)

https://www.facebook.com/eastsidehockeymanager

Eastside Hockey (@eastside_hockey) | Twitter (https://twitter.com/eastside_hockey)

and the announcement on the SI Games site:

For a brief golden age between 2004 and 2007, ice hockey fans across the globe could test their management credentials from the comfort of their own homes with the Eastside Hockey Manager series. The game, developed by management simulation specialist Sports Interactive and published by SEGA, appeared in three incarnations over the course of that period and developed a small, but enthusiastic global following.

The trouble was, in those days before mass digital distribution, reaching that small, but dedicated audience proved increasingly difficult and uneconomic so, reluctantly, SEGA and SI shelved the game in January 2007.

However, throughout the intervening years EHM has been kept alive by a dedicated section of the SI crew and now, thanks to the emergence of Steam’s Early Access programme, the game that was loved by so many hockey fans is making a dramatic return.

Eastside Hockey Manager: Early Access offers fans the most realistic, in-depth and immersive simulation of hockey management available, giving them the chance to manage club or country in any one of the world’s top hockey-playing nations.

EHM: EA allows you to take full control of your roster – you decide who to sign, who to trade and who to draft. You assemble the perfect coaching team and then, with everything in place, you can choose to either employ a head coach to guide your team from behind the bench, or take control of the coaching duties yourself. Whichever you choose, you’ll follow the action ‘live’ through the ultra-realistic ‘top down’ 2D match engine.

You’ve always known that you have what it takes to lead your franchise to hockey glory, haven’t you? Now, thanks to the re-emergence of Eastside Hockey Manager you have the chance to prove it all over again.

Eastside Hockey Manager: Early Access will be available from 6:00pm (GMT) today (26th March 2015) through Steam Early Access.


Eastside Hockey Manager: Early Access – Key Features

- Contemporary League Structures
EHM: EA includes 11 playable leagues (with more planned to be added during early access), each one featuring the up-to-date structure and rules from the current season.

- Dynamic 2D Game Engine
Follow the action through the top-down game engine, which incorporates state-of-the-art physics modelling (including realistic deflections and shot-blocking) and convincing player AI. There’s even a zoom mode for those who want to get closer to the action.

- Lifelike Trade Negotiations
Managers can gauge interest to trade proposals from their opposite numbers as well as getting feedback from their own assistant. Each team has their own needs and some are ready to offload prospects for that key veteran that makes them a true contender whilst others can be looking to move high-wage veterans in order to rebuild through the draft.

- Intuitive User Interface
The centralized navigation bar makes management easier and more intuitive with all key management controls incorporated into the main menu bar.

- Improved Player Progression
Players develop and age naturally, while the role-based attribute modelling makes players more realistic and more varied.

- International Management
EHM EA: includes 13 international tournaments for senior and U20 national teams, with tournaments hosted in a variety of nations and cities.

- Database Import
The database format allows the importing of user-generated up-to-date rosters and even historical starting databases (created for earlier versions of EHM).

- And Much, Much More…
The intuitive tutorial system takes users through the early stages, there’s an option to hide all visible attributes in the game for added challenge, a nation overview screen to view all the top leagues, clubs and players for each country, player/non-player profiles, option to start the game with a fantasy draft, up-to-date ‘all-star’ game formats with skills competitions and many, many other features.

[NoSkillz]

HOLY CRAP!!

[The Jackal]

Oh boy, that's trouble.

[SirFozzie]

That was my reaction pretty much too, Well done SI Games for keeping it completely underwraps until announcing, I wouldn't have known about it other then seeing a Miles tweet about how he was off line until the EHM:EA early access release at 1 PM GMT today.. I was like "What, SI Games is releasing a new game?" and looked it up..

And then I did the happy puppy dance.

Well, I would have if my leg would have allowed it.

[bhlloy]

Whoa, that's awesome news. Is it April fools a few days early?

[SirFozzie]

Planned improvements during Early Access include: Network Games (IE FM-Like Multiplayer)

- How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

Polish, polish, polish. But we’re also planning some extra features – a play-off tree view will be rolled out in the first update, with some major improvements to player progression following in the second. At some point in the Early Access cycle we also plan to include a network game mode and some further playable leagues. And we’ll be looking at features that you, the community, suggest – if we like them (and they’re technically achievable) then we’ll do what we can to get them into the final game.

[bhlloy]

My second thought is if they just re-released the 2007 version with up to date rosters, teams and competitions and made tweaks to the engine to better reflect todays NHL in terms of goals per game, this would instantly become the second best sports sim on the market. If they actually improve it beyond that, it's all gravy

[FrogMan]

Oh boy, that's trouble.

yup...

FM

[Travis]

The Oilers may have killed my interest in the NHL but they can't dampen my happiness at hearing about this. Very awesome!

[riz]

Hi guys, long time no see. I've been lurking around reading the forums every now and then but thought I'd post a thanks for anyone who has kept on playing EHM07 and keeping the community alive.

There is a preview here on the Early Access version:
EXCLUSIVE: Preview of Eastside Hockey Manger: Early Access • EHM The Blue Line (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=13580)

Also a LOT of more info on the TBL forums as well as a good recap our own forums:
Sports Interactive Community (http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/423297-Eastside-is-back)

Thanks guys !

[Mike Lowe]

Wow. This is shocking, yet welcoming, news.

[SirFozzie]

Riz, you rat bastard! How could you keep us in the dark... :D :D :D :D

But on second thought, thanks for bringing EHM back ;)

[Fidatelo]

Does this version have the same FM-style emphasis on tactics like the 04-07 versions?

[Honolulu_Blue]

HOLY SHIT!!!!!

[Logan]

So what's the best way to get the very basics for this, like system requirements? I haven't played a computer game in the better part of a decade.

[Icy]

WOW dreams came true!!! Can't wait to buy it and for the latest TBL rosters!

[Ramzavail]

Holy shit!

I can't find it on steam though and that link above is giving me that vindicosuite business. But I'm pumped!

[SirFozzie]

apparently it will launch on steam for early access later today. I will probably live stream it a bit on Twitch (I have a habit of doing that)

[The Jackal]

So, FOFC league?

[Grover]

So I can't wait to join the new version EHM FOFC league...

[FrogMan]

So, FOFC league?

no online multiplayer at launch though...

FM

[The Jackal]

no online multiplayer at launch though...

FM

Yeah, but gauging potential interest.

[Ramzavail]

I'd be in.

[FrogMan]

Hi guys, long time no see. I've been lurking around reading the forums every now and then but thought I'd post a thanks for anyone who has kept on playing EHM07 and keeping the community alive.

There is a preview here on the Early Access version:
EXCLUSIVE: Preview of Eastside Hockey Manger: Early Access • EHM The Blue Line (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=13580)

Also a LOT of more info on the TBL forums as well as a good recap our own forums:
Sports Interactive Community (http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/423297-Eastside-is-back)

Thanks guys !

I as thinking about starting a career with my beloved Quebec Remparts but reading through the preview, this caught my eyes:
Another neat feature is the import_config.cfg file which can be used to set how the EHM 2007 database is imported/converted in EHM:EA format. You can set the start date, league/rules structure (either EHM 2007 rules/structures or 2014/15 rules/structures) and rename leagues. So it will be possible to create an EHM:EA version of Nino’s 1974 rosters which will have the correct 1974/75 start date. I have had a quick play around with Nino’s rosters in EHM:EA and it works great in the game. It also looks as though young players will appear in the game once they reach a certain age (but I haven’t fully tested this).

Start dates from 1970/71 until 2014/15 are currently supported.

hrm, might be tempted to restart way back in 1979-80, expansion year when the Nordiques but also Wayne Gretzky and his Oilers joined the NHL :D

I'm thinking this is as close to instabuy as I could think for a game on Steam...

FM

[SirFozzie]

Oh, and FM15 is 33% off this week.

You know, just in case you haven't paid ENOUGH to SI already :)

[Arles]

I've always been a big fan of this game, congrats on the release!

[Lathum]

how much?

[EVEN8184]

Looks like it's up now. $14.99, on sale for $11.99 until April 9th.

[djsatu]

Been craving a good hockey sim for a long long time. The last eastside hockey manager was awesome, and this is gonna be amazing! 13 bucks Canadian is a steal!

[Ramzavail]

Purchased :)

[SirFozzie]

So... Foz has a new game to play. And as traditional when such things happen, I'll spend some time talking about it on Twitch.TV. Be there, or be Rectangular.. or a Dodecahedron. If you want to be a dodecahedron, I ain't stoppin ya. Weirdo.

Twitch (http://www.twitch.tv/sirfozzie)

Edit: Stream done for now

[Grover]

I must get home so I can spend my money on this.

