The initial objective of this hockey game was to explore its strategic values.
After a relatively long development time, and various version improvements, seven years went by.

Countless games played, numerous notes on the card interactions and reactions.
Percentages, scores, odds, frequencies, number of players.

Strategically it was proven early that this aspect could run very deep.
For a more in depth study of this and the unpredictability of its strategy click here.

The five senses drive every aspect of human conduct. Similarly any software conducts itself by those transferred to it.
The software also gains an added intelligence which is transmitted to it.
Programmed to behave, act and react to the input of the human influences which affect its awareness (personnality traits) while awake(running).

Put a child in a room with some cookies, cakes, candy, intriguing toys, colorful books, and a t.v. then throw in a few new things in there once in a while to feed its growing imagination and examine the results.
Analogy: the child represents the software, the different objects represent what the software will come across in due time. If you can imagine how the child may react to its safe environment with those enjoyable things to eat and to play with you can also grasp how the software may be capable of interacting with the input from humans and their influences pushing it toward discovering new and exciting things to explore.
(new discoveries bring about an understanding of self and help establish identity)
That one is not part of the five senses but of intellect.

This software game was taught the regulations of the sport.
The diversified plays available which may and do occur during a match. The numerous amount of possible interactions amongst these.
Co-operation with its own team-mates, in essence giving it friendly input and output from equally adept thinkers.
The same can also be said of numerous nemesis to cross swords with, who manifest themselves in the form of opponents.
Added to the mix, was given to the human player access to the innumerable options held within the game.

Unpredictability became second nature to the outcome of every game played.
Shuffling nearly 150 cards in any manner possible.
Randomly playing as the home team with or without home ice advantage to begin games.
Playing 1, 2 or 3 cards per turn, always uncertain of the next new moves.
Each card played with its own set of future possibilities to choose from next.
Never too sure of opponents actions and reactions or just what team-mates may come up with to influence the flow of the game.
A referee was given the authority of maintaining the peace but also a certain amount of momentum.

The same can be said of the graphical representations from the players on the ice.
They behave accordingly of course but also have access to numerous styles and manners for accomplishing and expressing these.
Speed, length and location come to mind, justifying behavior.

Is hockey represented accurately in this game ?
Have the major aspects of this sport been properly defined and integrated ?
Is the integrity of its unpredictability respected ?
Is it exciting and challenging ? You be the judge.