Updated October 15, 2026. This guide reflects the current native iPhone and iPad workflow.
A good lineup gives players and assistants a clear starting point. Begin with attendance and development goals, then decide how the bench will handle changes. Hockey Lineup Manager can organize the result on iPhone or iPad, but the coaching priorities remain yours.
Step 1: Confirm who is available
Check jersey numbers, goalies, and any restrictions your staff needs to account for. Update the roster before arranging lines. Avoid relying on last week’s attendance or a saved PDF.
Step 2: Build the forward groups
Assign centers and wings with attention to experience, support, and learning opportunities. Explain each group’s responsibilities. For youth hockey, use your program’s approach to development and playing opportunities rather than treating a permanent first, second, and third ranking as the only option.
Step 3: Set the defense plan
Choose pairings or a clear odd-player rotation. Make sure the players understand coverage and support, not just left and right labels. Handedness can be one consideration without overriding the rest of the plan.
Step 4: Confirm goalies and game situations
Tell the goalies and assistants what to expect. Prepare any appropriate situational plans in line with your program and game format. Do not wait for an unusual moment to decide who is responsible for communicating a change.
Step 5: Save and share the lineup
In HLM, build the lineup from your saved roster, add the opponent and date, review positions, and export the PDF. Check it as an assistant would: can you understand the next task without the head coach explaining every line?
Step 6: Have a change process
If attendance or assignments change, make sure the bench knows which version is current. A saved lineup is editable app data; an exported PDF is a snapshot. They do not automatically stay synchronized across everyone’s devices.
For scoresheet labels, use the separate free Scoresheet Stickers tool rather than assuming the lineup PDF is the required official roster document.
Get the current iPhone and iPad app
Hockey Lineup Manager is free to download for iPhone and iPad. Scoresheet Stickers do not require a Pro subscription; advanced coaching tools are offered through Pro. Check the App Store and in-app purchase screen for current pricing and access details.
View Hockey Lineup Manager on the App Store, or explore its coaching tools. This article describes the native iOS app, not the former browser-based workflow.