Electronic Arts (EA) has revealed a lot of new information for the latest iteration in their National Hockey League games, NHL 23. EA Sports has unveiled the NHL 23 cover athletes, features, and pre-order bonuses along with a brand new trailer. In this post, we will be breaking down everything revealed about NHL 23, so you’re up-to-date about the most authentic NHL game ever.

NHL 23 Cover Athletes:

Gracing the cover of this year’s NHL game are The Anaheim Ducks’ phenom Trevor Zegras and Canada’s national team’s forward, Sarah Nurse. Sarah Nurse is also the first woman ever to be featured on the cover of the EA Sports NHL franchise.

Sarah Nurse expressed her gratitude for being featured on NHL 23’s cover:

“It is such a tremendous honor to be the first woman on the cover of the EA SPORTS NHL franchise,” said Sarah Nurse of Team Canada. “Hockey is really for everybody and I’m excited that NHL 23 is celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the sport. I hope that the increased representation of women in such a prominent game will inspire young girls everywhere to know that there is a place for them in hockey.”

The Anaheim Ducks’ center had something similar to say:

“As someone who has played EA SPORTS NHL since I was kid, it is a dream come true to be on the cover this year with Sarah,” said Trevor Zegras. “I can’t wait to play this year’s version with my friends and teammates, and I am equally excited to see fans unleash my Michigan flip pass, which the team at EA SPORTS has managed to get into the game.”

Here’s a look at the official cover for EA Sports NHL 23:

You can watch the Official Reveal Trailer right here:

NHL 23 New Features:

Crossplay:

For the first time ever in an update later this year, cross-platform matchmaking is coming to NHL 23. The catch is that NHL 23 will only feature crossplay for the same-generation consoles. Xbox One players can face off against their PS4 friends, whereas Xbox Series gamers can play against folks on the PS5.

Another catch for the crossplay mode is that it’s only limited to Ultimate Team and World of Chel. Cross-platform matchmaking will be made available in November 2022.

Hockey Ultimate Team:

  • For the first time ever, IIHF Women’s National Team members can now play alongside men in a Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) lineup.
  • National team players will have both base and master items incorporated into HUT events.
  • Players can compete in a variety of new rotating game themes in HUT Rivals.
  • NHL 23 brings three additional tiers of HUT Rivals Rewards based on win or win streaks.
  • Players who start playing NHL 23 on PS4 or Xbox One will be able to transfer their HUT Team value and progress to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.

Frostbite Engine: NHL 23 will be utilizing the Frostbite engine, bringing whole new levels of visual immersion to the game. It will feature new OT winners, hat-trick, and shootout celebrations to hype you up. Raucous stadiums with an overhauled level of crowd awareness and moment-to-moment reactions will be featured in the game as well.

By taking advantage of the Frostbite engine, NHL 23 brings the best in-game experience in the franchise’s history. A whole new series of Last Chance Puck Movement gameplay animations add even more excitement to the game, with over 500 new Stumble Action animations, loose puck plays, and enhanced goalie AI.

Franchise Mode:

The Franchise Mode will see a return in NHL 23 with huge levels of league customization. It will bring a new level of versatility to the game, including adjustments to the number of teams, games played, divisions, conferences, playoff rounds, salary cap, and so much more!

NHL 23 Pre-Order Editions and Bonuses:

Pre Order Editions:

EA Sports NHL 23 X-Factor Edition:

The X-Factor Edition will be available for $99.99 and grants players access to the Standard Edition across both generations of gaming within the same family of consoles.

The X-Factor Edition includes:

  • Dual Entitlement of NHL 23
  • 3-Days Early Access
  • 4600 NHL Points
  • HUT X-Factor Player Choice Pack
  • 5 World of Chel X-Factor Ability Unlocks
  • Signed Sarah Nurse World of Chel Jersey (Digital)
  • Be A Pro X-Factor Slot Unlocks
  • XP Boost and Bonus Trait Points

EA Sports NHL 23 Standard Edition:

The Standard Edition will be available for $59.99 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It will cost $69.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The Standard Edition includes:

  • NHL 23 (for the console of choice)
  • X-Factor Women’s Choice Pack
  • 5 WoC X-Factor Ability Unlocks
  • Signed Sarah NurseJersey (Digital)
  • Be A Pro X-Factor Slot Unlocks
  • XP Boost and Bonus Trait Points

Now you’re all caught up in regards to everything revealed for NHL 23… except for the release date. EA Sports NHL 23 is set to launch for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Playstation 4 on October 14, 2022! Pre-Order NHL 23 is now on the game’s official website.