New Features

Be a Pro "BAP" Mode

Be your favorite star or make your own!

• The Be a Pro mode follows the career of your created player from a minor league team up to NHL Fame.
• When you first start the game, you create your virtual likeness, which can be later edited to feature different pads, sticks, skates, and other licensed gear.
• You can either start a single player based mode using this player, or play online with friends in you own team (see: EA Sports Hockey League, or "EASHL").
• During each game you are graded on positioning, statistics, and teamwork, and after each game you are awarded points based on those grades which you can use to raise your players' stats.
• During the BAP games there is a large blue arrow that helps you with positioning and helps newer players to the series get a grips with how to play ice hockey.

EA Sports Hockey League "EASHL"

• The EA Sports Hockey League is an online version of the BAP mode.  Players create teams and can play against other teams in what amounts to clan vs. clan play in FPS games.  This mode supports up to 12 players in a game (6 on each team) while each team supports up to 50 players.
• The league is made up of several divisions with the best teams in division 1 and so on.
• Your team can earn different trophies, similar to the specific consoles achievements and trophy systems, which are awarded for playing a certain amount of games and completing certain tasks in those games.

Defensive Skill Stick

• The defensive skill stick is a compliment to the offensive skill stick added last year and allows players more customization into what can be done on the defensive side of the puck.
• You can now lift the stick of approaching players, use the stick to check the opponent, and poke checking in any direction.

Checking/Fighting

• The game's new engine has been retooled to make getting the big hit or that first punch in a fight much more difficult.  Now, when you do land the big hits and the first punch in a fight, it has more of an impact and reward towards winning the game (or fight).

Other New Features/Adjustments

• The game now features the German DEL, Czech O2 Extraliga, and Russian Superliga teams.

Demo

Cover Athletes

Dion Phaneuf

• North American game cover will feature Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames

• Swedish game cover will feature Daniel Afredsson of the Ottawa Senators
• Russian game cover will feature Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals (his 2nd time as a cover athlete for EA's NHL franchise)
• Czech Republic & Slovakian game cover will feature Patrik Elias of the New Jersey Devils
• Switzerland game cover will feature Mark Streit of the New York Islanders

Xbox 360 Game Installation