NHL SERIES

The 'NHL series' is a series of ice hockey video games developed by EA Sports since 1991.

Contents

Features

Installments

NHL Hockey (1991)

NHLPA Hockey 93

NHL Hockey

NHL 95

NHL 96

NHL 97

NHL 98

Versions between NHL 99 and NHL 2001

NHL 2002

NHL 2003

NHL 2004

NHL 2005

NHL 06

NHL 07

NHL 08

Game covers

Commentary

Soundtracks

NHL series in popular culture

''Swingers''

''Mallrats''

''Chasing Amy''

See also

References

External links

Features

The NHL series has introduced brand-new features for years. The most recent game, for Xbox/GameCube/PS2, had many faults, such as no saved game management and various problems with the Dynasty Mode. The Free-4-All mini-game was introduced in NHL 2005, letting gamers compete with each other by scoring goals on one goaltender, either in a certain time limit or until someone scores a certain number of goals. With appropriate settings, defensemen can be incorporated into the game, making it more challenging. Another new feature is
European leagues. Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Sweden's Elitserien and Finland's SM-liiga have been introduced in NHL 2004 and has expanded to include Czech Republic's Tipsport Extraliga in NHL 07 and the first time the American Hockey League in NHL 08. Before NHL 07, users could only have a season and play an exhibition with each Elite League's team. Now, users can bring an elite team into the Dynasty mode.
A revamped Create-A-Player feature is available after being taken out of NHL 2005. Gone are the pre-modeled faces to choose from and in comes facial sculpting, inspired from the Tiger Woods' video games. Create-A-Team has remained the same. Players have the ability to recreate defunct or vintage teams, or start new ones with plenty of logos and jersey designs to choose from. The Hartford Whalers logo is not included due to the fact that the city of Hartford owns the team's rights and has prohibited the team's inclusion in the game, however in NHL 2001, there is a Hartford jersey selectable for Carolina in any modes. Create-A-Team is not available for the Xbox 360 game in NHL 07. A Shootout mode is introduced in NHL 07, simulating a real shootout. It is used to get players familiarized with the new controls for the Xbox 360 version of the game, as well as a means to practice shooting in general. Users have the ability to turn shootout rules on or off. Shootout options in actual games will always be on. NHL 08 will feature the AHL's teams, adding 29 more teams to the game's team list.
The World Cup of Hockey was a feature in NHL 2005, coinciding with said event featuring authentic rosters and uniforms. Infamously, it has been relabeled as EA Sports' World Tournament in NHL 06 and NHL 07 with fantasy jerseys jerseys which are modified by substituting the team logos to flags and randomizing the jersey designs and rosters based on the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy (with EA Sports' roster update) because of the lack of the IIHF license.

Installments

NHL Hockey (1991)

★ Taglines: "The Hottest Game on Ice!" (EA Hockey), "The only game to score in the NHL!" (NHL Hockey)

★ Covers: A Player in an uncrested Boston Bruins jersey performing a poke check on a player in an uncrested Chicago Blackhawks jersey. (EA Hockey), A New Jersey Devils player scores beating a Los Angeles Kings Goaltender (NHL Hockey)

★ Released for: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis

The first version of the game, titled ''NHL Hockey'', was released in August of 1991 for the Sega Genesis. It was considered the most realistic hockey game of its time. The game uses a vertical view, which was unique at the time since most previous hockey games use horizontal or top-down views. It also features an NHL license but not a license from the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players' Association). Therefore, the team names and logos are all present, but no players' names are mentioned. Instead, all players are referred to by their numbers. The Mega Drive version was released soon after, called ''EA Hockey'' and features international teams. However, this change is merely cosmetic, as most team colors can be tracked to NHL teams. Although the game has all NHL teams that existed at the time, the only competition present are the Playoffs, either decided in one or seven matches.

