We want to share an update on the timing of the National Championships (FCL/eHSM, GCL, SCL, and WECL), which have traditionally taken place between ECL seasons.

After reviewing the current ECL schedule and our available preparation time, we've decided not to run the National Championships during this spring window. The ECL Winter season started later than originally planned, and with the Spring season needing to begin shortly, there simply isn't enough room to deliver these events at the standard they deserve.

Our current plan is to launch the National Championships in September, aligned with the start of the new NHL 27 cycle. We believe that's the right setting for these events — when competitive energy is high, rosters are fresh, and the community is fully engaged. Running them during August also risks lower participation, as it falls during peak summer holiday season for many of our European players.

More details on formats, qualification, and schedules will follow as plans are confirmed. In the meantime, if you'd like to contribute to shaping and improving the National Championships — whether through organisation, production, sponsorship connections, or other means — we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to me via Private Message, Discord, or hello@sportsgamer.gg. 

The registration for ECL '26: Spring is now open, and more details about the ECL season will be shared in the coming days.

After a successful run at the 2025 SG World Cup, we’re excited to announce a brand-new, official eHockey World Cup tournament for the NHL esports scene!

History of the tournament

2025 saw the first ever global national team 6v6-tournament, featuring a grand total of 15 national teams and a 16th “SG World” team to represent the rest of the world. In the end team Canada were crowned champions, after defeating team Finland in a stunning finals series by the aggregate score of 21-20. Team USA captured 3rd place over Sweden in a crushing 20-8 aggregate score victory.

World eHockey Association

The World eHockey Association was founded in December 2025 to promote international eHockey operations. The Association's objective is to bring the yearly national team tournament to LAN by 2027.
 

eHockey World Cup 2026 - “Road to LAN”

The eHockey World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in May, starting on Tuesday, May 12th, and ending on Sunday, May 24th.

As it marks the first year of official tournament status, it is intended to be run with a very similar format to the SG World Cup in 2025, with ultimately the top 10 nations qualifying for the 2027 eHockey World Cup A-division, which is planned to be hosted as a live event. Due to being hosted purely online, the 2026 tournament will feature each stage of the tournament being played as a best-of-two or best-of-four aggregate score competition.

Games will be broadcast on the official World eHockey Association YouTube channel.

Format

The key change to the tournament's structure comes from the addition of a B-division, which is open for any new nations.

In 2026, the A-division consists of the following nations based on the WEHA World Ranking:

1. Canada
2. Finland
3. USA
4. Sweden
5. Latvia
6. Germany
7. Norway
8. Slovakia
9. Czechia
10. Switzerland
11. Austria
12. France

The B-division is open for any new national team entries, with the following three nations having established their spot in the division:

13. Ukraine
14. Great Britain
15. Denmark

We’re actively looking to add more nations to our World Cup tournament! Please contact us on our Discord server to set up your national team. Even if you don’t currently have enough players to participate, please let us know you’re interested so we can connect you with others from your nation.
 

Captaincy and team selection

In 2026, the team rosters will be chosen by team captains. The captain will be voted on by the members of the national team's predecessor, the SG World Cup 2025 team.
 

Strategic partnerships

The World eHockey Association has made strategic partnerships together with SportsGamer as well as Leaguegaming. These platforms will be hosting the eHockey World Cup, meaning all standings, statistics, and news about the eHockey World Cup will be available through both of these officially recognized WEHA regional partners.
 

Our objective at the World eHockey Association

Our ultimate goal is to bring this yearly tournament here to stay. The World eHockey Association operates on non-profit principles, meaning it relies on membership fees, donations and commercial partnerships to strive for its objectives. On a more general note, the World eHockey Association is committed to serving the community around it with the focus on building a more approachable esports scene for viewers and partners.

Help us reach our goals by watching the eHockey World Cup live on our YouTube channel, following us on all platforms, and sharing our project with friends! 

If you want to support more, please reach out to any of the World eHockey Association board members.

Read more about us on our World eHockey Association Discord server.

Follow us on social media:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Useful links:

• eHockey World Cup 2026 rulebook
• eHockey World Cup 2026 schedule
• The World eHockey Association Discord
   

News story in Finnish / Uutinen suomeksi: https://ence.gg/article/maailman-suurin-nhl-2v2-turnaus-jarjestetaan-jalleen-lokakuussa/


Last year, the inaugural Voittamattomat Änäris tournament took the NHL community by storm, and now the event is back with a refreshed format. Registration is officially open, and the grand finals will be played on Saturday, October 11th at the stunning Finnkino Tennispalatsi LUXE theater in Helsinki. The qualifiers and finals will be broadcast live on the EkiTammenpaa YouTube channel, and fans will also be able to attend the finals on-site. Seating in the LUXE theater is limited to around 50 spectators.

• Register for Competitive Division Qualifier #1 (Oct 4) 🇫🇮

• Register for Competitive Division Qualifier #2 (Oct 5)   🇫🇮

• Register for Amateur Division Qualifier (Oct 4)   🇫🇮

This year’s tournament comes with a few key changes. Unlike last year, where some finalist pairs received direct invitations, every player – including the tournament’s headliner Erik @Eki Tammenpää – will need to battle through the qualifiers to earn their place. Another highly requested addition is the brand-new Amateur Division, offering a lower-barrier path for more casual players to join the action.

“After last year’s success, we were excited to team up with ENCE again to take this tournament to the next level. The 2v2 format is truly unique in NHL – you won’t see it anywhere else at this scale. We’ve partnered with amazing sponsors who make this all possible. Nikke and I are ready to defend our title – come challenge us if you dare!” said tournament ambassador and reigning champion, Eki.

