Frequently asked questions
Short answers about PuckPool, the free hockey pool app: what it costs, how invites and deadlines work, the draft clock, where the stats come from, and what happens to your data.
Getting started
What is PuckPool?
PuckPool is a free web app for running an NHL hockey pool with friends, family or coworkers: pick a format (Open, Box or Draft), invite your group, and the standings update from real NHL stats as games are played. How a hockey pool works on PuckPool
How much does PuckPool cost?
Nothing. Free while we’re building. There are no tiers and no paywall during development. If that ever changes, we will tell you well ahead of time, and you will never be charged without agreeing to it first.
Does PuckPool handle entry fees or prizes?
No. PuckPool does not take payments, hold money, pay out prizes or offer any kind of wagering. Please do not use it to organize gambling or collect entry fees. Terms of Service
How do I invite people to my pool?
Share the pool's invite link or its code (four groups of four letters and numbers), or send email invitations from the pool. A link or code works for anyone you give it to for 30 days unless you revoke it; each emailed invitation can be used once. Everyone joins with a free account.
How many people can be in a pool?
PuckPool does not set a member limit, so it works for a family pool of four or a whole office.
Is there a mobile app?
PuckPool is a web app that works in the browser on your phone, tablet or computer, with a layout made for small screens. There is nothing to download from an app store.
Formats and rules
What kinds of hockey pools can I run?
Three: an Open pool (everyone picks any players, and the same star can be on every roster), a Box pool (choose a set number of players from each box) and a Draft pool (a snake draft where each player can be taken only once). Compare the formats
When do picks lock?
In Open and Box pools the commissioner can set a selection deadline, for example just before the first game. You can change your picks as often as you like until then (with no deadline, picks stay open). After the deadline only the commissioners can change a roster, and every change they make is recorded in the pool’s audit log.
How does the draft pick clock work?
The commissioner can turn on a pick clock of 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180 seconds, or leave it off. PuckPool keeps the time on its server. If your time runs out, you get the first available player in your queue, or the best available player by fantasy points if your queue is empty. You can queue up to 50 players, and only you can see your queue. Draft pool rules
What does “choose 2” mean in a Box pool?
Each box says how many players you take from it. A box marked “choose 2” means you pick two players from that box; a “choose 1” box means one. Your entry is complete when every box has its picks. A box always holds more players than it asks for, so there is always a real choice. Box pool rules
What can the commissioner do?
The commissioner sets up the pool, invites and removes members, sets the deadline, chooses or customizes the scoring, runs the draft (order, start, pause, undo the last pick), can fix a roster or adjust points with a reason, and moderates the pool chat. Co-commissioners can help with invitations, rosters and chat.
Stats and scoring
Where do the stats come from, and how fast do standings update?
PuckPool gets NHL game stats from BALLDONTLIE, a sports data provider. During games it checks for new stats about every 20 seconds and updates the standings when points change. Points from a game in progress can still move until the game is final and the numbers are confirmed.
How are points scored?
Every pool uses the Standard or Simple scoring preset, or the commissioner’s own values. In Standard, a goal is 3 points, an assist is 2, and shots, hits, blocked shots, power-play goals, goalie wins and saves count too. Simple counts goals, assists and goalie results only. Full scoring tables
Do preseason games count?
No. Pools are set up for an NHL regular season, and preseason games never count toward the standings.
Pool chat
Can we talk trash in the pool?
Yes. Every pool has its own chat with @mentions, emoji reactions, pinned messages and polls with up to 6 options. Games with players from your pool get their own game thread, where “the ref” posts goals by rostered players and the final score. Commissioners can remove messages and mute members, and anyone can report a message.
Privacy and accounts
Who can use PuckPool?
Anyone 16 or older. PuckPool is not directed at children under 16, and you confirm your age when you create an account.
Is PuckPool Canadian? Where is my data stored?
Yes. PuckPool is run by Christian Bosse from New Brunswick, Canada, and follows Canada’s privacy law (PIPEDA). The servers and database are in Canada; only email delivery happens in the United States. Privacy Policy
What do you do with my information?
Only what it takes to run your pools: your email address, display name and what you do in your pools. PuckPool does not sell your data, show ads or use advertising, analytics or tracking cookies. Privacy Policy
Can I delete my account?
Yes, any time, from My Account. If you own a pool that is still active, archive it first. Your name is removed from pool history and shown as “Former member”.
Is PuckPool affiliated with the NHL?
No. PuckPool is an independent app. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHL or any team.
Still have a question?
Email hello@puckpool.ca.