NHLPA Hockey 93

The next release is titled ''NHLPA Hockey '93'' and while having an NHLPA license, it does not have an NHL license. Due to the lack of an NHL license, the game includes all player names and numbers but not real team names or logos. Instead, teams are identified by their city and colors. This means that the New York Islanders are referred to as "Long Island", even though the official name does designate the team as such. Also introduced are Tampa Bay and Ottawa to the 22 teams of ''NHL Hockey''. The Genesis version also includes EEPROM battery saving, which allows one to save lines and the ongoing Playoff, rather than use passwords.
The game also started a dispute between EA and the ice hockey ruling/ In the game injured players often bleed, mis-aimed shots can break the glass behind the net, and the instruction manual makes references to injuring opposing key players, stating "Player injuries — it's a part of the game. Knock key opposing players out of the game with an extra hard body check." Neither the NHL nor the NHLPA approved these additions to the game, and thus fighting and blood were removed in the next version, ''NHL Hockey 94'', since they are considered harmful to the sport's image . Single period and entire game player injuries remained. This could be seen as the motivator for EA's creation of Mutant League Hockey, with its emphasis on fighting, blood, and miscellaneous bad sportsmanship. NHLPA Hockey 93 for the for PC is closer to the console versions of NHL '94, but not exactly the same game-play. It also added full season and transactions, as well as the full set of NHL awards. Despite these additions, the PC versions never reached the popularity of the 16-bit cartridges mostly because of the lack to be able to play them multi-player and no manual goalie on the PC versions. NHL '94 is included as #47 on IGN's Top 100 Games of All-Time and is named All-Time Greatest Sports Video Game by Boston.com and various gaming forums.
Rom images of NHL '94 are hacked (see Rom Hacking) by many enthusiasts so that rosters, logos, rules, and other aspects of the game can be changed while the gameplay of the game is retained. There are online communities where hacks are shared and discussed and online leagues are organized.

NHL Hockey

NHL Hockey for PC has NHLPA and NHL license with complete 84-game season and playoffs plus full NHL awards. It has 24 actual teams, their colors and logos. There are 28 players on a team and a player has 15 different skills like speed, aggressiveness and shot power. Season schedule can be random or 1992-93 NHL season. The game also has 1992-93 season and playoff stats for every team and player.^[1]

NHL 95

With the next game in the series, ''NHL 95''; many changes are introduced. For the first time, a complete season can be played, players can be created and traded, and gameplay also has improvements with the inclusion of fake shots, drop passes and laying on the ice to block shots. Despite all the additions, it features several software bugs, particularly in the SNES version; which result in unrealistic bloated games (20-goal shootouts are not uncommon). The PC version of NHL 95 retains the gameplay similar to NHL 94 on the console, while allowing for complete seasons and created players.
This year's cover features the New York Rangers' Alexei Kovalev scoring on Vancouver Canucks' Kirk McLean during the '94 Finals.

NHL 96

NHL 96 for the PC is the first game in the series to have multiple cameras, using EA's ''Virtual Stadium'' technology, which uses 2D sprites on a 3D environment. Fighting, and major and double minor penalties are reintroduced. The cover of the game features Steve Yzerman and Scott Stevens, and the NHL's theme song, (''Get Ready For This'' by 2 Unlimited) is used as the game's main theme. The game includes the Quebec Nordiques, but not the Colorado Avalanche; even though the team had moved before the start of the 1995-96 season. NHL 96 was the last game in the series that included two players on the cover,from 1997 on, EA sports
decided to focus on one single player instead.

NHL 97

''NHL 97'' took the graphics even farther ahead, using a full 3D engine, with motion captured polygonal players. Each goaltender has his own custom-painted mask and the original artwork can be seen inside the game with a special "Goalie Mask Viewer". ''NHL 97'' also introduces play-by-play commentary, provided by well-known announcer Jim Hughson. For the first time since ''EA Hockey'', national teams were added. Although only Canada, the United States and Russia have their own teams while the other two are selections of the best European players. Along with the PC, Mega Drive/Genesis and SNES versions, both the Sega Saturn and PlayStation version made their debut, although they were rushed and buggy. For instance, the shot speed in the Playstation and Saturn versions was so slow that some skaters could beat a slapshot down the ice. The cover of the game features Florida Panthers' goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck.