[Travis]

So out of curiosity, will buying this version mean that we get the finished version when it's ready (ie: updates to EA until it's "done") for no extra cost or is the early access version it's own product/separate purchase?

[SirFozzie]

Correct, you'll get the full game when it comes out

[Travis]

Correct, you'll get the full game when it comes out

Welp, that pretty much confirms that purchase.

Thanks! :)

[SackAttack]

dibs on the Panthers in the FOFC league. (what? look at that line, man. I gotta strike early!)

[SirFozzie]

I got Bruins

[Grover]

Flyers! (In ahead of Jackal, yuss!)

[Honolulu_Blue]

RED WINGS

[MizzouRah]

OMG... what a day! $12 I'm IN.

Here is a good review and links to real roster/photos/logos.

http://gmgames.org/eastside-hockey-manager-early-access-ehm-ea/review/#!prettyPhoto

[MizzouRah]

Haven't played in years.. anyway to make it full screen? If I check that box and hit OK it just goes back to unchecked and is displayed in a very small window.

[Fidatelo]

Anyone know how this game reacts to high-DPI settings? I know that DDPB and FOF don't play well with my Surface because it uses the 150% scaling.

[The Jackal]

Flyers! (In ahead of Jackal, yuss!)

Heck, I'll take the Lightning.

[MrBug708]

Kings?

[BYU 14]

This is awesome!!

And Coyotes if we do a league

[sovereignstar v2]

Awesome that the game is attempting a comeback - I've already purchased.

I always have to giggle when there is talk of FOFC hotseat leagues starting up. They *never* work out.

[Travis]

I'll call dibs on the Oilers for a league, though I'm guessing that's a ways off yet.

[RomaGoth]

This is awesome news. EHM is the one game I have played consistently since 2007.

My only issue is that I have never used Steam and am very cautious as I do not like DRM of any kind.

Can anyone reflect on their opinion of Steam who has experience using it? I don't want to buy a game I can't access without connecting to the internet, seems kind of counterproductive (at least imo).

[Vince, Pt. II]

Steam is quite possibly the best thing the Internet has ever come up with.

[MrBug708]

You don't need the internet to play steam games. Just to download

[Shoveler]

This is awesome news. EHM is the one game I have played consistently since 2007.

My only issue is that I have never used Steam and am very cautious as I do not like DRM of any kind.

Can anyone reflect on their opinion of Steam who has experience using it? I don't want to buy a game I can't access without connecting to the internet, seems kind of counterproductive (at least imo).

You can play any game you own on steam in offline mode.

[FrogMan]

You don't need the internet to play steam games. Just to download

what he says. Once the game is installed, you restart Steam in offline mode and you're good to go. Steam is great.

FM

[MizzouRah]

I guess default resolution is 1024x768.. anyway, no biggie I guess, hopefully that will patched in to make use of my 1920x1200 screen. :)

[cubboyroy1826]

Hmm anyone else not see the $11.99? Not that it matters really.

[Neuqua]

I'm also looking for the 11.99. First text sim I'm purchasing in a long time.

And claiming the Blackhawks if this is the proper thread ;).

[Neuqua]

Doh, is this PC only? I have a Macbook Air.

[Shoveler]

Doh, is this PC only? I have a Macbook Air.

Yep steam says windows only. I uses parallels and win7 on my macbook air and it runs windows only steam games just fine.

[RomaGoth]

Thanks for the responses. What if I stop using Steam for some reason or it goes away? Do I lose the games I have on there too?

[EagleFan]

Please pass the Kleenex...

[EagleFan]

Thanks for the responses. What if I stop using Steam for some reason or it goes away? Do I lose the games I have on there too?

Steam isn't going away anytime soon. You won't stop using Steam.

[SirFozzie]

Gabe Newell has promised to unlock everyone's games on Steam permanently should Steam no longer be a going concern

[PilotMan]

Got it, EHM was always one of those games I always wanted to fall in love with, but could never figure out. They had me at 2D and the price.

[Neuqua]

Purchased it for Windows.

May not be able to play for a long while but I wanted to support the fact they're making it again.

[Abe Sargent]

Done, sold, purchased, lets go.

[sabotai]

Bought it. I stay away from Early Access as a general rule, but being made by SI, it's a no-brainer.

[SackAttack]

The irony is I wasn't actually trying to start a dibs-call on teams. I was making fun of myself as a Panther fan, as though there's this horde of FOFCers falling all over themselves to claim the Panthers. :lol:

[FrogMan]

Bought it. I stay away from Early Access as a general rule, but being made by SI, it's a no-brainer.

yeah, a known property, we know it'll get done and we'll eventually have a fully working, patched kind of game and we'll have paid a sweet low price. Good deal :)

FM

[Lonnie]

Grabbed it. At $12 I didn't even have to think about it.

Started up with Dallas. First exhibition my goalie had a clean sheet 4-0 win. Next game 1-10 loss. Quite a swing there.

[chrisj]

I'm floored. I couldn't find my old EHM 07 serial number to install on my new laptop and considered purchasing the game again (if you could?). This will be better.

[tarcone]

My 1st experience with the game. Been looking for a hockey sim. This has a lot fof things for me to get comfortable with. I need some time to play with it.

Any tips?

[EagleFan]

Drooling after my first preseason 3-1 victory over Pittsburgh. What I hated about the previous version is that for some reason when I played preseason games each team would end up with something like 65 shots and scores would be 10-8.

Will take a little getting used to the speed, have to put it on slow or it's impossible to keep up with what is going on.

Will have to keep an eye out for real rosters.

[riz]

For anyone looking for third-party add-ons and such, I would suggest heading over to The Blueline. Those guys have kept the old 2007 game going with updates, add-ons etc and most of that is compatible with the new game as well:
Home • EHM The Blue Line (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/portal.php)

[SirFozzie]

An "it's never over till it's over" moment:

Buffalo scores with 1:11 to play to take a 3-1 lead over my Bruins.

However, the Bruins come back and get what is surely a consolation goal with 0:39 to play.

Bruins pull the goalie, and desperately try to score, and manage to knock one past the goalie with 0:11 to play. A shellshocked Buffalo manages to hold out the Bruins in OT, but the Bruins manage to win the shootout and the game.

[Lathum]

Will there be real rosters at some point?

Will likely purchase the game and would LOVE to replay as the Devils of the early 1990s. Would be nice to get some revenge on that fuckwad Messier.

[MizzouRah]

There are real rosters/logos/faces/etc.

Head over to the blue line!

[riz]

An "it's never over till it's over" moment:


I love these little moments inside the game :popcorn:

[muns]

I grabbed it as well. No brainer because of who is making it and of course how awesome it was. Looking forward to seeing how it develops!

[The Jackal]

There are real rosters/logos/faces/etc.

Head over to the blue line!

I need to check that out this weekend, for sure. Trying to get started with fake player names is much more difficult mentally.

[Draft Dodger]

what a pleasant surprise. totally breaking my no EA or Early Access rule.

FYI, looks like the $11.99 price is for FM owners...I will still buy at $14.99

[MizzouRah]

I need to check that out this weekend, for sure. Trying to get started with fake player names is much more difficult mentally.

I downloaded all the stuff, just need time to import it and check it out.

[Icy]

Is the Mac version planned? hope so knowing there was one for the old game.

Buying it for windows now anyway.

[RomaGoth]

Installed Steam and bought the game. Really digging it with an updated, fresh look.

[SackAttack]

what a pleasant surprise. totally breaking my no EA or Early Access rule.

FYI, looks like the $11.99 price is for FM owners...I will still buy at $14.99

the last FM I bought was 14 and I still see the $11.99 price.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah I paid $12 myself and last FM I bought was the same.

[Draft Dodger]

I dunno. It was $14.99 for me

[MizzouRah]

So just to be sure.. does everyone have that small 1024x768 window when the game opens up?

[djsatu]

Latest Roster Update came out yesterday can be downloaded here:

[2014-15] TBL Rosters v7.3 • EHM The Blue Line (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13590)

Logopack is here:

https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=a0fa740e0329c5c5&id=A0FA740E0329C5C5!731

Facepacks are here:

https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=a0fa740e0329c5c5&id=A0FA740E0329C5C5!715


Enjoy!

[IlliniCub]

Great game, amazing price! I wish there were a way to let the Head Coach you hire set tactics based on their preferences. As it stands now they can recommend lines but not tactics!

[MacroGuru]

Yeah, I was in almost immediately...

[SirFozzie]

So just to be sure.. does everyone have that small 1024x768 window when the game opens up?

Yes, you can make it full screen, but it will still be 1024x768. Pretty sure that's one of the things they're working on.