Tournament Format

• Open Division Qualifiers: Saturday, Oct 4 & Sunday, Oct 5
• Amateur Division Qualifiers: Saturday, Oct 4
• Format: Single Elimination, Best-of-1
• Advancement: Top 2 pairs from each qualifier move on to the finals
• Finals Lineup: 4 Open Division pairs + 2 Amateur Division pairs
• Geographical limitations: This tournament is open to players living in Finland. 🇫🇮

Prize Pool

• Competitive Division: 5 000 € total – with 3 000 € awarded to the champions
• Amateur Division: Product prize packages provided by tournament partners
• Participation Prizes: Just signing up gives you a chance to win! Among all entrants, we’ll raffle out 2x pairs of tickets to a Liiga game of choice and 2x ENCE product packages.

You can find the full tournament rules here: Tournament rules (Finnish)

Join the tournament Discord

The tournament is made possible by Finnkino, Red Bull, foodora, and Logitech G A20x.

The inaugural SG World Cup 2025 wrapped up last month, marking a thrilling first test for global, national-team eHockey in a 6v6 format. From May 6th to May 18th, 16 national teams from Europe and North America battled it out for national glory. Team captains, selected by high-level players from their respective nations, scouted and chose their rosters, setting the stage for intense competition.

Throughout the playoffs, all series were decided by an aggregate score across two games (one home, one away for each team), adding a unique layer of strategy and drama.

The Road to the Playoffs: Group Stage Drama

The tournament kicked off with fierce battles for playoff spots, culminating in several key matchups that ultimately decided which teams would advance:

• 🇫🇮 Finland beat Sweden (4-3 OT, 4-3) to secure 1st place in Group A.
• 🇺🇸 USA and 🇨🇦 Canada split their games (3-0, 2-7), finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively in Group A.
• 🇸🇰 Slovakia stunned SG World (3-2, 5-4) in the biggest upset of the tournament, capturing 2nd place behind 🇱🇻 Latvia in Group B.
• 🇨🇿 Czechia narrowly missed out on the playoffs as Switzerland (3-1, 1-2) stole game 2 in Group C.
• 🇳🇴 Norway captured 4 points from 🇩🇪 Germany (9-4, 3-4 OT) and a full 6 points from 🇺🇦 Ukraine (7-2, 9-1) to sneak into the playoffs from Group C.
• 🇩🇪 Germany secured the needed points against 🇨🇭 Switzerland (3-0, 4-9) to top their group (Group C).
   

Quarterfinals: Underdogs and Dominance

🇫🇮 FINLAND (1) vs 🇸🇰 SLOVAKIA (8)

After pulling off the biggest underdog story of the tournament to make the playoffs, Slovakia faced their toughest challenge: the number 1 seed, Finland. The challengers started strong, scoring the first goal of game 1. Slovakia held the game extremely close, even creating quality chances to win, but Finland scored the 4-3 goal in the final minute of game 1. This meant an uphill battle for Slovakia in game 2, trailing by one in the aggregate score and with Finland having home-ice (server) advantage. It proved too much, and Finland moved on to the semi-finals.

RESULTS: 16-4 (4-3, 12-1)
 

🇺🇸 USA (2) vs 🇳🇴 NORWAY (7)

With both teams having strong group stage performances, this playoff series between a North American and a European team promised excitement. Norway had the home-ice advantage for game 1, so it was expected the Americans might need to climb back in game two. For a brief moment, it looked like Norway might build a big lead, but Team USA consistently traded goals with the Norwegians in game 1. In a very close game, Team USA secured a 5-5 draw, virtually guaranteeing victory unless Norway could replicate the result on USA's home game. Safe to say, USA wouldn't let that happen, marching to a convincing series win.

RESULTS: 16-8 (5-5, 11-3)
 

🇨🇦 CANADA (3) vs 🇩🇪 GERMANY (6)

This series pitted the top of Group C (Germany) against possibly the biggest underperformer of Group A (Canada). All signs pointed to this being a potential upset series. Game 1 was played on German ice, and against expectations, Canada pulled off the unthinkable and WON the first game. After this crucial win, they coasted their way into the semis.

RESULTS: 14-4 (4-3, 10-1)
 

🇸🇪 SWEDEN (4) vs 🇱🇻 LATVIA (5)

While the other quarter-finals weren't particularly close, this one delivered. Game 1 (Sweden home) started with Latvia scoring an early go-ahead goal, making it clear they were not messing around. Sweden managed to tie it up, and after both teams traded chances, Sweden got the 2-1 lead. Latvia tied it again, but Sweden pressured towards the end of the game, scoring two clutch goals to take a two-goal lead into game 2. The second game saw two additional early goals for Sweden, seemingly putting the series to rest. But Latvia wasn't done, scoring three goals in a row to get within one in the aggregate score! The dream of a Latvian comeback was crushed, however, as Sweden scored a late goal to secure the series victory.

RESULTS: 7-5 (4-2, 3-3)

Semifinals: Regional Rivalries Reign

🇫🇮 FINLAND (1) vs SWEDEN (4)

Is there anything better than this Nordic rivalry? From the beginning, it was clear neither team wanted to go down. It took some time for either side to break through the rock-solid defense, but in the second period, Sweden capitalized on a power-play. Their lead was short-lived, as Finland's next shot found the net, bringing the game back to dead even. The 1-1 score was broken again by a Swedish power-play goal, but just like before, Finland bounced back to tie the game at 2-2, which would be the final result of game 1. Game 2 saw a hot start by Finland, taking a quick 1-0 lead. Sweden struggled to get offense going, and Finland extended their lead to 2. This served as a wake-up call for the Swedes, who scored immediately after to bring the aggregate score to 4-3. They were within striking distance, but Finland kept pressing Sweden in their zone and eventually secured the 3-1 goal, which ultimately put the series away as Sweden couldn't get on the board towards the end of the game.