NHL 98

''NHL 98'' took the series ahead by introducing full national teams (EA was not able to capture the Nagano Olympic Tournament license due to lack of IIHF license, acquired by Gremlin Interactive). Jim Hughson returns for play-by-play, this time joined by Daryl Reaugh who provided color commentary. EA Sports also introduces 3Dfx Glide support for the first time in the NHL series. The cover of the game features Colorado Avalanche's forward Peter Forsberg.

Versions between NHL 99 and NHL 2001

★ Taglines: "Ice cold intimidation" (NHL 99), "Only the physical will survive" (NHL 2000), "Out of the stands, into the ice" (NHL 2001)

★ Covers: Eric Lindros (Main, NHL 99), Chris Pronger (Main, NHL 2000), Markus Näslund (Europe, NHL 2000), Owen Nolan (Main, NHL 2001), Jere Lehtinen (Europe, NHL 2001)

★ Released for: Windows, Playstation, Playstation 2(NHL 2001), Nintendo 64 (NHL 99)
Between ''NHL 99'' and ''NHL 2002'' there were very few large 'improvements' to the game, though some would call them regressions. ''NHL 99'' for the Playstation boasted higher-resolution graphics than NHL 98, but the framerate and unresponsive controls (especially in 2+ player modes) made it unplayable. A career mode (later developed into a Franchise mode) with a retirement feature, drafting and player trades were added to the game. Furthermore, created players can use any photo for their face which is textured onto the head. Online leagues of the game also became more organized. Daryl Reaugh left the series as color commentator following ''NHL 99''. Jim Hughson remained as play-by-play announcer throughout the series, with Bill Clement joining as an analyst for ''NHL 2000''. In the Nintendo 64 version of NHL 99, based on the console version of NHL 98 (old-style goalie crease and all), Clement is the only one providing commentary.
The cover men of these games are:
NHL 99 - Philadelphia Flyers forward Eric Lindros
NHL 2000 - St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Pronger
NHL 2000 (Europe) - Vancouver Canucks forward Markus Naslund
NHL 2001 - San Jose Sharks forward Owen Nolan
NHL 2001 (Europe) - Dallas Stars forward Jere Lehtinen

NHL 2002

★ Tagline: "Be the Hero"

★ Cover: Mario Lemieux (main),

★ Released for: Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance
Bill Clement is replaced by Don Taylor for ''NHL 2002''. Taylor's quirky and often slapstick commentary style drew mixed reception from fans of the game. The game's cover man is Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Mario Lemieux.
After September 11, 2001, a patch was created that changed the image shown on the loading screen before New York Rangers games. Originally, it had been the World Trade Center. It was changed to the Statue of Liberty.
This was also the only NHL series title to hit the Game Boy Advance, developed by Budcat Creations.^[2]

NHL 2003

★ Tagline: "Rule the rink"

★ Cover: Jarome Iginla, Saku Koivu (Finland) and Patrik Elias (Czech Rep.)

★ Released for: Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube
NHL 2003 was deemed as 'revolutionary' at the time, featuring detailed and clean-cut graphics that were improved upon over NHL 2002. It was known for out-of-control scoring and unrealistic gameplay, with regards to hitting and shooting. Jim Hughson and Don Taylor return as commentators. EA Trax are also introduced along with EA Sports' titles at the time. Calgary Flames' forward Jarome Iginla is the game's cover man.

NHL 2004

★ Tagline: "Gloves off Hockey"

★ Covers: Dany Heatley and Joe Sakic (main)