[MizzouRah]

Yes, you can make it full screen, but it will still be 1024x768. Pretty sure that's one of the things they're working on.

Ok thanks!

[Lathum]

Just picked it up. Hoping the rosters go back to the 90s. Getting some dinner then will fire it up.

[Lathum]

So I am stuck.

I started with a fantasy draft, simmed the preseason o my first game, and got a message that I am over the salary cap and need to reduce by waiving players or trading. Cant figure out how to trade, and players take 24 hours to waive and the game is today, so I am stuck not being able to sim todays game and move forward.

[NoSkillz]

So I am stuck.

I started with a fantasy draft, simmed the preseason o my first game, and got a message that I am over the salary cap and need to reduce by waiving players or trading. Cant figure out how to trade, and players take 24 hours to waive and the game is today, so I am stuck not being able to sim todays game and move forward.

I don't have EHM-EA yet (I have a Mac) but the fail-safe solution in the past for FM would be to go on a one-day vacation to take care of issues like that.

[SackAttack]

So I am stuck.

I started with a fantasy draft, simmed the preseason o my first game, and got a message that I am over the salary cap and need to reduce by waiving players or trading. Cant figure out how to trade, and players take 24 hours to waive and the game is today, so I am stuck not being able to sim todays game and move forward.

You can access the trade screen by going to the team page of the team you want to trade with, right clicking a player (doesn't matter who) and choosing "Approach to Trade."

It's kinda hidden and that's stupid, but once you're on that screen you can set up whatever trade offer you want with the team in question.

[cubboyroy1826]

Okay so where do I extract the logos and other stuff to?

[SackAttack]

Okay so where do I extract the logos and other stuff to?

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Eastside Hockey Manager\data\pictures\logos for the logos (assuming you're on Windows 7, 64 bit and the install location is the default; I don't know what it would be on 32-bit).

pictures\players for the players (no sub-folders). FWIW, some of the pictures work for me that way and some don't. Not sure why.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Eastside Hockey Manager\data\database is where you extract the roster folder to.

[SirFozzie]

Hopefully someone builds a fantasy NHL with no salary cap, just team by team budgets. :)

[sovereignstar v2]

So I loaded up the game tonight with the real rosters and decided I wanted to start off with a team that has lower expectations. I added a GM to every team and checked the inboxes of all of them. The boards of Chicago and Detroit expected to be Cup contenders. All other 28 teams are expected to reach the playoffs. Seems a bit off. Problem with the rosters or game itself though?

Edit: After looking at the majority of teams in a fictional league I'm seeing the same thing. Something that gets looked at then hopefully.

[cubboyroy1826]

Thanks a bunch Sackattack

[Lathum]

I don't have EHM-EA yet (I have a Mac) but the fail-safe solution in the past for FM would be to go on a one-day vacation to take care of issues like that.

Tried that already. Didn't work

[riz]

I started with a fantasy draft, simmed the preseason o my first game, and got a message that I am over the salary cap and need to reduce by waiving players or trading. Cant figure out how to trade, and players take 24 hours to waive and the game is today, so I am stuck not being able to sim todays game and move forward.

When you waive a player, you can immediately send them down even though they haven't cleared waivers yet. Also, if you waive a player, they stop counting against your cap for the time they are on waivers.

Depending on their contract details, they might again partially count against the cap after clearing waivers even if they are sent down. This would apply to players on one-way contracts with a wage over 925k (assuming you are on the modern DB).

[Lathum]

When you waive a player, you can immediately send them down even though they haven't cleared waivers yet. Also, if you waive a player, they stop counting against your cap for the time they are on waivers.

Depending on their contract details, they might again partially count against the cap after clearing waivers even if they are sent down. This would apply to players on one-way contracts with a wage over 925k (assuming you are on the modern DB).

Thanks!

A warning to ayone starting with a fantasy draft, pay attention to player salaries!

[duff88]

Seeing that game return was such great, unexpexted news! Thanks to everyone involved.

On my wishlist, I'd love to have two other start dates : Right before the draft, or right before free agency. Obviously something would need to be done to leave enough time for scouting, but that would be awesome to make it up-to-date without waiting for next season.

[Lathum]

Is there a way to fast sim multiple games?

[IlliniCub]

You could use the Go On Vacation option....but you have to be careful what options you use for it or your team could make moves for you.

[muns]

Is there a way to fast sim multiple games?

They really need an option like this IMHO

[Lathum]

They really need an option like this IMHO

yep, having to constantly click that green button is rather annoying if you are trying to fast sim seasons.

also, is there a way to delete emails?

[SirFozzie]

There needs to be the contiue game timeout where if you don't press a key within 2-5-10 seconds the game continues, I think we need to submit a feature request ;)

[EagleFan]

Found a potential issue with some of the CPU GM logic. About a week into November and New York has put a player on waivers with the below numbers:

Games Played 11
Goals 4
Assists 12
Points 16
+/- +9
Average Rating 8.09

His availability is "Deemed Untouchable by the Team"; though just prior to waiving him they were shopping him around.

[bhlloy]

Probably salary cap related? Although the logic for that seems to be a bit screwy as well, teams will try to shop one expensive good player rather than a few lesser players that would get them to the same place. In my game the Rangers shipped off St Louis for a couple of late draft picks right away.

[MizzouCowboy]

Wow, I don't visit the forum for a few days and this happens! Took about 5 seconds to go purchase, don't know what took me so long.

Didn't need another game, but couldn't resist. Besides, I had 5 cents left over in steam gifts, had to use it somehow!

[DeToxRox]

Obviously I haven't posted here in some time, but with the news that EHM is back I just can't stay in the shadows any longer. Whenever online leagues go live, I am in.

[Young Drachma]

Is it not a Mac game? Was thinkng about getting it.

[EagleFan]

Probably salary cap related? Although the logic for that seems to be a bit screwy as well, teams will try to shop one expensive good player rather than a few lesser players that would get them to the same place. In my game the Rangers shipped off St Louis for a couple of late draft picks right away.

They were under the cap based on what I saw when they placed him on the trading block; though any offer was met with a rejected trade saying the player was too valuable to trade. Then a week later came the news that he was put on waivers.

I said screw it and claimed him. (my team was sucking and needed some changes so a couple trades and that pick up seemed to help change the mood in the locker room and the results have changes as well; we started out 1-7-3 and no matter what I changed up it didn't work; that was October, the month changed to November and we have been 4-0; though we started that streak before I claimed him).

[Fidatelo]

I wasn't sure if this would work on my Surface Pro 2 but I bought it in hopes it would and sure enough it does. Got some real rosters, faces and logos loaded and I'm all set to take the Jets to the cup!

[MizzouRah]

I love seeing all the hockey talk back!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Obviously I haven't posted here in some time, but with the news that EHM is back I just can't stay in the shadows any longer. Whenever online leagues go live, I am in.

DeTox!

[Jon]

Stupid question, but where do you put the player pics?

[Draft Dodger]

not a stupid question. they go here (and this folder doesn't exist until you create it)

\Eastside Hockey Manager\data\pictures\players

[Fidatelo]

Played through training camp last night, and I found the try-outs/cuts confusing. I would get these messages that it was expected I make some cuts, but no information as to how many I needed to cut. Even for final cuts I had no idea what my final roster size needed to be.

I also found that cutting was tedious because I had to click on each player, go to Actions, and then terminate his try-out. It would be nice to just have a way to mass-cut groups of guys. Because of all this I just decided to try not cutting people and see what would happen. It seems like all the try-out guys just eventually get dropped off at the end anyways. So why would I go through the hassle of cutting them?

[Draft Dodger]

Played through training camp last night, and I found the try-outs/cuts confusing. I would get these messages that it was expected I make some cuts, but no information as to how many I needed to cut. Even for final cuts I had no idea what my final roster size needed to be.

I also found that cutting was tedious because I had to click on each player, go to Actions, and then terminate his try-out. It would be nice to just have a way to mass-cut groups of guys. Because of all this I just decided to try not cutting people and see what would happen. It seems like all the try-out guys just eventually get dropped off at the end anyways. So why would I go through the hassle of cutting them?

yeah, I've never loved the way the game handles camp. you don't get any guidance about the cuts, but there doesn't seem to be any reason to actually cut the players. plus, I feel like the game should give you a warning as to when the waiver period starts

I ran into trouble after camp during an exhibition game, when I kept getting an error about having an illegal roster, but on the screen there was no maximum limit. Couldn't figure out how to fix it, ultimately let the coach handle it and he sent all the goalies down save two. the rest of the roster stayed the same. :confused:

[Fidatelo]

Is there any kind of dictionary or help file that explains the tactical options? Like 'positional' vs 'overload' etc? I'd love to see a diagram showing what the optimal execution of one of these systems would look like so I could choose the most appropriate one for my players.