RESULTS: 6-3 (2-2, 4-1)
 

🇺🇸 USA (2) vs 🇨🇦 CANADA (3)

If there's something better than Finland against Sweden, it's this! The battle of North America, with only one able to make it to the finals. With Canada starting on home-ice in game 1, a favorable situation heading into game 2 was crucial for both teams. When USA scored the first puck, things looked extremely good for them. USA, on the virtual "road," managed to keep Canada off the scoresheet for over half the game, but Canada eventually pushed through, scoring three back-to-back goals to head into the 3rd period up by two. The teams scored one each, and it looked like 4-2 would be the final score, but in the final minute of game 1, Canada scored not one, but two additional goals to secure a massive 6-2 win. The series seemed completely over because game 2 was Canadian domination for the first half, but the score remained 0-0. A power-play goal by Team USA got them back within three in the aggregate. The urgency for USA kicked in, as the 3rd period was underway with three goals still needed to tie the score. USA found an extra gear, scoring two goals to get within one goal with 10 minutes left. Just a few seconds later, Canada scored to recapture the two-goal lead. Canada stayed strong and even added a few more goals to clinch their spot in the finals.

RESULTS: 9-5 (6-2, 3-3)

The Grand Finale: 🇫🇮 Finland (1) vs 🇨🇦Canada (3)

FINALS! 14 teams eliminated, 2 remained. Four games were to be played, with the aggregate score deciding the champion. Canada had the home-ice (server) advantage for games 1 & 3, while Finland had it for games 2 & 4.

Game 1: Canada's Stunner

When the playoffs began, the underperforming Group A team Canada was nowhere to be seen. The team was still here, just completely unrecognizable. Canada continued their strong playoff form, but with one key difference: efficiency. Canada scored 4 goals in period 1, a statement on its own, and never let off the gas. Game 1 of this finals series ended in a shocking 13-0 victory for Team Canada.

Game 2: Finland Responds

Finland, completely stunned by the Game 1 blowout, started Game 2 by allowing Canada to score the first goal, extending the aggregate score to 14-0 for Team Canada. At this point, the series seemed over; Finland wasn't showing up in time to make it a series, as Game 2 entered period 2 with Finland still unable to get a single goal on the board. Finland finally broke through in the second, eventually winning the game 7-2. The aggregate score was now 15-7 for Team Canada.

Game 3: Canada Pulls Away

With Canada back on their home servers, this seemed destined to be the game that cleared their path to the tournament victory. After all, they went into this game up by 8 goals in the aggregate score, and every goal they scored would only add to that. With a 5-0 lead in the second period, and a whopping 13-goal difference in the aggregate score, Finland looked completely down and out. Somehow, Finland managed to keep Canada off the score sheet for the rest of the game, and even added a goal of their own. Game 3 ended in a 5-1 win for Canada. The aggregate score was now 20-8 for Team Canada.

Game 4: The Incredible Comeback Attempt

The final game of the tournament—Game 4 of the finals. Canada was up by 12, with Finland chasing on their home-ice. Finland scored in the first few minutes (20-9). Canada took penalties, trying to survive. Finland put in another one on the power-play (20-10). The game wasn't even 10 minutes old, another one (20-11). This start was exactly what Finland needed to climb back in the series. However, Canada took a shot from the point, their first on net in the game, and the puck bounced in (21-11). The Finns, visibly frustrated, were unable to regain momentum or score, until the end of the first when they did—twice! It was 5-1 after just 20 minutes of play (21-13).

In the second period, Finland potted another 2 (21-15), making it a six-goal lead for the Canadians heading into the 3rd. A few minutes in: 21-16. Just moments later: 21-17. Finland had over half the period remaining to get four more goals. Power-plays, pucks on net, rebounds... The Finns threw everything they had on net and a little bit more, but it took them until the 58th minute of the game to get the next one: 21-18.

Time was running low, but they kept shooting pucks from anywhere and got another one (21-19)! The game was in its final minute, but Finland scored the next one immediately after—it was now officially 21-20 with just under 40 seconds left in the game. Right off the draw, they shot—a big save was made. And that would be the last save the Canadians needed—they kept the score at 12-1 for Game 4, and by a miracle, they held on just barely by a one-goal margin in the aggregate.

RESULTS: 🇫🇮 vs 🇨🇦 20-21 (0-13, 7-2, 1-5, 12-1)

CONGRATULATIONS CANADA, YOUR 2025 SG WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS!
 

Goalies

#33 Anthony @Racc2000 Racicot
#34 Ryan @Pezzetta8272 Vinichenko

Defense

#34 Dany-Karl @Deeks Lévesque
#55 Samuel @Filyy55 Filiatrault
#65 Francis @Dumoulin65 Dumoulin (C)

Forwards

#4 Gabriel @Barzy x 13Lagrange-Fournier
#27 François-Xavier @Boilyxhp Boily
#44 Ethan @Polgz Polgar
#86 Ethan @Ethancy Mac
#88 Charles-Olivier @Loko Crusty Tremblay
#93 Maxime @SkilzZy x92xCuevas

Watch the interview with Team Canada Captain @Dumoulin65 below:

Brandon @bMaJuH Bigsby also sat down with @Polgz after the finals - check out the interview below:

Final Standings & Team Reviews

Here's a look at how each team finished in the inaugural SG World Cup 2025:

🇩🇰 16. Denmark

Pre-tournament ranking: 14

Finishing in last place was a disappointment for Denmark, especially being ranked 14th heading into a 16-team tournament. The Danes faced difficult moments, struggling to find suitable players, which led to them finishing dead last in Group C with only 3 points against Ukraine.

Player of the tournament: Martin @martin-jakobsen Jakobsen

With only 6 games played, he was Denmark's only player to produce at over a point per game, scoring 6 of Denmark's total 10 goals.

🇬🇧 15. Great Britain

Pre-tournament ranking: 16

Finishing last in Group B was Great Britain. While they were tied with France on points, head-to-head matchups placed Great Britain at 15th overall. It was a letdown, especially given the number of close games they played. Their tournament run was respectable, but Division B awaits them next year. *

Player of the tournament: Damien @JimmyCooks-_- Baynes

Without any players truly exceeding expectations, JimmyCooks is chosen for Great Britain, leading the team in points (5+7=12) at over a point per game.