★ Released for: Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube
"NHL 2004", developed by the EA Black Box studios, add 3 European Elite Leagues - Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Sweden's Elitserien and Finland's SM-liiga. (This is not the first time that European teams are included in an EA game; EA released both Elitserien 95 and Elitserien 96 for the Mega Drive in Sweden only and Elitserien and SM-liiga 2001 as an expansion pack for PC in Sweden and Finland which included those teams). The game included many improvements to its gameplay (more realistic puck and rebound control and better checking) and game modes (a completely reworked franchise mode renamed "Dynasty"). In addition to the gameplay improvements, one particular non-gameplay improvement was added. When a team wins the Stanley Cup Finals, a large-scale celebration ensues. It included players skating around the ice holding the Cup over their heads. This then led to the common snapshot of the team and the coaches that holds true in the NHL. A "secret" song (Shatterday by Vendetta Red) plays while the animation shows the stats of the players in the picture, ending with the captain. Because of these additions, it was praised as one of the best games in the series to date. However, Dynasty mode got boring, as trades were very difficult to accept, and was 20 years. Commentary was also repetitive and the gameplay always felt slow.
Another new feature of ''NHL 2004'' was allowing the player to select when to fight, where previously it had been a somewhat random occurrence. When two players' names flashed onto the bottom of the screen, accompanied by the word "Fight!" and a bell sounding, the person playing the game could push a button to begin a fight, or hold off until a later time. Furthermore, goaltenders were able to fight (however, goalie fights are completely random, as the names of other players are shown at the bottom of the screen; also, goalies are not thrown out of a game for fighting; in real life, goaltenders who fight are given both a major for fighting and a minor for leaving the crease, resulting in game misconducts for both combatants. The game however contained a glitch. On breakaway plays a player can maneuver the deke analog stick for an automatic goal. By the time EA Sports heard news of the glitch hundreds of thousands of units had been shipped around the world.
Though not very noticeable at times, NHL 2004 included all new graphics. For those playing the game for the PC, the "template" for creating new jerseys, masks, gloves, pants, players faces, basically everything you can edit were all changed. Now, in 2007, these templates are still used, all of which can be found in the download section of www.doubleminor.net (will direct you to their forums on sportsgamer.com)
Picking a cover athlete for ''NHL 2004'' proved to be problematic. Joe Thornton was the original choice but after he was brought up on assault charges, he was removed and replaced by Dany Heatley for the game's first shipments. After Heatley's car crash that killed his Atlanta Thrashers team-mate, Dan Snyder, EA removed him and replaced the cover with Joe Sakic but not before a large number of units had already been shipped. As a result, both covers (Heatley and Sakic) made it into circulation.

NHL 2005

★ Tagline: "Create Open Ice"

★ Covers: Markus Näslund (main), Olli Jokinen (Finland)

★ Released for: Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube
''NHL 2005'' features ''Open Ice Control'', which according to EA allows better control, including moving players without the puck and also a complete World Cup mode where each team can be created from scratch. The IIHF license which granted the World Cup mode also allowed EA to use real-life international jerseys for the first and only time (previously released games used unique jerseys designed by the game's staff which only bore a passing similarity to their real life counterparts, so the jersey shows their flag.) The PC version of the game was stripped down to the bare essentials, including the omitting of the create-a-player feature. These omissions were possibly due to the labour dispute that season, but EA explained that they hadn't perfected the new create-a-player interface, which would have allowed for far greater customizability that what was previously available. The game also suffered from overly-aggressive AI and was generally seen negatively. It is also the only EA's NHL PC game that lacked the possibility to view league wide statistics when playing in season mode. Vancouver Canucks captain Markus Näslund was featured on the cover.

NHL 06

★ Tagline: "The rush is back"

★ Covers: Vincent LeCavalier (main), Tuomo Ruutu (Finland)

★ Released for: Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube
''NHL 06'' was released in September 2005 with a North America-wide TV campaign proclaiming, "Hockey's Back!" The game features a slight graphics improvement and the return of the Create-A-Player feature, which was notably absent from ''NHL 2005''. The complete redesign of this feature was based on EA Sports' ''Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005'', allowing for much more complex changes in a player's appearance than simply eye or hair color. The game also includes HC Davos from Switzerland to go along with the European elite leagues. This game does not have an IIHF license. Due to the lack of the IIHF license, the game does not include real team jerseys nor the World Cup of Hockey. Instead, the World Cup of Hockey is now known as "EA Sports' World Tournament". This also means that the national team jerseys were modified by substituting the team logos to flags and jersey designs were randomized. However, there are 2 backgrounds in the menus showing a bench with Canada in their real jerseys and a goaltender in the real Finland jersey. Eventhrough there is the USA logo still visible on the USA helmets.
The developers of the game placed a surprise in the PlayStation 2 version; playing ''NHL 94'' is an option, and it appears the same as it did when it was originally released, including several since-relocated franchises such as the Winnipeg Jets and Quebec Nordiques.^[3]. The Hartford Whalers, however, were not included, instead replaced by a team called the "Hartford Canes". The city of Hartford owns the rights to the Whalers' name, logo and jersey, and did not allow their use in the game. ''NHL 06'' came under heavy criticism for once again featuring too many "scoring fests". This time as a result of the defensive AI in the game being very passive and the goalie AI poor.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier is featured on the cover in North America, and in Nordic countries Chicago Blackhawks Finnish forward Tuomo Ruutu.