[sovereignstar v2]

Is there any kind of dictionary or help file that explains the tactical options? Like 'positional' vs 'overload' etc? I'd love to see a diagram showing what the optimal execution of one of these systems would look like so I could choose the most appropriate one for my players.

Take a peek at this.

EHM 2007 Guide - The Blue Line Wiki (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/wiki/index.php?title=EHM_2007_Guide)

[Fidatelo]

Thank you!

[SackAttack]

not a stupid question. they go here (and this folder doesn't exist until you create it)

\Eastside Hockey Manager\data\pictures\players

Some pictures show up for me and most don't despite the face pack having been extracted there.

[boberot]

Conceding that maybe there is: I wish there was a way to scout your own farm system.

I also found that trying to find decent FAs when none of them have been scouted at the beginning of a new career is next to impossible.

Anybody more savvy with EHM have any tips? Thanks.

So happy this game is back . . . .

[Draft Dodger]

Some pictures show up for me and most don't despite the face pack having been extracted there.

I had found that I had downloaded the wrong facepack. there's a big facepack with 800 or so and an update with 100 something. I had the update only until I finally figured it out

[Draft Dodger]

Conceding that maybe there is: I wish there was a way to scout your own farm system.

I also found that trying to find decent FAs when none of them have been scouted at the beginning of a new career is next to impossible.


You can scout individual teams or leagues but it'd be nice to be able to scout your own farm system. And I agree. Sorting FA's is never easy, but it's downright impossible at the beginning.

I am REALLY excited to have EHM back, and I'm hoping the return will give the guys a chance to tweak some of the little oddities and annoyances like these that have kicked around for a while

[SackAttack]

I had found that I had downloaded the wrong facepack. there's a big facepack with 800 or so and an update with 100 something. I had the update only until I finally figured it out

Would help if you, you know, posted the link to the big facepack, since both of the ones I see from upthread are almost certainly the 100-somethings. :D

[Groundhog]

I know less about hockey than I do about soccer (pre-FM), but I think I'd really dig a hockey sim. I sometimes get overwhelmed with the size of my roster and starting 11 that I lose track of individuals, where as (from what I gather) rosters would be more compact here.

How deep does EHM get into player personalities and the other non-'action on turf' side compared to FM?

[BishopMVP]

You can scout individual teams or leagues but it'd be nice to be able to scout your own farm system. And I agree. Sorting FA's is never easy, but it's downright impossible at the beginning.

I am REALLY excited to have EHM back, and I'm hoping the return will give the guys a chance to tweak some of the little oddities and annoyances like these that have kicked around for a whileYeah, my workaround is assigning a scout to my two minor league teams, then maybe bumping him to whatever teams a few of my better unsigned prospects on the team report page play for, but they really should add a button to do the whole farm system at once. Or give you a yearly report from the head scout (and one at the start of a new career/job). FM had that same quirk, but I think fixed it in more recent versions.

Haven't had a chance to dive in deeply yet. Hearing a couple worrying things regarding goalies (starters play too many games, good goalies stay good way too long), and I did run into my first RTE error a couple hours in, but it's early in EA so hopefully those are fixed. If Riz reads this add me to the chorus that really hopes they do add the ability to work in different screen resolutions, even if text is annoyingly small or I have to scroll on some screens.

[riz]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. As has been said, this is early days in Early Access and the initial focus obviously is to fix any urgent issues like crashes, but we will also be looking at balancing gameplay etc. as the early access goes on.

Aside from this, we've got some new features lined up as well as some new playable leagues to be added, so there is some all-new stuff to come as well.

[Draft Dodger]

Would help if you, you know, posted the link to the big facepack, since both of the ones I see from upthread are almost certainly the 100-somethings. :D

if you're using this one, referenced earlier in the thread
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=a0fa740e0329c5c5&id=A0FA740E0329C5C5!715

there's two files and you can't see the full file names unless you change the view in the upper right. You want the "real dates" file (the other has birthdates adjusted to a 2006 start date).

and then the update is here
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=a0fa740e0329c5c5&id=A0FA740E0329C5C5%21715

again, you want the "real dates" one if you are starting from present day.

[boberot]

I know less about hockey than I do about soccer (pre-FM), but I think I'd really dig a hockey sim. I sometimes get overwhelmed with the size of my roster and starting 11 that I lose track of individuals, where as (from what I gather) rosters would be more compact here.

How deep does EHM get into player personalities and the other non-'action on turf' side compared to FM?

By no means am I any kind of authority on the game, but I can confidently say that personalities of players / owners / team officials / etc. is nothing like it is in FM.

I also think it's still pretty easy to "lose track" of guys, since you're dressing 20 guys a night and typically playing all but your backup GK. Not to mention your farm affiliates and other prospects and junior players . . . .

[SackAttack]

if you're using this one, referenced earlier in the thread
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=a0fa740e0329c5c5&id=A0FA740E0329C5C5!715

there's two files and you can't see the full file names unless you change the view in the upper right. You want the "real dates" file (the other has birthdates adjusted to a 2006 start date).

and then the update is here
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=a0fa740e0329c5c5&id=A0FA740E0329C5C5%21715

again, you want the "real dates" one if you are starting from present day.

Thanks. I think the real dates is what I'm using but it only had 100 or so faces in it, I guess. Does the update have all the rest?

[Marmel]

Do you have to play out every game? Is there no sim game button?

[SackAttack]

Do you have to play out every game? Is there no sim game button?

There's no sim game button but there are options you can use to greatly reduce the length of time each game takes. I have mine set to 'key highlights only' and the clock speed/game speed both at 'very fast'.

It's not as fast as FOF but it's faster (for me) than FM.

[Draft Dodger]

Thanks. I think the real dates is what I'm using but it only had 100 or so faces in it, I guess. Does the update have all the rest?

I'm guessing you have the real dates update (2nd file) not the real dates full pack (1st file). at least, that's what I had done. you ultimately want both

[SackAttack]

I'm guessing you have the real dates update (2nd file) not the real dates full pack (1st file). at least, that's what I had done. you ultimately want both

and the first link you posted earlier today is the full file with the second being the update?

[Draft Dodger]

wait, I think that first link is wrong. hold on

try this one
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=A0FA740E0329C5C5&id=a0fa740e0329c5c5%21645

[Marmel]

There's no sim game button but there are options you can use to greatly reduce the length of time each game takes. I have mine set to 'key highlights only' and the clock speed/game speed both at 'very fast'.

It's not as fast as FOF but it's faster (for me) than FM.

Thanks. Are there plans to add a sim game button? I couldn't imagine a text sim without one. Even FM has one (at least in the FMC).

[IlliniCub]

You can sim individual games as long as in GM options you have it set so that human coaches every game or whatever is set at no. Then you just press continue and it sims like a normal day as if your team isn't playing and you can set your line ups and tactics, then just look at the results.

[JonInMiddleGA]

fwiw, my 16 (dang, 17 in two weeks) year old picked up the game from Steam last night. Funny thing is that he was just asking about it about a month ago, then this thread popped up in a timely fashion.

When I went to bed last night he was still on the couch playing :)

[sachmo71]

download now.

[Marmel]

One thing that has always bugged me about FM and now this is massive amount of attributes to sort through. Not being too familiar with hockey, I can't even seem to find a star rating to help guide me along. Any suggestions for a newb?

[EagleFan]

One thing that has always bugged me about FM and now this is massive amount of attributes to sort through. Not being too familiar with hockey, I can't even seem to find a star rating to help guide me along. Any suggestions for a newb?

The only place that I have seen star ratings is in the propose trade screen but that seems to be an interest rating.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The only place that I have seen star ratings is in the propose trade screen but that seems to be an interest rating.

One of the screens for trading (I think it's when you're proposing a deal) has the stars labeled "Value" instead of "Interest". But that's just trade value, not skill :/

[IlliniCub]

Does anyone have good practice tips or schedules that work for you? I'm not developing prospects as well as I'd like.

[tarcone]

Couldnt get the pictures to work. But thats ok.

Played the 1st exhibition game as St. Louis. The Blues spanked the Ducks, 7-0.
Pure domination.

[klayman]

One thing that has always bugged me about FM and now this is massive amount of attributes to sort through. Not being too familiar with hockey, I can't even seem to find a star rating to help guide me along. Any suggestions for a newb?

You could use reputation as a guideline, but it's also not going to be accurate especially for youngsters and older players.

On each team's roster page there are three players with * by their names. These are the top three players on that team. You can also have your coach set the lines to determine the relative skill of your own players. Keep in mind that will be influenced by fatigue and stuff.