🇺🇦 14. Ukraine

Pre-tournament ranking: 15

The first team to technically exceed expectations was Ukraine. They split points with Denmark (though one win was a walk-over). Despite battling in a stacked Group C, they found themselves second to last in the group, sending them to Division B next year. Ukraine kept things surprisingly close on multiple occasions, even leading by two against Switzerland in one game, but couldn't secure any major upsets.

Player of the tournament: Vlad @House_Pro Laktionov

Leading scorer for the team (2+4=6).

🇫🇷 13. France

 Pre-tournament ranking: 11

While the last three teams were expected to be in the bottom four, France dropped from their predicted result and now finds themselves relegated to Division B. They started well with 5 points in four games, including matches against group favorite SG World. Despite some good moments, endless lineup changes and shaky performance meant they finished in the bottom two with only two wins.

Player of the tournament: Raphael @Raphalsky69 Merle

Just one point separated him from their leading scorer. This defenseman put up great numbers, scoring at a point per game from the back end (1+7=8).

🇦🇹 12. Austria

Pre-tournament ranking: 10

With a record of 3-1-1-5, Austria likely isn't too upset about their slightly below-expectations result. They cracked the top 4 in their group, keeping themselves in Division A for next year.

Player of the tournament: Felix @ProfaneKiss Kiss 

Leading their team in points (12+8=20) and overall, as their captain ProfaneKiss.

🇨🇭11. Switzerland

 Pre-tournament ranking: 12 * Switzerland was a pleasant surprise. While predicted to finish 4th in their group (which they did), their play exceeded expectations. They managed to win a game against both Czechia and Germany, yet still ended up 4th, only 5 points behind group winner Germany. *

Player of the tournament: Brian @brianabey Abey

Leading their team in points (13+13=26) by a longshot, the right-handed right winger BrianAbey. Notably, he didn't even play all their games!

10. SG World

Pre-tournament ranking: 6

The biggest disappointment. SG World, with by far the best roster on paper in their group, finished 3rd and completely missed the playoffs! A huge letdown, as they were the clear favorite. Whatever went wrong, it led them to lose two critical games that knocked them out.
 

Player of the tournament: Ivan @XxKapUstaxX Kapustenko

Impressive individual numbers for the left-wing sniper Kapusta, who led the entire Group B in scoring with 17+17=34.

🇨🇿 9. Czechia

Pre-tournament ranking: 8

Like SG World, Czechia experienced heartbreak. A team expected to make the playoffs, they dropped out by a margin of one point in the standings, losing their final group stage game to Switzerland. So close, yet so far.

Player of the tournament: Tomas @Horys20 Horos

Part of a hot goaltending duo, their two goalies finished #1 and #2 by save percentage during the group stage! Horys20 played the majority of their games, posting a great 83.17%.

🇸🇰 8. Slovakia

Pre-tournament ranking: 13

The underdog story of the tournament! Slovakia went totally under the radar, looking destined to miss the playoffs. In their last group stage games, trailing SG World by 6 points, they needed two regulation wins to make the playoffs, and that's exactly what they did. Both games saw unbelievable comebacks as SG World saw a 3rd period lead melt away. An unbelievable run ended in a respectable fight against Finland in the playoffs, where Slovakia kept the series tied until the final minute of game 1.

Player of the tournament: Dominik @Lazan23 Kovalik

A hot goaltender who was a huge part of his team's playoff run. Posting a 7-3 record and 81.42% during the group stages, he was tied for most wins in the tournament and 7th by save percentage.

🇳🇴 7. Norway

Pre-tournament ranking: 9

Another team unexpectedly sneaking into the top 8 was Norway! They can be thrilled with their tournament play, clutching up by taking 4 points from Germany, followed by full points from Ukraine, which was enough to crack into the playoffs by exactly one point! Their run ended in a tough loss against USA in the playoffs, but their group stage performance was something else, as they scored more than anyone else in the tournament. Their offensive trio was on fire, with point totals through the roof. Right winger Mathiasgamer_07 (16+25=41) led the tournament in assists, and even their lowest scoring forward, captain el_tacobag (16+20=36), was only 2 points away from finishing in the top 3 in points.

Player of the tournament: Svein @Sweini999 Rohde

The leading scorer for the entire tournament. 31+21=52 in just 10 group stage games is next level!

🇩🇪 6. Germany

Pre-tournament ranking: 5

The team predicted to win Group C did exactly that! Germany topped the group by a margin of only one point, and in some sense, it could be considered a below-expectations performance since this meant they were seeded 6th, not 5th. This set them up against eventual champions Canada in Round 1 of the playoffs, where they were totally outclassed and bounced. Their tournament can still be considered a success, with their offensive trio of I_Alex28_I (21+17=38), Klapkloenkx (15+22=37), and CashAllGreen (11+25=36) all having great point totals, and xPsykoSkills leading the tournament in defenseman scoring throughout group stage games.

Player of the tournament: Alex @I_Alex28_I Wagner 

Their offensive trio was on fire, and the most production, especially goals, came from Alex, their right winger.

🇱🇻 5. Latvia

Pre-tournament ranking: 7

Topping the list outside the “Big 4” is Latvia! Not only did Latvia climb to the top of Group B, but they also put up a really good fight as an underdog in the playoffs, falling to the Swedes in a 7-5 (4-2, 3-3) aggregate score series! Overall, a very successful tournament for them, and they can certainly be happy with the results, even if they couldn't pull off the ultimate surprise by beating one of the “Big 4.”

Player of the tournament: Elvis @HappyMack 29 Grundmanis

HappyMack not only posted 6 wins in 6 games as a goalie with a solid 82.98 save percentage, but the Latvian also recorded 5 goals in 2 group stage games as a winger. The most impressive part is that he played as both a goalie and a forward during group play and even filled in as a defenseman in the playoffs against Sweden, helping his team make it a close battle.