NHL 07

★ Tagline: "Win every battle"

★ Covers: Alexander Ovechkin (main), Teemu Selänne (Finland), Henrik Lundqvist (Sweden),

★ Released for: Windows, Playstation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, PSP
''NHL 07'' was released on September 12, 2006^[4]. The game features a newly designed control setup in some versions, eliminating the need to use the face buttons to pass the puck. The new Skill Stick Revolution feature produces different types of shots; backhand, snap shot, wrist shot, and slap shot. A backhand shot is achieved by holding the right analog stick in the opposite direction of the shooter's forehand shot, then pushing the analog stick forward (to the up position). A snap shot is achieved by pushing the analog stick forward with no other actions. The wrist shot is achieved by pushing the analog stick in the direction of the shooter's forehand then pushing the analog stick forward. Finally, the slapshot is achieved by pulling the analog stick back (down position) then pushing it forward. A player can increase the power of a backhand or wrist shot by rolling the analog stick back from the side (push the analog stick to one side, then follow the circle to the bottom.)
NHL 07 features 4 European leagues - Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga, Sweden's Elitserien, Finland's SM-liiga, and the Czech Republic's Tipsport Extraliga.
Commentary is provided by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement for the Xbox 360 version of the game, however, Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson return for the current generation and PSP versions. ''NHL 07'' for the Xbox 360 features analog stick control and a brand new physics system which eliminates the magnetic type possession of the puck which have been used in past NHL games. The Xbox 360 Demo was released through the Xbox Live Marketplace on September 7, 2006. The demo features a shootout between the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes. The settings allow the NHL shootout rules to be turned off, to allow the player the ability to easily learn the new control scheme. Washington Capitals' forward and 2006 Calder Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin is featured on the cover.
For the Current Gen version of NHL 07, read above section.

NHL 08

Tagline: "No two games are the same"
Covers: Eric Staal (Main), Henrik Zetterberg (Sweden), Teemu Selänne(Finland), Jaromir Jagr (Czech Republic), Mark Streit (Switzerland)
Released for: Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, PSP
''NHL 08'' is to be released on September 11, 2007. In this year's update to the series, ''NHL 08'' will feature the Skill Stick System which EA says will allow gamers to more easily control the puck.^[5] There will also be a way to release the puck and control your player around the defender then retrieve the puck to perform impressive dekes.
NHL 08 will also include "Goalie Mode", where users can control their goalie with a new 3rd person camera. Another new feature is the ability to create custom plays, where you can take a team into practice mode and work on creating a custom play.
New communication will occur through the controller rumble feature allowing users to communicate with a teammate in multiplayer games. Users can call for the puck by tapping the ice with their stick just like the pros.
With the NHL going to the Rbk Edge jerseys, with new color patterns, striping and even new logos for some teams, for the 2007/08 NHL season, EA Sports has reported that all 30 teams new jerseys will be on the game.
A Dynasty Mode allows users to create a dream team from Fantasy Draft and play through to the Stanley Cup.
The game's customization features have been revamped, especially the Create-A-Team feature. The Create-A-Team feature has a color picker similar to the one used in 2K Sports' ''All-Pro Football 2K8''.
Playoff mode lets you select your favorite team and jump right into the post-season.
For the first time ever, the game will feature all 29 teams in the American Hockey League.^[6] Players will be able to develop talent through the AHL, and then call up their prospects to play in the NHL. Every AHL team will be fully playable. ^[7]
Next generation features include the creation of custom plays, on the fly AI, a new skating engine, goalie mode and 3 on 3 online play.
Commentary is once again provided by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions of the game, however, commentary for the PC and Playstation 2 versions have yet to be announced.
The demo of NHL 08 was released on August 30, 2007. It should be known that the demo does not include the Ottawa Senators new jerseys, as it uses their jerseys from the 2006-2007 season. The demo features the 3rd period of a 5 on 5 game between the Anaheim Ducks against the Ottawa Senators, if tied it will go to a shootout.
Carolina Hurricanes centre Eric Staal is the cover man for ''NHL 08''.

