Electronic Arts waited longer than usual to reveal this year’s iteration of interactive hockey, but did so today through a trailer for NHL 23.
For the first time, EA Sports’ hockey sim will feature two cover athletes, with those being Anaheim Ducks star Trevor Zegras and Canadian Women’s Hockey Team star Sarah Nurse. It wouldn’t hold this title if things had panned out as planned in the past, when Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were originally supposed to appear on a cover together. After Kane was accused of attacking a cab driver, that decision was axed and Toews flew solo.
Last year’s release featured a bunch of changes thanks to the implementation of a new engine. This time around, NHL 23 will focus more on smaller, quality of life improvements. This includes:
- Hockey Ultimate Team will include female players through the IIHF license, as well as national team items and in-game events
- Three additional tiers of HUT Rivals rewards
- Previous gen players can transfer their HUT teams to Xbox Series or PS5 if they upgrade. 20 players and a coach can be protected and transferred.
- Last chance puck movement: Players can dive towards the puck in an attempt to make a play, or make desperation plays while falling.
- No Russian or Belarus national teams or items
- New celebrations and louder, more reactive crowds
- X-Factors have been changed and adjusted, with more to be added later on
- Those who purchase the X-Factor Edition will be able to start playing 3 days early
For the first time ever, the game will also allow for crossplay, although that will only be possible in World of CHEL and Hockey Ultimate Team. You’ll also be limited to the same generation of console, meaning that Xbox One and PS4 owners can play together but cannot play with Xbox Series and PS5 users. Crossplay is expected to evolve, though, and will be implemented in November.
NHL 23 will be released on October 14th.