Hockey Lineup Builder is a free web-based tool that helps coaches quickly create and organize their team’s lineup for a game. Instead of scribbling lines on paper, you can use this app to input your roster, set lines, and produce a clean lineup card with a few clicks. It’s designed for ease of use – no login or account is required, and all data stays on your device via local storage. You can access the app at hockeyapps.com/hockey-line-up-builder/ on any modern browser, and even install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) on your phone or computer for quick access. The following guide walks you through using the Hockey Lineup Builder step by step.
No Login Required: Jump straight into creating lineups without any sign-up or password.
Data Saved Locally: Your lineup information is stored in your browser’s local storage, so it remains available on your device (and only your device) next time you open the app.
Web-Based & Free: Accessible at the URL above on desktop or mobile – no cost and nothing to install (unless you choose to add it as an app).
Export to PDF: Generate a printable lineup card with one click, making it easy to share or take to the bench.
Progressive Web App: Install the lineup builder on your device for offline use and convenience (details on how to install are below).
When you first open the app, you’ll see fields to set up a new game. Start by entering your team name and the opponent’s name in the respective fields (e.g., “The Mighty Ducks” vs “The Hawks”). You can also select the game date. Next, input your team’s roster. There’s a roster text area where you list each player’s jersey number and name – it’s best to put each player on a new line for clarity. (Tip: you can optionally upload team logos if you have them, by using the “Choose File” button next to each team name.) Once you’ve entered all your players, you’re ready to assign them to positions in the lineup.
Screenshot: The new game setup screen where a coach inputs the home team and opponent names, game date, and the team roster (jersey numbers and player names). In this example, the roster for the fictional Mighty Ducks team is entered.
After entering the roster, scroll down to the Game Line Up section. Here you will assign players to each position for your lines. The lineup board is organized by position columns – typically Left Wing, Center, Right Wing, Left Defense, Right Defense, and Goalie – with multiple rows for each line (Line 1, Line 2, etc.). Each slot has a drop-down menu containing all the names from the roster you entered:
Click on the drop-down under a position and you’ll see the list of your players. Select the player you want to assign to that position on Line 1.
Continue to fill out the lineup for Line 1 (for example, choose your three forwards and two defensemen for the first line, plus a starting goalie).
Move on to Line 2, Line 3, and so on, assigning players to each position using the drop-downs. You can create as many or as few lines as your team uses. If there are slots you don’t need, you can leave those as “– Select –”.
As you pick players for each position, the lineup card takes shape. The app ensures that each position on a line is filled with one of your roster players. You can always change a selection by clicking the drop-down again and choosing a different name.
Screenshot: The lineup assignment section. Each column (Left Wing, Center, Right Wing, etc.) has drop-down menus populated with your roster. In this example, players have been assigned to the first three forward lines, two defense pairings, and a goalie slot. Coaches simply select a player for each position on each line from the list.
Below the lineup section, you’ll find the Coaching Staff fields. Here you can enter the names of the Head Coach, Assistant Coaches, and Team Manager (if applicable). This information is optional, but it can be included on the exported lineup card for a professional touch. For instance, you might fill in yourself as Head Coach and your assistants’ names.
Once the lineup and staff info are complete, you have two options to preserve or share the lineup:
Save: Clicking the Save button will store the lineup data in your browser. This uses local storage, meaning the next time you visit the app on the same device/browser, your teams and lineup will still be there (so you don’t have to re-enter everything) – all without needing any login.
Export Lineup to PDF: Clicking the Export Lineup to PDF button will instantly generate a PDF file of the lineup card. The PDF includes the game info, team names, date, the lineup as you’ve arranged, and the coaching staff names and team logos (if you added logos). This is perfect for printing out the lineup to have on the bench or sharing with your players and fellow coaches.
Screenshot: The Coaching Staff and export section. Here, the coach’s name (e.g., Gordon Bombay) and an assistant’s name are entered as an example. Use Save to store your lineup in the browser for later, or Export Lineup to PDF to download a nicely formatted lineup card.
The Hockey Lineup Builder is implemented as a custom Progressive Web App, which means it’s fully mobile-friendly and capable of producing custom PDF lineup cards with your team’s details (including logos and staff)hockeyapps.com. Coaches can take advantage of these features to streamline game preparations.
For even quicker access, you can install Hockey Lineup Builder as an app on your device. Installing the PWA lets you launch it like a native app and even use it offline. Here’s how to install it on different platforms:
On iPhone/iPad (Safari): Open the app link in Safari. Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen, then choose “Add to Home Screen.” This will add the lineup builder icon to your home screen like a regular app.
On Android (Chrome): Open the link in Chrome. Tap the menu (⋮) in the top-right corner and select “Add to Home Screen.” Confirm, and the app will be added to your device, allowing full-screen use.
On Desktop (Chrome/Edge): Open the link in your browser. Look for the install icon (a little computer with a down-arrow, usually on the right side of the address bar) and click it, or open the browser menu and click “Install Hockey Lineup Builder.” This will install the app to your system for easy launching from your desktop or start menu.
Once installed, the app can be launched with a single tap/click and will run in a standalone window. The PWA installation is optional but can be very convenient for coaches who plan to use the tool frequently.
Using the Hockey Lineup Builder App can save you time and ensure you never forget a line combination on game day. With your roster saved locally and an intuitive drag-and-drop style lineup assignment (via drop-down menus), setting your lines becomes a quick, repeatable process. Give it a try by visiting the app link, and enjoy a smoother pre-game routine with organized lineup cards ready to go! Your players and fellow coaches will appreciate the clarity and professionalism of a well-prepared lineup sheet. Good luck, and have a great game!