Game covers

As traditional with EA Sports, their boxes feature live action photos instead of drawings. As it lacks the NHLPA license, the early titles staged photos without real players. ''NHLPA Hockey 93'', on the other hand, has the rights to use player images, but not of the teams. In this cover, the staged photo (in this photo there is the logo of the New York Rangers located on the bottom right of the goaltender's pants.) is surrounded by eight small portraits of players (Steve Yzerman, Andy Moog, Pat LaFontaine, Brian Leetch, Ray Bourque, Patrick Roy, Jeremy Roenick, and Rick Tocchet). This changed with ''NHL 94'', which featured a goal situation for Tomas Sandström (LA Kings) against Andy Moog (Boston). ''NHL 95'' featured an in-goal camera during a goal scored by Alexei Kovalev of the New York Rangers during the '94 Stanley Cup Finals.''NHL 96'' featured New Jersey's Scott Stevens and Detroit's Steve Yzerman.
Since ''NHL 97'', each cover features only one player, with John Vanbiesbrouck (Panthers) being the first. He was followed by Peter Forsberg (Colorado, ''NHL'98''), Eric Lindros, (Flyers, ''NHL'99''), Chris Pronger, (St. Louis Blues, ''NHL 2000'') in the Nordic countries Markus Näslund Vancouver Canucks was on the cover of ''NHL 2000''., Owen Nolan, (Sharks, ''NHL 2001'') in the Nordic countries Jere Lehtinen (Dallas Stars) was on the cover of ''NHL 2001''., Mario Lemieux, (Penguins, ''NHL 2002''), Jarome Iginla, (Calgary, ''NHL 2003''), Dany Heatley and Joe Sakic, (Atlanta Thrashers and Colorado, respectively, in ''NHL 2004''), Markus Näslund, (Vancouver) in ''NHL 2005'', Tuomo Ruutu (Chicago Blackhawks) and Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay) in ''NHL 06'', Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) in ''NHL 07'' and Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes) in ''NHL 08''. The European versions might sometimes have different cover players, for example Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers) on the cover of ''NHL 07'' sold in Sweden, or Teemu Selänne (Anaheim Ducks) sold in Finland.

Year	Player (US/Canada Edition)	Player (Europe Edition)
1994	Tomas Sandström, Andy Moog	-
1995	Alexei Kovalev, Kirk McLean	-
1996	Scott Stevens, Steve Yzerman	-
1997	John Vanbiesbrouck	-
1998	Peter Forsberg	-
1999	Eric Lindros	-
2000	Chris Pronger	Markus Näslund
2001	Owen Nolan	Jere Lehtinen
2002	Mario Lemieux	-
2003	Jarome Iginla	Saku Koivu in Finland, Patrik Elias in Czech Republic
2004	Dany Heatley and Joe Sakic	-
2005	Markus Näslund	Olli Jokinen in Finland.
2006	Vincent Lecavalier	Tuomo Ruutu in Finland.
2007	Alexander Ovechkin	Henrik Lundqvist in Sweden, Teemu Selänne in Finland, Cristobal Huet in France.
2008	Eric Staal	Henrik Zetterberg in Sweden, Teemu Selänne in Finland, Jaromir Jagr in the Czech Republic, Mark Streit in Switzerland

Commentary

Live play-by-play commentary is introduced in ''NHL 97''. Jim Hughson, one of Canada's best-known hockey announcers, provided the play-by-play for much of the series, excluding the Xbox 360 version of NHL 07 and the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions of NHL 08; which is provided by Gary Thorne. Color commentary is provided by Daryl Reaugh (98-99), Bill Clement (2000-01, 2007 (Xbox 360))- 08 (Xbox 360/PS3)), Don Taylor (2002-03), and Craig Simpson (2004-07).

