Fantasy Hockey League Simulator

Fantasy Hockey League Simulator is a [ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_game#Management] sports management] computer program which mathematically emulates the game of ice hockey. Notable as part of a long history of binary compatible PC-based hockey simulators dating back to 1988 and the genesis of commercial computer simulation hockey, the simulator has existed for over 10 years.

FHLSim imports files from Bethesda Softworks' 1992 release of Hockey League Simulator II, which was the sequel to Hockey League Simulator, which was compatible with 1988's Wayne Gretzky Hockey.

FHLSim allows a user to assemble teams which play against each other within the logic of the program. Players are represented by a set of skill ratings and attributes attached to the players name. Player ratings are often based on the statistics generated by professional hockey leagues such as the National Hockey League (NHL). Users of the program may perform "what-if" scenarios, or as the engine for a fantasy hockey pool role-playing game where team general managers use the GMEditor tool to set lineups to be used in each game. Fantasy Hockey League Simulator is also known as simply FHLSim.

Batesoft

In the winter of 1997, Sean Bates wrote the basis for what is now FHLSim. He offered the product to friends and others via word-of-mouth. Later in 1997-98 he created a website and offered the program for sale via mail order. In 1999 his interest waned and discussions began with Wynn Fenwick for support of the product.

FHLSim.com

In 1999 FHLSim.com was registered by Wynn Fenwick as a sole proprietorship in the Canadian province of Ontario. FHLSim.com has augmented, maintained, supported and sold licenses of the FHLSim program online since then as shareware. The exclusive online retailer is NorthStar Solutions, a long-time online shareware vendor.

Community

FHLSim.com uses proceeds of license sales to support an online community of enthusiasts called the [http://www.fhlsim.com/forum/|FHLSim Forum] , promoting open peer support for FHLSim enthusiasts.

Ratings packs

Sets of player ratings, typically grouped by season are known as ratings packs, using the .drs file extension. League files are the same player ratings but include team structures, coaches, arena names, etc. Unlike many software vendors, who generate revenue by selling rating packs, FHLSim encourages the community to create ratings packs and league files collaboratively. This is known as crowdsourcing. FHLSim abandoned providing league files as the several online communities produce ratings, many of which were higher quality than FHLSim itself was able to produce.

Future

FHLSim development has slowed to its lowest pace since acquisition in ten years. Recent developments have been hampered by devleopment delays in license key upgrade code and lack of resources. The latest official version is version 1.5 build 468. A beta version of FHL v1.6 is also known as FHL build 483. This build incorporates shootouts into FHLSim. However, the fact that the product has remained stable for almost ten years allows many leagues to integrate FHLSim into role playing universes (such as [http://www.myRPHA.com/ myRPHA.com] ) no one dreamed of ten years ago.

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