[tarcone]

There is a lot to this game.
I cant find a list of free agents. Where is that in the game?

[IlliniCub]

You have to goto scouting...Player Search and then set the filters to show you UFA.....Could definitely use a little work to make the free agency process more user friendly

[Sweed]

I bought in, too great a deal at $11.99. I have a question after looking through the manual.

I want to play as GM only, I build the team and let my head coach set tactics and manage the games, but I want to watch the games. Is that possible?

Manual states:
Coach Games Yourself: If set to no, each game will be handled by your Assistant GM and simply generate whilst processing rather than going into the game itself.

Handled by the Assistant GM, not the Head Coach?
Can I watch a replay of the game and hide the score?

Ok, now something else. Earlier I went into the tactics screen and let the coach suggest lines. Then went in further and asked for coaches opinion but no tactical settings changed? Am I the only one that can set up tactics and the AI coach only does it "in game" when he is coaching? I'd really like to see what he is setting up if I am not coaching the games.


Now I can't even get back into the tactics screen. Is this one of those have to continue a day to get back in?

Thanks.

[tucker rocky]

I bought in, too great a deal at $11.99. I have a question after looking through the manual.

I want to play as GM only, I build the team and let my head coach set tactics and manage the games, but I want to watch the games. Is that possible?

Manual states:
Coach Games Yourself: If set to no, each game will be handled by your Assistant GM and simply generate whilst processing rather than going into the game itself.

Handled by the Assistant GM, not the Head Coach?
Can I watch a replay of the game and hide the score?

Ok, now something else. Earlier I went into the tactics screen and let the coach suggest lines. Then went in further and asked for coaches opinion but no tactical settings changed? Am I the only one that can set up tactics and the AI coach only does it "in game" when he is coaching? I'd really like to see what he is setting up if I am not coaching the games.


Now I can't even get back into the tactics screen. Is this one of those have to continue a day to get back in?

Thanks.
Go to league schedule, and scroll down to your teams game.
There is a button to click, to view or not view, when coach controls game.

For tactical settings to be changed, have coach select team, then tactics, or team and tactics all at once.

[Sweed]

Go to league schedule, and scroll down to your teams game.
There is a button to click, to view or not view, when coach controls game.

For tactical settings to be changed, have coach select team, then tactics, or team and tactics all at once.


Thanks. I did finally get to my first exhibition game and found that on the schedule. Figured there had to be a way but the way the manual read left me wondering.

[chrisj]

Love the new ratings screen from the most recent update - much easier to get a clear picture of how well a player is rated.

[bhlloy]

I'm going to try this as GM only - watching the games just doesn't give anywhere near a realistic NHL game and it's killing my immersion. Just my two cents.

[bhlloy]

DOLA - here's what I'd consider pretty broken right now in terms of watching the games out

- Scoring too high, or more accurately seems to be very few low scoring games
- Too many goals from defensemen on what seems to be pretty harmless shots from the point, especially after a faceoff
- WAY too many penalties, and penalty distribution needs a lot of work. This is probably my biggest gripe - it just bears no actual relation to how penalties are called in a real NHL game. I've seen way too many periods where one team gets seven calls and the other team gets none. I've seen tons of penalties called in the last five minutes of a game. Penalties seem to happen randomly all over the ice where in reality the vast majority of penalties are in the defensive zone. The most common penalty seems to be charging whereas I've seen maybe one or two of those called all season IRL
- Faceoff positioning just seems weird. I've had matching minors in one zone go all the way back to the other zone for the faceoff and I've also had quite a few penalties where the faceoff should have gone to the offensive zone and hasn't

[EagleFan]

Not seeing drastic increases in the penalties (though when watching the games they do tend to decrease the immersion factor if you pay attention to what penalty is supposedly being called; I like the charging calls when the person getting the penalty maybe moved about 3 feet to initiate contact).

Looking at the stats on average it is up about 1.5 power play opportunities per game per team over NHL (basically one extra minor per period).

Scoring is up. Though I am not overly worried about that; makes me think back to watching games in the 80's.

Am seeing quite a few WTF roster moves by the CPU teams. Not even moves that I could at least say the salary cap is the reason. The "Rangers" waived the league's leading scoring while they were 3 million under cap. Three other teams waived their team's leading scorer and all were under the cap. The one I know the most about was the New York player because they first put him on the trading block. I inquired and was told that he was untouchable. The next day they waived him.

[EagleFan]

Just played through the first game after the update. Had more penalties than I had in previous games; hope that wasn't a result of the update but a one off.

Like that they fixed the faceoff locations and the line changes after icing.

Final score was 3-2 in overtime. Though I had over 40 shots to get those three goals. Will see how the next games play out.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I honestly don't know what is supposed to be working at this point & what isn't supposed to be working -- especially when playing with mods -- but I'll mention this in case it's worth noting.

I'm playing with an ECHL team (courtesy of one of the mods) and contract negotations -- or rather player decision making in contract negotations -- seems downright borked.

Player wants 1 yr / $20k
My board only allows me to offer $16k.

So I work around by offering $16k salary AND a $22k signing bonus (by this point I was trying to see if anything would work) ... the player declines.

Not a one time thing either, have gotten the same inexplicable refusal from 5 different players in similar situations.

Yeah ... that's broken.

[Fidatelo]

My only issue with the game so far is that I appear to suck at it.

[EagleFan]

Major bug that I just found. Game was tied 4-4 and went to overtime. No team scored in overtime and the game went to a shootout. I setup my order for the shooters and hit continue game. When I did the game went back to the day's results and showed that I lost in overtime. When I look at the box score it shows a goal by Toronto 1:10 into overtime as the game winner. WTF?

[EagleFan]

dola: and it was listed as a power play goal (though thee were no penalties in the overtime that I watched).

[bhlloy]

Suspensions and major penalties are also really wacky. Last three guys to get suspended in the league for me - Parise, Backstrom and Hossa. The last two have never even thrown a check.

[bhlloy]

DOLA - this is what I'm talking about. No referee on earth would call this game and if he did he'd be murdered afterwards, and I regularly see streaks of 7-8 penalties called on one team.

EDIT - a penalty called with less than two minutes to go in the game and on in OT as well! Good luck getting out of Dallas guys

http://i57.tinypic.com/2e24jmq.png

[Fidatelo]

Doesn't seem unusual to me...

/JetsFan

[bhlloy]

Well, as a Ducks fan I'm well used to getting screwed to the tune of 4-1 every game since around 2006, but that's a little excessive. Should be a fun first round series to see which team gets more calls then.

[Mota]

I've also noticed a lot of goals from the defense.

The penalty thing doesn't really bother me. I view it as the refs actually calling a game the way it needs to be, rather than worrying about their personal safety. In real life they try to even things out over time, I've seen it over and over again but in a game there's no such requirement.

[Fidatelo]

Well, as a Ducks fan I'm well used to getting screwed to the tune of 4-1 every game since around 2006, but that's a little excessive. Should be a fun first round series to see which team gets more calls then.

The Jets are in a whole different league when it comes to penalties:



Minor Penalties Leaders

RK TEAM PIM MINOR
1 Winnipeg 1068 373
2 Pittsburgh 1123 343
3 Columbus 978 338
...
11 Anaheim 887 299

[Ramzavail]

Is it impossible to trade a player with a no trade clause? are the only options waive and buy out? or if you deem them not needed and send them down and they trade them for a bag of ass, the player will waive the NTC?

