Hockey Manager Match Engine

Framework: PhaserJS

Rink size: international (60x30m). Coordinate system: 0,0 = center.
-60, 0 = left side of the rink, etc. 1 = meter. Use floats though.

Continuous Position + Behavior Trees (Moderate Complexity)
Best for: Realistic tactics, good visual feedback, manageable scope
Core Concept:

Players have exact X/Y coordinates on a 2D rink
Each player runs a behavior tree every update tick (60+ times per second)

Behavior Tree Structure:
Root: Team Strategy (e.g., "Dump and Chase")
  ├─ Player Role (e.g., "Left Winger - Offensive Zone")
  │   ├─ Offensive Positioning
  │   │   ├─ Is puck in our possession? → Move to scoring position
  │   │   └─ Is puck loose? → Move to forecheck target
  │   └─ Defensive Transition
  │       └─ Backcheck to defensive coverage position
  └─ Puck Carrier Actions
      ├─ Pass decision (weighted by attributes + open teammates)
      ├─ Shoot decision (scoring chance % calculation)
      └─ Carry decision (move toward better position)
Key Systems:
A) Tactical Positioning System:

Define "heat maps" for each strategy/situation
Example: 1-2-2 forecheck = F1 pressures puck carrier, F2/F3 position at blue line
Players move toward their heat map "ideal position" modified by:

Puck location
Teammate positions (spacing)
Opponent threats
Player stamina/speed



B) Puck Movement:

Pass success = f(passer skill, pass distance, pressure, receiver skill)
Shots = trajectory calculation with goalie save probability

C) Decision-Making Engine:
javascriptEvery tick:
1. Evaluate situation (game state, ice time, score, etc.)
2. Query behavior tree for action
3. Weight options by:
   - Player attributes (Hockey IQ, Creativity)
   - Coaching instructions (Risk level, Passing %)
   - Fatigue & injury status
4. Execute highest-weighted valid action
5. Apply outcome (deterministic + dice roll)
Visualization:

Smooth interpolation between positions (easing functions)
Player sprites with orientation/animations
Puck trails for passes/shots
Think: Football Manager 2D but more fluid