INTRODUCTION
The Dish is the inside scoop on Rink Rivals — the personalities, whispers, rivalries, and stories happening around the league. No standings. No stat sheets. Just the sauce behind the game.
LEAGUE MAGAZINE
All the sauce. None of the stats.
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The Dish is the inside scoop on Rink Rivals — the personalities, whispers, rivalries, and stories happening around the league. No standings. No stat sheets. Just the sauce behind the game.
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Thank you for taking the time to share your story, your vision, and a look behind the scenes of Rink Rivals.
Take us back - where does the gamertag (Ryguy) originate, and who is the person behind the controller in everyday life? Did a real-world passion for hockey play a role in getting into EASHL?
The start! I’ve been playing NHL video games since I could hold a controller starting with NHLPA Hockey 93. I played hockey growing up, played NHL video games competitive throughout my life and even got to work on the game for a bit (NHL 14 & 15). Online gaming and hockey have always been a passion of mine with EASHL for sure playing a huge part. I know whenever the mode first came out I for sure was playing it.
When did “Ryguy” transition from just a gamertag to a full league identity? How do you balance playing competitively alongside people while managing administrative duties—and how do you keep from burning out?
When we first started Rink Rivals of course I was interested in taking part in the league and trying to win a shirt but I have mostly taken a back seat to playing and moreso enjoy crafting a great experience for the rest of the community.
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What was the initial catalyst to build Rink Rivals from scratch instead of playing elsewhere? Looking back at Season 1, what were the biggest technical and organizational hurdles you had to overcome to set your core identity apart from other 6s communities?
I came back to EASHL hockey after a pretty long haitus and had played in an old league. I unfortunately joined at a time where things were on the decline and had been approached by some guys who had a vision and idea. I was aligned with what they were hoping to achieve and the rest is history. The initial team at the helm had all had prior league admin experience so working together and getting everything in place was a.really fun and exciting time..
Rink Rivals stands out for its live auction draft, salary cap structure, and stat tracking. What went into balancing player values to maintain parity, and what is a piece of backend work or tech feature you've built that the average player never sees?
I could go on for days about the league mechanics and backend tech. We are constantly trying to build tools for both players and managers to make the league experience as seamless as possible. Whether it be scouting tools, player stats or just the overall experience I am quite proud of all that we have and continue no achieve. One thing that the average player doesn't see is the tools we have to capture nightly highlights & game recaps. It goes far beyond any other league tech out there and for sure sets us apart in ways.
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Between toxic behavior, manager resignations, and rule disputes, running a 6s league can get chaotic. How do you handle dispute resolution and maintain composure when tough, unpopular calls have to be made as commissioner?
Everything is decided as a group and voted on as a committee. Obviously not all the decisions we make are easy or going to be the most widely accepted but having the leadership group discuss things and get all points of views helps us make levelheaded decisions. Being able to come together as a group to try and see all points of view and then come up with a decision as a collective helps settle those tough calls.
Running a league requires countless unpaid hours. Who are the unsung staff members or supporters helping you behind the scenes, and what is one specific moment where you thought, "This made every second worth it"?
There have been many staff members and supporters through the three years we’ve been doing this that has helped grow this league into the community that it is today. Everyone knows all of the guys who have been integral pillars here and I could talk forever individually about all the great contributions everyone has made. It’s hard to pinpoint one moment that stands out that’s made me think it was all worth it but being to have the freedom and support of the leadership group to build the things I want in order to help make this place the community wants to be apart of makes it all worth it.
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Looking ahead, where do you see Rink Rivals expanding over the next couple of seasons in terms of production, team count, or brand growth?
This one is hard to answer to be honest. Technology and the speed of advancements recently have been insane and we’ve been able to accomplish some things that I definitely didn’t envision a year back. One thing I will say is that if history continues to repeat itself, which I know it will…Rink Rivals won’t stay stagnant and have no plans of slowing down. We’re always building, we’re always looking for new ways to take things to the next level and the skies are the limit. Wherever that takes us in terms of growth we will be ready for it.
For players looking to break out of public lobbies, get noticed, and earn a roster spot in Rink Rivals, what is the best piece of advice you can give them?
Participate and be present! Sending a general message chat message here and there and getting in NHL-LFG games helps get your name in the back of these managers brains and there’s numerous ways to get yourself into league play. If you don’t get drafted, don’t get discouraged! History has consistently shown that if you’re around and visible, you will likely get a shot on a roster either via being drafted, called up or of course as a waiver if needed.
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"The ELT is facing challenges in identifying capable and trustworthy captains, largely driven by uncertainty."
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“ My best tip has to be to be aware of the other managers, everyone has their own guys and as a manager it’s important to know that. You have to drive up the prices on guys you KNOW are wanted by other managers.”
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GOT A LEAD? KEEP THE DISH FRESH.
THE SERVER.
ON THE ICE NEXT WEEK!
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GOT A LEAD? KEEP THE DISH FRESH.
Heard a rumor in the locker room? Have a hot take on the next draft? Drop an anonymous tip straight to our newsroom using /TheDish in the Rink Rivals Discord.