EA Sports revealed the cover athlete for their upcoming hockey title, NHL 18.
It was unveiled today at the 2017 NHL Awards and NHL Expansion Draft that the chosen athlete to appear on the cover of NHL 18 will be Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers. After being named player of the year for 2011 to 2012, Hockey Canada granted McDavid “Exceptional Player” status which permitted him to play in the league a year earlier than he would be otherwise due to his age. In his second year of playing in the NHL, McDavid was awarded the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer.
“Representing NHL 18 as the cover athlete is an incredible honor. I’ve played EA Sports NHL every year since I was a kid. To appear on the cover, something that has been done previously by so many players that I respect and admire, is very exciting. I can’t wait to play NHL 18.” said McDavid.
NHL 18 aims to deliver the speed, skill and creativity found in the NHL through creative attack and controls and an all-new defensive skill stick. Players will be given more control than ever with the ability to perform creative dekes, including between-the-legs moves and back-handed toe-drags. Players will also be able to counter attacks with poke check targeting, extended poke and the ability to control tick sweeps in order to cover zones of the ice and take away lanes. NHL 18’s new A.I. system will let teammates be able to make the same kind of intelligent plays that players can make themselves.
In addition to a variety of Single player and multiplayer modes, 3-on3 hockey is also being introduced in new ways in NHL 18. “NHL Threes” will be an arcade-inspired mode, featuring over-the-top action and high-speed gameplay. Players will be able to choose between couch co-op ad fully competitive online team play. Players will also be able to take part in a circuit-style campaign mode to compete against different teams and leagues, unlocking objective-based rewards along the way.
Fans can experience the all-new NHL Threes and more in NHL 18 first by registering for the public beta now. The beta begins July 25, 2017 and will include an online versus mode. For full details and to sign up now, players can visit their official site.