Soundtracks

Main articles: NHL series soundtracks

''NHL 2000'' is the first game in the series to feature fully-licenced music from known rock bands, such as Garbage, Uberzone and Gearwhore. Later versions feature names like Deftones, Sum 41, Ash, The Tea Party, Franz Ferdinand, Billy Talent, Fall Out Boy, Mobile, Collective Soul, Barenaked Ladies, Gob, Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, Avenged Sevenfold & Queens of the Stone Age. The in-game soundtrack is titled EA Sports Trax since 2002. Two songs have been confirmed for NHL 08: ''Street Fight'' by Hedley and ''Paralyzer'' by Finger Eleven

NHL series in popular culture

''Swingers''

The removal of fights in ''NHL Hockey 94'' was addressed in the 1996 movie ''Swingers'':
: Trent: ''I wish they still had fights in this game so I could bitch-slap Wayne.''

: Mike: ''What? They don't have fighting anymore?''

: Trent: ''Doesn't that suck?''

: Mike: ''Why'd they get rid of the fighting? It was the best part of the old version.''

: Sue: ''I think kids were hittin' each other or somethin', man.''

: Trent: ''Yeah but you know what, Mike? You can make their heads bleed in this one.''

: Mike: ''Make somebody's head bleed.''

: Sue: ''No man, we're in the playoffs.''

: Trent: ''I'm gonna make Wayne Gretzky's head bleed for super-fan #99 over here.''
However, this is not completely accurate, as bleeding players were also removed.
They also were playing ''NHLPA Hockey '93'' which had blood and fighting but the fighting was strategic and players like Gretzky would not have fought. In the original ''NHL Hockey'', Gretzky was able to fight.

''Mallrats''

Kevin Smith's 1995 movie ''Mallrats'' featured Jason Lee as Brodie Bruce playing NHL All-Star Hockey for the Sega Saturn. (though on the extras Kevin Smith admitted to loving the NHL series but having to use Sega's game for sponsor reasons). However the sound effects used were sounds from the EA NHL series.
[ Game audience cheering ]
Rene: What the hell are you doing?
Brodie: Finishing my game.
Rene: No, no, no. You promised me breakfast.
Brodie: Breakfast? Breakfast, schmrekfest.
Look at the score. I'm only in the middle
of the second and I'm winning 12 to 2.
Breakfasts come and go, Rene.
Now, Hartford, the whale?
Hey, they only beat Vancouver once, maybe twice in a lifetime

''Chasing Amy''

Kevin Smith's 1997 movie ''Chasing Amy'' featured Banky and Holden playing one version of ''NHL Hockey''.

See also

★ List of NHL video games

References

1. Scott A. May: NHL Hockey, COMPUTE! ISSUE 165 / June 1994, p. 116
2. Metacritic: NHL 2002 GBA
3. http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/nhl06/preview_6127280.html?part=rss&tag=gs_previews&subj=6127280
4. http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nhl07/index.html?q=nhl%2007
5. GameSpot's NHL 08 First Look
6. AHL featured in EA's NHL 08
7. EA SPORTS NHL08 Features Page

External links

★ Powerplay Fantasy Hockey League (PFHL) Free long running EA NHL online hockey league

★ Free playable NHL 97

★ EA Sports NHL '06 Official Website

★

★ NHL94.com (frequently updated NHL 94 resource- play NHL 94 with new rosters)

★ EA Sports NHL '08 Official Website (Latest version of the NHL series)

★ Old School Hockey League (NHL94 League)

★ NHL 08 Skill Stick Tutorial Movie

★ NHL 08 AI & Create a Play Movie