Open pool
An Open pool is a hockey pool where every entry picks its own NHL players before the deadline, and the same player can be on every roster.
At a glance
- Picks
- Any active NHL players; several entries can pick the same one
- Default roster
- 10 players
- Roster size
- 1 to 50 players, set by the commissioner
- Deadline
- Set by the commissioner; picks can change until then
- Best for
- Friends, families and first-time pools
The rules
Every member of the pool has one entry and builds its roster from active NHL players. Picks are not exclusive: if everyone wants the league’s top scorer, everyone can have him. You just cannot pick the same player twice on your own roster.
By default a roster has 10 players: 2 centres, 2 left wings, 2 right wings, 2 defence, 1 goalie and 1 flex skater. The flex spot takes any skater but never a goalie. The commissioner can change the roster size and the minimum for each position before anyone picks; once the first pick is in, the roster shape is locked for the season.
The commissioner can set a selection deadline. Until then you can change your picks as often as you like; there is no submit button. After the deadline only the commissioners can change a roster, and every change is recorded in the pool’s audit log.
Who it’s for
Open pools are the easiest way to get a group going: no draft night to schedule and no boxes to build. They suit friends and families, first-time pools, and any group where people would rather pick their favourite players than compete for them.
Scoring basics
Your entry earns fantasy points from its players’ regular-season games, using the pool’s scoring: the Standard preset (a goal is 3 points, an assist 2, with shots, hits, blocked shots and goalie results counting too), the Simple preset, or the commissioner’s own values. The standings rank every entry by total points, and tied entries share a rank. See the full scoring tables.
How to start an Open pool
- Create a free account and choose Create a pool.
- Pick Open pool, name it, choose a scoring preset and set the deadline.
- Check the roster positions, then invite your group with the link or the code.
- Everyone makes their picks before the deadline, and the standings take it from there.