[SirFozzie]

Two new nations, four new leagues, and a bunch of fixes highlight the just released patch:

Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Eastside Hockey Manager: Early Access (http://steamcommunity.com/games/301120/announcements/detail/177107167835531032)

Changelist for 15.2.0b
======================

New features:
-------------
- Swiss Leagues 1 and 2 made playable
- German League made playable
- Finnish League 3 made playable
- Added option to use a borderless 1024x768 window in game preferences


Database Import changes for 2014 rules:
[apply to new games started with newly imported databases only]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Adjusted national tv deals in various nations
- World championships format updated
- Fixed Russian league playoff brackets
- Updated shootout rules in various leagues
- Fixed Swedish league playoff home/away games order


Database Import changes for 2006 rules:
[apply to new games started with newly imported databases only]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Gameplay changes:
-----------------
- Improved AI trade evaluations, fixed harsh roster related trade evaluations
- Improved financial assessments of trades
- Improved player/agent wage demands in relation to team budgets and status offered
- Improved player contract evaluations to put more weight on wages on offer
- Improved reputation settings for human managers based on past experience selected
- When human manager moves teams, old team league is removed from boxscores to show list
- Adjusted club expected rankings and ranking updates during the season
- Fixed high board expectation levels for teams expected to be at the bottom of the league
- Fixed board wage allowance for entry-level contracts to allow teams to sign prospects better
- Adjusted general club finances with regards to sponsorship levels (other income) and merchandising
- Fixed season ticket sales processing
- Some award scoring adjustments
- Fixed teams losing rights to qualified restricted free agents after contract expiry
- Improved AI when trimming roster for salary cap purposes
- Fixed the latest draft lottery model and added recap of the first round picks in the news item
- Fixed creation of junior/college preference for new players at the start of a new game (applies to new games only)
- Fixed initial bonus points doubling up in one Swedish league stage
- Improved league news items for promotion/relegation/qualification to next round
- Small improvements for various news item texts
- Improved chances for owners to inject money into their clubs when in financial trouble


UI changes:
-----------
- Player comparison screen lists attributes the same way as in player profile
- Added tooltips to the trade interest stars in trade screens
- If a player is willing to waive his no-trade clause, this is indicated in the trade interest label and tooltip
- Re-arranged select leagues screen to accommodate more leagues


Other changes:
--------------
- Fixed rare crash when trying to continue after re-loading a saved game on season update day
- Fixed rare crash with All-Star game when a participating player had suddenly retired
- Fixed crash when clicking on an empty "Compare Players" menu
- Fixed error on comparing all-star team player and team stats
- Fixed error with setting up player data for games with databases that had invalid player position settings


In-Game Engine v68
==================
- Fixes to overtime penalty processing
- Adjustments to penalty reasons
- Adjustments to calling penalties
- Small adjustments to player decision making

[JonInMiddleGA]

minor buggish thing showing up in my 3rd season as the head of Arizona (the NHL ones)

I keep a close eye on things in the AHL & ECHL, that's what brought me to notice that Rockford has basically only dressed 13 players, just 3 forwards, for most of the season en route to a 7-32-4 start.

Might need some tweaking to something there

[muns]

How's the progress with this? Is it worth starting a real career yet or is it still in the mess around stages?

[Grover]

minor buggish thing showing up in my 3rd season as the head of Arizona (the NHL ones)

I keep a close eye on things in the AHL & ECHL, that's what brought me to notice that Rockford has basically only dressed 13 players, just 3 forwards, for most of the season en route to a 7-32-4 start.

Might need some tweaking to something there

Man, that line must be exhausted.

[JonInMiddleGA]

How's the progress with this? Is it worth starting a real career yet or is it still in the mess around stages?

I've had fun with it, over a combined 7 seasons in 2 careers (decided to try an NHL one straightaway along with the ECHL one I did first), as long as you can kinda squint occasionally and not look too hard at some of the quirky stuff.

[EagleFan]

I've had fun with it, over a combined 7 seasons in 2 careers (decided to try an NHL one straightaway along with the ECHL one I did first), as long as you can kinda squint occasionally and not look too hard at some of the quirky stuff.

This. Though I am still in my first season.

[muns]

Thanks for the answers guys

[chrisj]

My big frustration - it is difficult to figure out what your cap number will be. Maybe it's just not knowing the exact rules - but it would be nice if there was somewhere that gave an indication?

Edit: I just went from the game telling me I was at $71 million to telling me I'm at $62 million??

Edit #2: And it looks like the Blackhawks waived Duncan Keith simply because of how the game calculates the salary cap in the off-season. Because they are now well under the cap... only minus Keith (it would have been close otherwise... but they wouldn't lose a key player for nothing if they could have avoided it).

[djsatu]

Anyone still playing this? Apparently the latest patch made the gameplay and stats amazing and close to real life. Im just waiting for the new rosters to drop, and it will be my go to hockey fix through the winter months. I'd also like to see if anyone bought FHM2 and can compare the 2. The price point and AI logic so far has hindered my purchase for that game, and im waiting for legit reviews to pop up.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I haven't played it in a while. The last time I played the stats weren't close. The games were all very high scoring and weird.

I'll fire it up tonight and check it out.

[BishopMVP]

I'm just as interested in if/how the player development algorithm and goalie playing time/general injuries were tweaked. I know I'm starting to get the itch too with training camps starting, but I'm always more interested in being a long-term GM than an in-season coach who wants to replay this year or put a lot of time into player interaction. (FOF/FBCB hit the sweet spot for me.)

I also dislike how it tries to be FM when it comes to free agents and scouting, but I understand riz and them have a more Euro-centric view (and that it's easier to start with existing template than build everything from scratch.)

[chrisj]

I'm still playing it and enjoying it... will likely start up a new career when new rosters come out (as well as updated AHL format - don't think that's been done yet?)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I fired EHM up last night and can confirm the scores are much more in line with actual hockey scores. Much, much more.

That said, I lost pretty much every game I played. I was sad.

[djsatu]

Just fired up the game, and am starting a dynasty with the 1974 Boston Bruins. Hope you guys follow it in the dynasty reports section of the forum!

[jbergey22]

Any news on this game? Is it out of early access? I own it but really havent touched it since I purchased. Was hoping this would be patched up and ready to play one of these days.

[sabotai]

I think it's still Early Access and it'll probably be awhile before it's not. However, it seems like they put out an update once a week or so, so it might be worth giving it a look if you haven't played it in awhile.

[chrisj]

The stats have certainly come along way since the initial release.

Main aspect I hate is trading in the game. As an example, I was looking for a goalie. The Kings (in 2035 or something like that) had 3 young goalies who were all starting material (one was playing in the AHL). It wouldn't move either of them no matter what the package was, nor would it at least tell me who on my team they might be interested in acquiring.

[djsatu]

I read a new interview this week on a swedish website with the developer, and he states the game will no longer be early access in december. Game will be updated with improved screen resolutions also! No confirmation on online play, but im hoping to be pleasently surprised.

Interview about EHM with Risto Remes and Miles Jacobson (http://www.fmsweden.se/page/artiklar/_/intervjuer/interview-about-ehm-with-risto-remes-and-miles-r2555)

[chrisj]

And it is out of Early Access now:
Eastside Hockey Manager Returns To The Rink | Sports Interactive (http://www.sigames.com/news/eastside-hockey-manager-returns-rink)

[riz]

Just a heads up, EHM got the first bigger update since the December release yesterday. Here's the changelist for version 1.1:


New features:
-------------
- Added European Champions League (club continental competition)
- Added European Cup (club continental competition)
- Added tutorial screens for the draft screen (preview/review and ongoing draft)
- Added option in preferences to force host 2D clock/action speeds on all clients in network games
- Added option in preferences to force host 2D highlights setting on all clients in network games
- Added "Join Unconnected" action in GM status screen in network games for hosts to force all unconnected users to join on the host in vacation mode
- Added news items for teams qualifying for club continental competitions at the end of season
- Added Screen Flow options to preferences to control certain landing pages and default views
- Added support for generic league and team small logos



Database Import changes for 2015 rules:
[apply to new games started with newly imported databases only]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Added European Champions League (club continental competition)
- Added European Cup (club continental competition)
- Removed Russian League 1 24-day injured reserve
- Updated Russian League 1 roster limit to only apply during the season
- Adjusted Russian League 1 restricted FA qualifying offer limit from 150% to 120% of the previous wage
- Added rule for Asian League to not count players from countries which have teams in the league as foreigners
- Added rule for Asian League to support special teams that can only use domestic players (Daemyung)
- Updated Danish transfer rules to limit foreign players on roster to 8


Gameplay changes:
-----------------
- Adjustments to Team Report availability for both club and national teams
- Fixed information stored about the draft player was drafted in for the Canadian Junior drafts
- Improved early career paths for junior players
- Improved placement of older amateur players
- Improved newgen placement across junior teams
- Added support for special teams that can only use domestic players
- Fixed Exhibition games/cups/tournaments to use the default rules for overtime and shootout etc. from the home team league rules
- Improved player wage expectations in situations where they would want to test the market rather than re-sign with current team
- Improved trade evaluations for trades where a team is moving a player on the trade block
- Adjusted trade evaluations for players who have been scratched lately and added relevant feedback
- Adjustments to young player college/junior preferences
- Exhibition tournaments will no longer send a news item for the teams to submit jersey numbers
- Fixed 21-day injured reserve list functionality for American League 2
- Adjusted trade evaluations for future draft picks
- Agents no longer offer unattached restricted free agents to clubs who don't hold their rights and cannot sign them
- Information about offered contract average wage and contract length added to contract decision news items
- Network auto-continue no longer resets after saving the game in network games
- General adjustments to trade evaluations and assistant feedback
- Adjusted the method of storing player personal tactics when the limit of 30 personal tactics per team is reached and a tactics for a player who is not dressed needs to be overwritten
- Adjustments to creation of extra juniors at game start to improve future draft pool quality (affects new games only)
- Adjustments to newgen starting ability levels
- Adjustments to older player longevity at top levels to prevent too many players staying at top level for too long
- Adjustments to draft rankings to put more weight on the league player is playing in
- Prevented minor league teams from signing overaged players from major junior teams before their season is over
- Adjusted max wage allowed by board when re-signing restricted free agents who are still rookies
- Adjusted filling of offensive/defensive awareness attributes in relation to some specific defenseman roles (Physical Pointman, Physical Playmaker, Standard)
- Adjusted filling of offensive/defensive awareness attributes for roles where neither is a key attribute
- Fixed player recovery not being slowed down by intense training in all areas


