Three long months after their lockout began last October, National Hockey League players are finally hitting ice Saturday to start the 2012-2013 season. Here are the Windows Phone apps every fan needs before the face-offs begin. You’ll find more options in the Store’s new Hockey Arena collection (including some good air hockey games in case it ever happens again).
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Hockey Pro ‘12
From makers of the highly-rated NFL Pro ’12 app. Hockey Pro makes it easy to follow your favorite teams (pinned to Start as Live Tiles) and offers comprehensive scores, news, roster info, photos, and more. Free
Hockey Goal Horns
A must-have accessory for any hockey fanatic. Annoy your spouse and fool your buddies when they turn their backs away from the TV. The app mimics horns for all 30 NHL teams. Free
Hockey Tracker
If you can’t watch the game live, Hockey Tracker is the next best thing: The app shoots you an instant notification the second your favorite team (or their opponent) scores. It also shows you the score when the final buzzer sounds. This app isn’t complicated, but what it does, it does well. $0.99