🇸🇪 4. Sweden

Pre-tournament ranking: 4

A team that was both unsuccessful and successful at the same time. Team Sweden recorded 6 points during the group stage, roughly equivalent to expectations. However, the way those points came was a different story: they lost a point against USA while playing on the Swedish server, but managed to play two one-goal games with Finland and stole one point from them. In the playoffs, they played a close series with Latvia, ultimately winning to make it into the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, they showed up big time against Finland, coming out with a 2-2 tie in game 1. They did fall 4-1 in game two, and the 3rd place matchup was a disaster against USA, where they lost both games with a 20-8 aggregate score.

Player of the tournament: Adam @karlssonadam_ Karlsson (HM: Johan @McSavid Rundqvist)

If there was one aspect of the Swedish team that seemed to be on point all tournament, it was their goaltending. They used two goalies, both deserving of mention. In many games against tougher opponents, these guys kept it close and gave their team a chance to win.

🇺🇸 3. USA

Pre-tournament ranking: 3

As expected, USA was one of the top 3 contenders. With a strong group stage performance, they went into the playoffs as the 2nd seed and handled Norway in Round 1 with ease. In the semi-finals, however, they faced Canada and were knocked out of the finals. It's not necessarily that they didn't play well in the tournament, but just one well-fought two-game series, and that was it for USA. They did take 3rd place, which is at least something.

Player of the tournament: Josh @JFussyy Fuss

He scored 18 goals in two games against Sweden in the 3rd place matchup. No further explanation needed.

🇫🇮 2. Finland

Pre-tournament ranking: 2

So close, yet so far. Finland did everything right, until the very end. Number one seed going into the playoffs, wins against Slovakia and Sweden in the playoffs. That's how the Finns found themselves in the finals. Game 1 of 4 was really what crushed them, though. Canada pulled off a 13-0 win over Finland in that game, and even though Finland did everything they could to climb back, it was just not quite enough as they fell short by one goal and lost 21-22 in aggregate score. The crazy thing is the fact that Finland came so close to tying it up late in that Game 4, which would've also meant Finland would've had the home-ice advantage for the deciding Game 5. We're sure Finland was looking to win the tournament, but all things considered, it was still a good run, just one goal away from victory.

Player of the tournament: Veeti @WeDuX_ Misikangas

WeDuX_ led all Group A teams in defenseman scoring in both the group stage (0+10=10) and the playoffs (4+19=23).

🇨🇦 1. Canada

Pre-tournament ranking: 1

Being crowned the champion was certainly all the Canadians were looking to do going into this tournament, and what a journey they took to get there! A tough group stage with a loss to Finland on the Canadian server set them up with low expectations heading into the playoffs, but somehow they found their game when it mattered most. Impressive wins over Germany and USA led this team all the way to the finals, where they pulled off a wild 13-0 win in Game 1 and eventually beat the number 1 seed Finland in a thrilling series!

Player of the tournament: Charles-Olivier @Loko Crusty Tremblay

It's honestly hard to pick just one player as the player of the tournament for this team, as it really was a team effort to come out on top. However, Loko Crusty, with his 3+12=15 group stage points and 11+20=31 playoff points, was on a totally different level on the score sheets!

We hope you enjoyed the SG World Cup as much as we did! If you liked the action, share this article, your favorite highlights, and your own experiences — every bit of support helps us come back even bigger and better next time.

Hello SportsGamer community!

Team SG Denmark is looking for players for the SG World Cup starting in May!

Specifically, we're looking for:

• Starting goalie
• Backup skaters

Note that players must be Danish to join the team.

Gamedays are the following:

• Tuesday, May 6th
• Thursday, May 8t
• Sunday, May 11th
• Tuesday, May 13th
• Thursday, May 15th
• Playoffs May 17th-18th

Please reach out by contacting us through any of the following:

• Comment on this news article
• Message the team captain @Vibholm_10 directly either here or on discord

Feel free to spread the message if you know someone who could potentially help fill out the roster. 

Competitive players, the wait is over  —  WECL Season 4 is here! After a two-year break, the league is making a triumphant return, and registration is officially open. Don’t miss this opportunity to compete, reconnect, and be part of the action as WECL makes its long-awaited comeback.

What to Expect in Season 4?

Season 4 brings an exciting and straightforward format designed to maximize competition and fun. Here’s what’s in store:

• No X-Factors: This season, no X-Factors (Gold and Silver) are allowed to be used in loadouts. More info on X-Factor change below.
• Switch to a 3-Point System: We’re moving to a 3-point system for wins this season, replacing the previous 2-point system. This adjustment adds more value to victories and increases the competitive stakes.
• Three Game Days per Week: Matches will be held three times a week, ensuring plenty of opportunities to compete and climb the standings.
• Season Start: The action kicks off on February 17, 2025, so mark your calendars and get ready for the season.
• Playoffs: The playoffs are set to begin on March 24, 2025, though the exact schedule may vary depending on the number of teams that sign up.

Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, this season promises a competitive and enjoyable experience for all!

No X-Factors: A New Era for WECL Competition

The upcoming season of the WECL is set to introduce a groundbreaking change aimed at redefining the competitive landscape. In a bold move to prioritize skill and strategy, the league has implemented a new rule banning the use of all X-Factors, both Gold and Silver.

This decision marks a significant shift in gameplay, as X-Factors have long been a pivotal element in shaping team dynamics and individual performance. By removing these abilities, the league seeks to level the playing field, fostering a more balanced and skill-driven environment.

The introduction of this rule is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the competition, challenging players to rely on pure skill, strategic planning, and adaptability. WECL organizers believe this change will not only elevate the quality of play but also enhance the overall experience, as matches will now be decided by player expertise rather than additional boosts.

As the new season approaches, anticipation is building to see how this adjustment will impact the game and test competitors’ true abilities. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for WECL, one that underscores the league’s commitment to innovation and fair play.

Who Can Join?

