Over the past few weeks, we have received clear and consistent feedback from players across the league. The message has been simple and fair. Players want balanced games, full teams, and an end to situations where teams are forced to stack players at the last minute due to low turnout.
Our goal is straightforward. We want every team to have a minimum of 10 players on the ice, and we want to reduce the need to pull players from other teams coming off the ice. Everyone paid the same league fees, and everyone deserves a fair and competitive game.
What’s up?
For the next few weeks, we will be introducing a simple game day standard using the TeamLinkt app that we already have in place.
- Players will be asked to check in on the app: Yes, No, or Maybe
- A reminder text will be sent on Friday afternoon asking players to confirm their availability
- Team reps will review player counts at 10:00 AM, Sunday (on game day)
If a team has 10 or more confirmed players by 10:00 AM, no action is needed.
If a team has fewer than 10 confirmed players, the team rep will use the spare system to invite paid spare players so the team can ice a minimum of 10 skaters.
Important to know
- If you do not check in, or select Maybe, it will be assumed you are not playing
- If you later show up and the bench is full, that is okay. You will simply have extra players
- Life happens. Forgetting to check in is not a problem. This process just helps teams plan properly
This approach helps prevent situations where teams with only six or seven original players end up stacking power players from other games. That has been one of the biggest concerns raised by league members, and we agree it impacts fairness and enjoyment.
But why?
- Fairer games and better competition
- Fewer blowouts caused by stacked teams
- More opportunities for paid spare players to actually get ice time
- A smoother experience for team reps and players alike
We will be working closely with team reps over the next few weeks to ensure this standard is applied consistently. This is not about making things harder. It is about taking a few seconds to check in so everyone benefits.
How to check in
If you are not sure how to set your availability in TeamLinkt, please see the guide below:
https://help.teamlinkt.com/en/articles/4938616-set-availability
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. This change comes directly from player input and is one of our key focuses as we move through January.