How to play

In fantasy sports, you are the director of sports victories!

Step-by-step instructions on how to create a team in Gameburrow

Step 1: Download the app

To start the download, go to the main page and click the “Download” button. Save the file on your device, then open the “Downloads” folder and run the installation file.

For additional security, it is recommended to check the file with an antivirus program. If the system blocks the installation of applications from unknown sources, allow the installation of third-party software in the device settings.

After the installation is complete, a shortcut for quick access to the application will appear on the desktop. Make sure that your device meets the minimum system requirements for stable operation. To start the download, use the “Download” button on our website.

Step 2: Learn the Rules and Scoring System

Each fantasy hockey platform has its own unique features:

Learn the competition format:

Season-long leagues

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Draft leagues or auction formats

Learn the scoring system:

Goals (usually 3-4 points)

Assists (usually 2-3 points)

Plus/minus

Ice time

Shots on goal

Faceoffs won

Blocks and hits

Penalty minutes

Goalie shutouts

Goalie saves

Understand the team roster formats:

Number of players on the team (usually 20-23)

Position distribution (centers, wingers, defensemen, goalies)

Availability of universal positions

Backup slots and injured

Step 3: Prepare for the draft

The draft is a key moment in fantasy hockey when you select players for your team:

Do player research:

Look at statistics from previous seasons

Monitor preseason news about injuries and roster changes

Analyze trends and analysts’ predictions

Pay attention to young prospects

Ranking players:

Create your own list of players by priority

Mark “sleepers” – underrated players with high potential

Mark “busts” – overrated players to avoid

Use the “Best Available Player” (BAP) principle

Develop a draft strategy:

Decide which positions to focus on in the early rounds

Determine the balance between reliability and risk

Consider “deficit” positions (usually elite defensemen and top goalies)

Prepare Plan B in case your desired players are selected by other participants

Step 4: Participate in the draft

Draft day is the most exciting time in fantasy hockey:

Prepare for the draft:

Make sure your internet connection is stable

Have a printed ranking of the players on hand

Prepare notes on strategy and target players

Have drinks and snacks ready – the draft can last for several hours!

During the draft:

Monitor the general flow of picks and adjust your strategy

Mark the players already selected

Pay attention to the picks of competitors and their possible strategies

Don’t panic if you miss your favorite – there are always worthy alternatives

Features of different draft formats:

Standard draft: pick in turns, usually with a “snake” (1-12, 12-1, 1-12…)

Auction: each participant has a virtual budget for “buying” players

Autodraft: the system chooses for you based on a preset ranking

Step 5: Managing the team during the season

After the draft, the main part of fantasy hockey begins – daily team management:

Actively manage the roster:

Regularly check the status of players (injuries, illnesses, disqualifications)

Monitor the game schedule and maximize the number of games of your players

Analyze lineups and special teams (power play, penalty kill)

Work the free agent market:

Keep an eye on emerging prospects

React to hot streaks and real roster changes

Don’t be afraid to part ways with players if they don’t live up to expectations

Make trades:

Look for opportunities to strengthen weak spots

Offer mutually beneficial trades to other players

Use player form and schedule to make profitable trades

Pay attention to the long term, especially in long seasons

Adapt your strategy:

Adjust your approach depending on your standings

In the fantasy playoffs, focus on players from teams with favorable schedules

Consider seasonal trends (for example, some players traditionally play better in the second half of the season)

Step 6: Analytics and Use of Statistics

Fantasy hockey is a game where an analytical approach often pays off victory:

Use advanced statistics:

Corsi and Fenwick (puck possession metrics)

PDO (team good/bad)

Quality of opponents and ice time context

Shot percentage and expected goals (xG)

Analyze trends:

Compare current statistics with historical data

Pay attention to changes in coaching schemes

Track changes in ice time and player roles

Use analytics tools:

Special sites with advanced statistics (Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey)

Fantasy hockey forums and communities for insights

Podcasts and analytical articles from experts