The WECL is open to everyone*, from seasoned veterans to newcomers eager to make their debut. Gather your team, brush off the rust, and prepare to make your mark as the league returns after its hiatus.

*Eligibility rules apply; see below “Eligibility” section.

Key Dates

• Registration Opens: January 31, 2025
• Registration Closes: February 14, 2025
• Season Start: February 17, 2025

How to Sign Up?

• Joining is simple:
• Visit the official WECL Season 4 registration page.
• Log in or create your account.
• Register your team and finalize your roster.

Eligibility

As a regional league, the WECL has three officially recognized countries (ES, FR, and UK). However, teams based in countries that are not represented in the current (ongoing or not) SportsGamer regional leagues (CSCL, GCL, RCL, FCL, and SCL) are also able to take part.

Teams from the following countries are eligible for the WECL and their players don’t count against the foreign player cap:

Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
France
Georgia
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kazakhstan
Republic Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
 North Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Serbia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
UK
Vatican City

Teams from the following countries are already eligible for another regional league and cannot sign teams up; players will also count against the foreign player cap:

Czech Republic
Slovakia
Germany
Russia
Finland
Sweden

Players from these countries are counted against a limit of 2 foreign players on the roster, with the allowance of only one of them being on ice.

Additionally, in order to better facilitate the opportunities for local players to naturally grow, the WECL also enforces a skill cap, meaning that foreign players with ECL Elite status will not be able to participate in the league. ECL Elite status is determined by having represented an Elite team in either ECL '25 Winter or ECL '24 Spring.

Communication

English is the official language of the WECL, and all communications related to the Championship — whether from the League Administration (LA) or Regional League Administration (RLA) — will be conducted in English. However, participants are welcome to use English, French, or Spanish in the league’s dedicated sub-forum.

Exceptions

The WECL is committed to inclusivity, welcoming teams that may not feel represented in other regional leagues. If you need to request an exception to the rules, please use the support tool to submit your case. We also encourage all participants to review the full rulebook, as this overview is only a small portion of the complete regulations.

After a two-year break, WECL is back and ready to deliver an exciting Season 4. We can’t wait to see teams bring their passion and skill to the competition. Let’s make this a tournament to remember!

Thank you, and see you on the ice!

We invited some of the highest-level players based on the most recent ECL (or other similar 6v6 leagues) from each nation to vote for their nation's captaincy for this upcoming tournament.

The community has spoken - here are your team captains for each nation in the SG World Cup 2025!
 

Group A

• Canada 🇨🇦
  • Captain: Francis @Dumoulin65 Dumoulin
     
• Finland 🇫🇮
  • Captain: Erik @Eki Tammenpää
     
• Sweden 🇸🇪
  • Captain: Henrik @Eken45jr Eklund
     
• USA 🇺🇸
  • Captains: Jeremy @l Jer I Gaynor and Trevor @ScaryJoeyy Cear

Group B

• Austria 🇦🇹
  • Captain: Felix @ProfaneKiss Kiss
• France 🇫🇷
  • GM: Yann @Virtual_Saku Maillet, Captain: Maximilien @Tromi13 Tromeur
• Great Britain 🇬🇧
  • Captain: Connor @MartindalexC Martindale
• Latvia 🇱🇻
  • Captain: Kristers @PSchibra Bauers
• SG World
  • Captain: Igor @Motzzyy Motov
• Slovakia 🇸🇰
  • Captain: Roland @jasomnajlepsi Szvetko

Group C

• Czechia 🇨🇿
  • Captain: Patrik @Winci-_o Wenzel
• Denmark 🇩🇰
  • Captain: Martin @Vibholm_10 Vibholm
• Germany 🇩🇪
  • Captain: Niklas @xPsykoSkills Schmitz
• Norway 🇳🇴
  • Captain: Henning @el_tacobag Drange
• Switzerland 🇨🇭
  • Captain: Timo @LTorro- Claudio
• Ukraine 🇺🇦
  • Captain: Serhii @Hockeyfear Vohel

TOURNAMENT RANKING:

16: Great Britain 

While their captain MartindalexC has made a name for himself in the community over the years as a great individual player, he doesn’t have the greatest player pool to choose players from. If he's able to bring in players to support him though and build a team with great chemistry, I could see Great Britain fighting for a playoff spot in Group B.

15: Ukraine 

Just like Great Britain, Ukraine only has one single player represented in the ECL Pro or Elite level. Led by their captain Hockeyfear, they need to rely on a strong team effort to even have a chance at making the playoffs, but I do see Ukraine as a team that could potentially take some points even from top-end teams in Group C, if they can find their best game.

14: Denmark 

Another team with only one single Pro/Elite starter player in Vibholm_10, the Danes will have a slight disadvantage compared to other teams in group C. That being said, it is important to note that Denmark does have a few quality options for their roster, and I wouldn't completely rule them out of the playoffs if things go their way.

13: Slovakia 

One of the more interesting teams to look out for in Group B is Slovakia, led by their captain jasomnajlepsi. In theory, they have easily enough players to create a good team, but their top-end talent is lacking compared to teams like SG World and Latvia and therefore it remains to be seen if they can realistically be in the playoff conversation.

12: Switzerland 

For some, it may come as a surprise to see Switzerland this low on the list, but with the level of teams in Group C it is difficult to rank them any higher. LTorro- as their captain does have a lot of good options to choose from when it comes to building the Swiss team for the tournament, but to succeed and make the playoffs they will need to perform on a next level which is above my expectations.

11: France 

Another interesting team is France, which is the only team in the tournament with a named GM (Virtual_Saku) alongside their captain Tromi13. With their team, it is likely we will see an unmatched chemistry in this tournament, as their roster will likely be based around players from the ECL Pro team Owned Hexa. I see France as a very possible contender to even finish first in the group, but on the other hand, they may not have quite the superstar talent in individual players like many other teams in this tournament.