UI changes:
-----------
- Fixed sorting by note type and note text in draft and search screens
- Added option in preferences to disable disk space checks when saving/starting game
- Changed appearance of "Update" buttons on the Published section of the Downloads screen
- Fixed Ask Coach/Clear Roster actions availability on roster screen for national teams
- Added alternative "points only" view for league tables to show standings without adjustments for divisional winners etc.
- Added league rules information on nations that are not considered foreign for leagues that have a related special rule
- Added league rules information on special clubs that are only allowed to use domestic players
- Added extra reasons displayed on contract offer screen for situations where the player would prefer not to re-sign with current team
- Contract view on Roster screen now also displays the free agency type next to the contract expiry
- Make a Trade button as a key action button on team screen
- European junior teams will now display the logo of the parent club if junior team has no specific logo
- Added quickflicks and see-also menu to the league leaders screen for in-active leagues to switch to other leagues in the nation
- Added view menu to league leaders screen for in-active leagues to view different stats types for skaters (scoring, special teams, defensive, penalties)
- Added nation link to section tab of the league leaders screen for in-active leagues
- Team logos now displayed on the league stages list of games and playoff stages screens when available
- Added support for small team logos to be displayed in various panels and tables
- Added support for small league logos to be displayed in various panels and tables
- Adjustments to the rows available on the player search screens with higher resolutions
- Adjusted the draft lottery description in news item to match the new draft lottery format where top 3 picks are determined by lottery
- Fixed "Next Game" button placement on AI team screen schedule panels
- Improved links to drafts in player information and history/achievements
- Added conference standings for leagues where the initial league stages are division based instead of conference based (American League 1)
- Added player history achievement entry for getting drafted
- Added manager history achievement entry for drafting a player
- Added information on the types of injured reserves in use on the league rules panel
- Moved information on number of nations/leagues selected to the information panel at the bottom of the start new game options and added number of playable international and continental competitions
- Adjusted team logo placements on 2D screen when playing games
- Fixed default sorting on the Team Screen Statistics section to points
- Adjusted search filters dialog so that Nationality option will list any nations that have teams in the currently managed team's league
- Players from Hong Kong and Macau no longer counted as foreign players on Chinese teams
- League player statistics panel downsized back to top 50 to further improve stability of network games with higher resolution settings
- Fixed sorting by team short names on waiver wire screen
- Split the yearly list of games in team screen into monthly brackets
- Improved support for Workshop based picture/logo packs in network games when server and client both have same Workshop items installed


Other changes:
--------------
- Fixed a rare crash due to game getting stuck on game day when a large number of leagues all have games on same day
- Fixed going on holiday sometimes not triggering properly
- Improved clock refresh rates when running 2D with the fastest clock speed or with no highlights
- Added checks to fix possible invalid draft history entries in some custom databases
- Adjusted random seed generation for draft lottery on the lottery day
- Fixed crash on team transactions screen when listing draft picks after acquiring a large number of picks in trades
- Fixed emergency virtual players not showing up on team screen for club teams
- Fixed start of the game wage checks to keep some custom DB entry level contract wages that were being re-calculated
- Fixes to some club record type end-of-season updates that were not done correctly
- Fixed updating of best GAA record type
- Updated known current and upcoming host nations for World Junior Championships (affects new games only)
- Adjustments to international tournament scheduling and arena selections
- Fixed crash on a news item when trying to respond to a two-way loan deal offer in British lower leagues when player is on an amateur contract
- General code optimizations to improve game performance
- Fixed network game error with network message being full with practice screen and a large number of players on roster
- Fixed a rare crash on game startup when verifying installed workshop files
- Fixed a rare crash when scouting thousands of individual players

Eastside Hockey Manager Update 1.1 Out Now (Changelist) (http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/452186-Eastside-Hockey-Manager-Update-1-1-Out-Now-(Changelist))

[riz]

Just a heads up on this, EHM is currently 75% of to celebrate the release of the official EIHL data, logo and player pic packages. The sale is on until the end of the week: Save 75% on Eastside Hockey Manager on Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/301120/)

[PilotMan]

I really need to get into a deep game of this.

[djsatu]

This game has been totally worth it when I paid 12 bucks CDN at launch, and now its under 6 bucks? Come on people, if you like sim games, this is a must have at that price!

[Umbrella]

Quick question. I have played quite a bit of FM, and I enjoy taking a team in the lower levels, and trying to work my way up. I know we don't have promotion and relegation in hockey, but can you start as a coach/GM in a lower league, and eventually get hired in the NHL?

ETA: Can you get fired for poor performance as well?

[Comey]

I haven't played a hockey game since NHL '95. (I loved that game.) For five bucks, I picked this up. Thanks for the heads up.

Now, to find time for all of these games...

[whomario]

Just a heads up on this, EHM is currently 75% of to celebrate the release of the official EIHL data, logo and player pic packages. The sale is on until the end of the week: Save 75% on Eastside Hockey Manager on Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/301120/)

Thanks for the heads up. Really enjoyed the old version from the 00s, was planning to get this but never got around to doing it. For 5 bucks this should be one of the bigger bargains i had this year.

The old game had a few glaring holes, but still did a terrific job at a robust long-term exerience from what i remember and the unique league/farm (if you play in NA) system made it fun to just browse around the game universe as well.

Does it come with a quick-sim option ? Should have probably asked before buying ...

Also, are there any mods that are must-haves ? Like picture/logo files etc ?

[whomario]

Is there no way to see the coaches opinion of the Potential of a player on the roster screen (and not just on the profile page individually) ?

Also, why does the game automatically invite players into traning camp ("open tryout") ?

[TroyF]

This game has been totally worth it when I paid 12 bucks CDN at launch, and now its under 6 bucks? Come on people, if you like sim games, this is a must have at that price!


Glad I checked in with FOFC this morning. I picked this up today.

[tarcone]

Where do i download the updates? Cant seem to find them.

[djsatu]

For people just getting started, below are links to roster updates for today and past years. Also if im not mistaken, instructions are included on how to install them into your game.

2015/16 8.2 UPDATE

[2015-16] TBL Rosters v8.2 [EHM 1] • EHM The Blue Line (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=16246)

Various Retro Rosters

Retro Rosters • EHM The Blue Line (http://www.ehmtheblueline.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=116)

A link to the facepacks I use in my game that are awesome!

[EHM] Projekt: Facepacks till EHM:EA [Actionpics] - FMSweden (http://www.fmsweden.se/topic/28052-ehm-projekt-facepacks-till-ehmea-actionpics/)

Enjoy the game!

[tarcone]

Im looking for update 1.1.1

[Suicane75]

I'm fairly certain the answer to this is no, but is there a way to customize the league structure/size and use computer generated players to populate your universe.

[Sweed]

Im looking for update 1.1.1

Haven't played in awhile but its a STEAM game doesn't it auto update?

[tarcone]

It doesnt look like it did. Where can I see what version of the game I have?

[Sweed]

I just opened my game to check and on the upper left of the opening splash screen it shows the version number. Mine does show 1.1.1

[tarcone]

Cool. I will check it out. Thanks

[RomaGoth]

Haven't played in awhile but its a STEAM game doesn't it auto update?

Yes, as long as you are logged into Steam. Being in offline mode will NOT update the game automatically, however.

[whomario]

How do you keep track of player development in this one ? Considering this is based on FM i am a bit incredulous how many of it´s little options/screens/functions are missing that would be as much or even more nescessary here.

Having started a game with the Sabres i seem to have a pretty crappy team but a few youngsters and will rely heavily on the draft as well. So it´d be kinda important to do this.

[Umbrella]

How do you keep track of player development in this one ? Considering this is based on FM i am a bit incredulous how many of it´s little options/screens/functions are missing that would be as much or even more nescessary here.

Having started a game with the Sabres i seem to have a pretty crappy team but a few youngsters and will rely heavily on the draft as well. So it´d be kinda important to do this.

