2014 Hockey Pool Draft Day Announced

The announcement of the date gets earlier and earlier, it would seem, but the inquiries to when it is going to be are doing exactly the same thing.

I have heard some rumblings that people are starting to do their homework, getting some of their preliminary lists done or at least trying to figure out how to work some lists that have been provided already.  Other people have just been paying attention to the news (and hopefully the blog), watching signings and trades and so forth.

Well, for those people especially, it is time to mark your calendars!

Saturday, September 27th, 2014, 2pm

Shillelagh's Pub (formerly Jameson's Pub) around Sunridge, NE Calgary

This will be year #6 in this location and if you haven't been to one yet, I think they just get better and better.  Well, maybe with the exception of last year's, which had a few technical glitches, but otherwise went over quite well.

Last year, we had 24 teams, via in person, by proxy and online (Google+ Hangouts) and it was a bit of a trick to get it all done, but we managed just fine.  It took just over three hours to complete the whole thing, but it all worked out and we had one hell of a year in the hockey pool.

I don't know if I should really be expecting 24 teams or more... or less, for that matter, but if you were to construct your list, I would look to expect about 24 teams.

Hockey pool teams consist of eight forwards, four defensemen and a pair of goalies and that means we'd be drafting 192 forwards, 96 defensemen and 48 goalies... so come prepared.  If you can prepare for more teams, you could be much better off.

As for scoring, it will remain the same... 1 point for a goal or assist, 2 points for a win or a shutout, nothing more, nothing less.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  Yes, goalies will get credit for offensive points too.

The season starts on October 8th this year, which makes for an extra week or so in between the draft and puck drop than I initially wanted.  Originally, I wanted to do the draft on October 4th, but I couldn't get the booking.  With that being said, the preseason waiver period will be in effect again, for the rules on that, please click this link.  This was a good rule and it came into use in the midst of a long preseason for some pool teams last year.

New rules to implement this year and I will have it in writing here, so there is no qualms about it later...

1. All participants have to either be present at the draft or online (via Google+ Hangouts) to have a team.  No teams will be picked by proxy this year.
2. All entry fees ($50) must be paid by the first Waiver Draft of the year or else those teams will forfeit their players and re-enter the available players pool for that Waiver Draft.  I don't want to be chasing down money at the end of the year.

Otherwise, let the games begin!  Oh, and if you haven't noticed yet, the pool guides are being released now... so, go pick one up and start your homework!