10: Austria 

When it comes to the best ice hockey nations around the world - Austria probably isn't the first one that comes to mind. That being said on the virtual ice Austria is a very top-heavy team, which suits this tournament especially well when only 6 players are needed. The captain ProfaneKiss will be able to fill his lineup with a lot of Pro and even quite a bit of Elite experience, making them a top 3 candidate to make it into the playoffs from group B.

9: Norway 

If you asked me to name the team that has the best chance of either finishing dead last OR first in their group - that would be Norway. With no real star players going into the tournament, they do still have a very solid lineup at least on paper. The question is - can this team outperform the star talent on some of the teams they will be facing? If El_Tacobag and his team can do this, a playoff spot can most definitely be achieved.

8: Czechia 

Barely cracking the top 8 in this prediction, and the first one to be somewhat expected to make the playoffs, is Czechia. Captain Winci-_o has a lot of decisions ahead of him, as there are a huge number of players to choose from. While they do have one of the largest player bases in Europe it does remain to be seen if they are able to find the right starting 6 to succeed. As a team right there on the edge of the playoffs, they do need to be careful not to slip out of the top 8!

7: Latvia 

From Group B the one team barely cracking the playoffs in this ranking would be Team Latvia. Led by captain PSchibra, Latvia is one of the more skilled in the tournament on paper. The only red flag about their roster may be the fact that their top players all represent different teams in club tournaments, but as long as they find their game I'm sure they will be one of the toughest teams to beat in their group.

6: SG World 

Battling it out for first place in group B is ‘team rest-of-the-world”. Captain Motzzyy has a lot of players to choose from in the ECL Pro division, as well as a handful of talented individuals in the Elite division. If they get their game working as expected, they're favourites in group B, but making it past the quarterfinals will be a huge task even for them.

5: Germany 

The clearcut favorite in Group C, is Team Germany. Defenseman xPsykoSkills will be the cornerstone on defence and will have no trouble filling up the lineup with experience in the higher-end ECL leagues. But just like is the case with any Group B or C teams, making it to the semi-finals would be a slight surprise. But if I had to put my money on one group B or C team making it to the top 4, that would be Germany.

4: Sweden 

Finding themselves at the 4th position in this tournament ranking is captain eken45jr and his team Sweden. As stacked as Group A is, it will be a task and a half for the Swedes to successfully climb up to the level of the other three teams, but don't let this ranking fool you - they have a solid chance against anyone in this tournament. 

3: USA 

Coming in at number 3 - it is the United States. Sharing the captaincy are l Jer I and ScaryJoeyy, and they will most certainly be able to build this roster to be a contender to win the entire tournament! The margins between the top 3 teams are tiny, and I see the likelihood of victory for each of these teams to be very similar.

2: Finland 

Coming in at the second spot in this ranking and holding the biggest expectations for European teams, it is - of course - team Finland! Captain Eki has an unbelievable amount of decisions to make since the ECL Elite division is filled with Finnish talent throughout the standings. It remains to be seen who will make the final roster, but since it is Finland we are talking about, we do know one thing: The team. Will. Be. Good. 

1: Canada 

Coming in at number 1, it is Canada! Dumoulin as captain will have an almost unlimited number of players to choose from and really the only question is if Team Canada will be able to perform well enough as a team. As I said earlier the margins between these top 3 countries are small, so Canada by no means is a “lock” for an appearance in the finals, but if things go right I do see them as the best contender to win in the end. 

GET INVOLVED THROUGH DISCORD:

Join the tournament Discord from this link: https://discord.gg/EQag4GhDWb

Each nation has dedicated text channels on which anyone in the community can take part in the conversations. You can find each team's captains on this server too, so if you want to ask to join the team, this is the place to find them!

Who do you think will be on your country's team?

Hello SportsGamers!
 

We're super excited to announce the SG World Cup 2025!

The SG World Cup marks our first test of a global, national-team eHockey 6v6 format! The tournament will feature 16 national teams from Europe and North America. The action starts on May 6th and the event culminates with the finals just under two weeks later on May 18th.
 

Which nations are represented?

Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Latvia, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and USA. These 15 will be joined by team SG World, which features the best players from the rest of the world.

How are players chosen?

Players for each team will be chosen by the team captain. Team captains are voted on by a selected group of the best players from each nation.

Example: for Finland's captain vote, all skaters that play in a starter role in any ECL Elite playoff team will have a vote in the captain selection - for most smaller nations, the vote will be held amongst a few players deemed "most qualified" for the position.

How can I get in to represent my country?

On January 18th the tournament's Discord server will become public. Before then, each nation will have a dedicated text channel, on which the captain selection will take place. After this, the captains will have months to scout test players for their team. We encourage discussion on these dedicated text channels for everyone in each nation's community to be heard and help team captains make informed decisions by April when the final rosters are revealed!

Umm... What about the ping from Europe to North America?

This is a very valid question. There is no way to guarantee a good connection across the pond, but as this is the first installment of the tournament and all games will be played online, we're giving all teams an equal amount of opportunities to succeed on their home server. Throughout the tournament, all games and playoff series will be decided by the aggregate score from two games - one home, one away for both teams. 

Is there a prize pool?

This tournament is a first of its kind and runs primarily with the aim of testing out the new format. At the moment this tournament is free to play with the honour of your nation on the line. At this stage, there is no further prizing.

For more details check out the full rulebook here: SG World Cup Rulebook

The full tournament schedule can be found here: SG World Cup 2025 Schedule

We have launched a dedicated form to collect detailed information from players experiencing online connectivity issues in NHL 25. This initiative aims to gather comprehensive data to assist EA SPORTS in identifying and resolving these problems.

