EHM The Blue Line

Hello all,

So I figure I've got the NHL side of this game mastered, but for the first time I've opted to start my career in the AHL and work my way up. I've taken control of the Toronto Marlies, but everything I've relied on in the past has let me down. I've scouted and signed several players who are reported as first and second line talents, and then score in the 5.5-6.4 range on rating. I hired Bruce Boudreau as my coach, and hired some new assistant coaches as well. For some reason, even when I've got available players under the veteran max, my coach will ice an incomplete lineup w/ eligible players sitting in the press box while we put out 5 defencemen and 11 forwards.

The board is getting upset, despite me doing everything possible - even when we were winning for a while, they were still unhappy! Can anyone give me some quick tips on the AHL vs. the NHL and what it takes to be successful? Much appreciated.

Use your GM settings to enforce your own roster selection.

Whenever I start a new game, I always try to get some of the following players on my AHL team because they really tear it up there: Cory Murphy, Ahren Spylo, Nigel Dawes, Brian Boyle, etc

Leagues you'll want to scout are the american College leagues, you can usually get a really good prospect before he signs a deal with his NHL club, and other minor leagues like the CHL, LNAH, ECHL, etc

A problem you'll have running an AHL team is that NHL teams will always pinch your talent, regardless of what's available. I've had scouts on staff with Player Ability/Potential ratings in the 15-17 range get pinched while there are unemployed scouts with much higher stats. Be prepared to lose a few coaches and assistants along the way. Also, NEVER go on vacation, that's like begging the game to have your staff pinched.

Good luck, hope this helps