I've been digging around online for this same question, and it looks like it isn't in the game. You will have to manually keep track, which is a pain.

I'm hoping someone can prove me wrong.

[whomario]

Another thing: Is there no way to sort by or search by scout recommendation (4* 5* f.e. ) ?

[RomaGoth]

Another thing: Is there no way to sort by or search by scout recommendation (4* 5* f.e. ) ?

Unfortunately no.

[whomario]

Unfortunately no.

Hah, now i know why that screen name looked familiar ;)

[whomario]

Is there a screen to watch past Draft results ?

[RomaGoth]

Is there a screen to watch past Draft results ?

You can look at past drafts through either the current draft screen or via your team's draft screen under transactions (clicking on the arrows at the top will take you to past drafts for your team).

You can also look at past drafts by clicking on a player's draft info under the information section of the player's individual screen.

[whomario]

Obliged :)

[Umbrella]

I took the plunge and bought this. I'm starting in Bradford, which is in the British league (N2), and I am having a problem. This team is all amateurs, so I can't hire an assistant GM or any scouts, since none of them will sign for nothing. I managed to find a guy as a player/coach, so at least I can have practice. Is this just life in an amateur league, or am I missing something?

[riz]

Another thing: Is there no way to sort by or search by scout recommendation (4* 5* f.e. ) ?

If you have a scout with some reports listed on the scouting screen, you can indeed sort by scout recommendations. From the "View" menu, select the "Scout Recommendations" view and it shows both the Current and Future recommendations in star ratings and you can sort by either of those. On the other views the higher of the two recommendations is always listed on the left most column as well when viewing a scouts list.

The online game is indeed setup so that one person sets up a server and others join that server to play at the same time. There is currently no official support for other kind of network games, although in theory you could manually run all the human teams on just your own machine as a commish, based on decisions sent in by the GM's. But that could be a bit of a hassle.

Thanks for the feedback here, I'll try and take it all into account in the future versions.

[riz]

How do you keep track of player development in this one ? Considering this is based on FM i am a bit incredulous how many of it´s little options/screens/functions are missing that would be as much or even more nescessary here.


If you can list the specific options/screens/functions you use for the player development tracking in FM here, I can look at implementing them in EHM as well.

Tracking the attribute development for players on your team (like FM) is already on my own wishlist already.

Currently, you can see the list of latest views of the scouts on the player profile screen, under Scouting Report and selecting the "Notes & Stats" view there. This is probably the closest thing to tracking the development at the moment.

[whomario]

Thanks for taking the time to get back to us here :)

Before i get back to the topics you asked for ... How do you feel about adding the ability to keep (and maybe save/load or export/import them) multiple shortlists ? Having just the one is really bad for an unorganized horder like me ;)

Anyway ...

If you have a scout with some reports listed on the scouting screen, you can indeed sort by scout recommendations. From the "View" menu, select the "Scout Recommendations" view and it shows both the Current and Future recommendations in star ratings and you can sort by either of those. On the other views the higher of the two recommendations is always listed on the left most column as well when viewing a scouts list.



In FM you can access the scout recommendation on the player search screen, not just when looking at a specific scout´s screen and also filter by it among all players (in your knowledge range). The scouts screen is of course a pretty useful screen to have (it´s a bit more hidden in FM actually) and the draft screen with the 5 scout recomendations next to each other is outright brilliant. Would it maybe be possible to simply add that view to the player search screen ? Seems weird that it is missing as an option when the other views are so similar.

I´ll offer a few screenshots that should illustrate what i mean re: FM/EHM

EHM Draft:

http://i.imgur.com/6W6oLqO.jpg

EHM Player search (i´d like that 5 scout view on there ! ;) ):

http://i.imgur.com/7EfqpfJ.jpg

FM Player search with Ability/Potential (i assume from the latest scout report available) while showing the option to filter by star rating (again i assume taking into account the most recent scout report). The "range" between min/max (indicated by yellow/black within the stars) for both Ability and Potential is a new thing in FM that added greatly, giving some more "fog of war"

http://i.imgur.com/pyPfu3y.jpg



If you can list the specific options/screens/functions you use for the player development tracking in FM here, I can look at implementing them in EHM as well.

Tracking the attribute development for players on your team (like FM) is already on my own wishlist already.



There´s 2 major screens for this or rather there´s also the arrow-indicators on the attribute screen (available on multiple screens).

Development ---> Training

for a quick overview, highlighting the attributes essential to the current tactical training/role.

http://i.imgur.com/TrDHajO.jpg


Development ---> Attribute Changes , which goes back longer and is fully customizable as to which attributes you want to have displayed.

http://i.imgur.com/xjqyQ0j.jpg

[RomaGoth]

Thanks for the screenshots and explanation of what you want to see in EHM. I would also love to see those things and you sharing it like this means I don't have to. :D

[RomaGoth]

...Thanks for the feedback here, I'll try and take it all into account in the future versions.

I love seeing this. Thanks for all you do Riz.

[chrisj]

Pretty major bug in the new update to EHM. A couple of my players left my NHL team to play in an European tournament - European Hockey Tour(?) - leaving my team short handed in the middle of the season.

[muns]

Pretty major bug in the new update to EHM. A couple of my players left my NHL team to play in an European tournament - European Hockey Tour(?) - leaving my team short handed in the middle of the season.

I saw that people were posting about that over on their boards. Kinda crappy, but hope they get that sorted out soon.


I have enjoyed playing EHM but have some minor irritations. The guys noted the scouting above which I wont get into, but these are the little things that bug me.

1. The Board- This for me is a game killer. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to make trades dumping terrible salaries, or trimming the fat off financials only to have the board get upset at the trades that were made. It puts the users job in jeopardy and it doesn’t need to. Getting fired partly because you had a bad season, but because you started on the wrong foot with the board due to trades the board didn't like just sucks. This really needs a hard look in a new version because when it happens it makes me want to turn the game off and not open it again. There is nothing worse than doing well for years and then something like this occurs.

2. Training camp- When you set the option to not having an open camp, can the option stay like that until you change it? I forget to set the camp to not being open every year, and then have to un-invite guys to camp which is time consuming.

3. Coaches- When head coaches get fired in the NHL (game wise) I can offer them assistant jobs right away from the email that I saw them being fired in and they accept. If they still want to be head coaches I would assume they shouldn’t just take the first assistant coaching job that gets offed to them. You can end up with a pretty top heavy staff if you know what you are doing here in a few game years.

4. Under Gm options- when I select that the board should arrange exhibition games, I still have to end up manually doing them myself.

5. I hope at some point the NHL draft scouting a permanent assignment. I hate having to go back in every 2 months just to do the same thing over and over again. It feels unnecessary here and another major time waster.

6. Also once you put a scout on whatever it is their recommendation updates are, I hope eventually that it can be changed so that it stays that way until I take them off. It clutters up the mail box, but since it resets for the draft every 2 months, I have to spend even more time putting it back on not wanting updates which is another pain.

Thanks for all the good work Riz.

[Young Drachma]

Fired this up tonight for the first time in ages. I'm happy they're still updating it. It sims too slowly for me, but it's good to know that it's functioning and I think the UI is slicker than FHM2 and seems just generally more realistic so long as you don't want to customize.

I'm kind of between them at the moment, because I tend to prefer customization, but I think at the price point, both are useful depending on your goals.

[djsatu]

Just wanted to bring this back from the dead. On sale for 5 bucks again on steam, and people have added vegas databases for everyone to enjoy.

Save 75% on Eastside Hockey Manager on Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/301120/Eastside_Hockey_Manager/)

[nilodor]

How's it compare to FHM3?

[djsatu]

How's it compare to FHM3?

I didn't spend much time on FHM3, but the amount of rosters, picture packs, fun with EHM, you won't be disappointed. Reviews don't lie either. The developer is still communicating with people and updating the game as we speak.

[Carman Bulldog]

Wondering, has anyone got this working on a laptop running Windows 10? Whenever I try to load this up, I constantly get an error stating "Unable to initialise the sound - please ensure that DirectX is installed properly." Would love to play this. I tried a few suggestions on ehmtheblueline.com but none seemed to work for me.

[Izulde]

Wondering, has anyone got this working on a laptop running Windows 10? Whenever I try to load this up, I constantly get an error stating "Unable to initialise the sound - please ensure that DirectX is installed properly." Would love to play this. I tried a few suggestions on ehmtheblueline.com but none seemed to work for me.

Do you have speakers or headphones plugged in to your audio jack?

[sovereignstar v2]

Noticed this is down to $4.99 on Steam now. Version 1.5, which would probably be released as a new game by many, is in a public beta right now.