Purpose of the Form:

Players have reported difficulties accessing online modes, such as receiving error messages like “failed to retrieve data” or being unable to join dressing rooms in World of Chel (WOC). The form seeks to collect specific details about these issues, including:

• Platform: PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X.
• PSN ID/Gamertag: The account experiencing the issue.
• Location: Europe or North America.
• Nature of the Issue: Inability to enter online modes or join dressing rooms, among others.
• Error Codes: Any specific error messages encountered.
• Affected Game Modes: HUT, Online Versus, World of Chel (EASHL).
• Frequency: How often the issue occurs.
• EASHL Club Details: Club name and player visibility in Club Options.
• Cross-Platform Play: Presence of both PlayStation and Xbox players on the team.

How to Participate:

Players experiencing these issues are encouraged to complete the form with accurate and detailed information. This data will be instrumental in assisting EA SPORTS to diagnose and address the connectivity problems affecting the community.

FILL OUT FORM HERE

Important Notes:

• If you are not experiencing the described issues, but are having other issues with the game, please refrain from filling out the form and instead contact  EA Help  for assistance.

• Only submit information for accounts directly affected by these issues; do not report on behalf of teammates with your own account information that is not affected.
 

By contributing to this data collection effort, you play a vital role in enhancing the online gaming experience for all NHL 25 players.

Temporary Solution:

1. Create a New PSN ID and EA Account
   This appears to be the only workaround for now to avoid the error and re-enter the game.
    
2. Update Your Playercard on Sportsgamer
   You must update your PSN/GT on your playercard at Sportsgamer to match your new account.
    
3. Contact Support
   Reach out to SportsGamer Support to inform us about your account and PSN/GT change to ensure everything is properly updated.

We understand this is a frustrating issue, but this temporary fix allows affected players to continue participating in games while awaiting an official resolution from EA SPORTS.

Note: using a second account is not a requirement and we offer it only as a temporary solution for those who want to keep playing while we wait for the issue to be resolved.

Patch 1.2.0 is now available for download. Please note that there will be an expected downtime of up to one hour following the patch update.

What’s New in This Update

This patch brings a range of new additions, headlined by the arrival of official NHL coaches’ likenesses, gameplay enhancements, and much more. 

In this update, several key fixes address some of the most pressing issues raised by our community. Players will notice improved alignment in the Chop Puck mechanic, allowing for a more reliable and successful execution, whether stationary or in motion. Additionally, issues with Grudge Matches have been resolved, so they will no longer be triggered in Private Matches if set to “No” and can be fully disabled as intended, providing players more control over their gameplay experience. Another significant fix ensures that the sync screen, which previously lingered until the next faceoff after skipping a post-goal group hug, now clears smoothly, contributing to a more seamless flow in-game. These adjustments directly respond to community feedback, enhancing gameplay responsiveness and customization.

NHL 25 Coaches Update

We’re thrilled to see the introduction all 32 official NHL coaches in EA SPORTS NHL 25, each bringing their authentic coaching styles and strategies from the real NHL.

This update applies across various game modes, where each coach will bring their unique tactics and personality to the league. The attributes of each coach reflect their real-world strengths—such as John Tortorella’s physical coaching approach and veteran player development skills. Attributes include Power Play, PK, Teaching, and Influence, adding new depth and differentiation to team play and development.

Each coach's actual team history and record will be shown in-game and will be updated based on future teams that they may sign with and results within your franchise mode.

Now let’s get into the rest of the updates:

Gameplay

• Fixed an issue with players' sticks colliding with the puck during Stumbles.
• Fixed an issue when fast-forward to a new shift and getting scored on
• Fixed an issue where the Skill Based One Timer on Ice Feedback wasn’t appearing for skaters with One T Zone X-Factor
• Added additional error to passes aimed directly at the goalie while within close range
• Fixed alignment issues with Chop Puck to help increase the success rate of Chop Puck while stationary and skating
• Fixed an issue when a user disconnects in an online game which results in 2 AI players causing a line change
• Fixed a rare issue where CPU may not skate onto a loose puck in the defensive zone when in position to obtain it
• Fixed an issue that blocked goalies from making certain saves while leaving Hug Post into Butterfly
• Fixed an issue where CPU players with Back At Ya Zone ability were not able to execute a Reverse Hit
• Fixed a rare issue where a CPU player with the puck skated back into their zone when they should be focused on attacking
• Fixed an issue with Skill Based One Timers not triggering One Knee down shot animations when successfully timed
• Fixed an issue where a Goalie Poke check on a loose puck can cause the goalie to get out of position and miss the puck
• Fixed an issue where a Goalie can overslide their movement when tracking a puck banked off the end boards
• Fixed a rare animation issue when a skater skates too close to the net and the model looks disjointed
• Fixed a rare end-of-period crash that could trigger while shooting the puck at the end of a period
• Updated plays for 1-3-1 power play
• Updated plays for Passive, Standard, and Aggressive 3-on-3 OT In Zone Strategies

Gameplay Tuner Notes:

Developer Feedback: Setting up a perfect Skill Based One Timer is a rewarding hockey play and we want players to feel the satisfaction of hammering home the puck. We want to be very mindful of any adjustments that may reduce their effectiveness. This update reduces some of the additional bonuses applied to Skill Based One Timer shots which can impact the Goalies indirectly.

• Reduced Stamina Drain on Skill Based One Timer saves.
• Reduced bonus Shot Accuracy applied to perfectly timed Skill Based One Timer shots.

Game Modes

• Added all 32 current NHL Head Coaches in Franchise Mode, Season Mode, Online VS, and Play Now
• Fixed an issue where a player's Draft Class year value was being reset to Undrafted after saving within Edit Player from the Main Menu

Franchise Mode

• Fixed a crash when editing some generated players within the mode
• Fixed an issue where gameplay sliders were being reset after playing a game
• Fixed an issue where players with trade lists could be traded to a team not on their trade list
• Fixed an issue where the Standings tiebreaker used Regulation + Overtime Wins before Regulation Wins
• Fixed an issue where the Franchise HUB ticker didn't prioritize showing signings during the offseason
• Fixed an issue where the draft pick team ownership shown on an incoming trade offer could show incorrectly during the trade deadline mini-game
• