Second in Computer Games Magazine’s list of 2005’s best computer games, NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 was appreciated by fans and critics alike.

One of the biggest leaps from SI’s first foray into ice hockey the previous year was the user interface upgrades. The studio acted on community feedback and worked to align the game’s layout more closely to Football Manager.

The addition of the AHL and ECHL helped grow the database to more than 30,000 players and staff – twice the number available in 2004 – and provided fans with a choice of more than 3,000 teams to coach.

Players were brought closer to the action with the introduction of a tactical 2D match view. The addition of training camps, meanwhile, provided more tools for squad and player development.

For its release in North America, the game had updated rosters and rules for the 2005/06 season, including the NHL’s new salary cap.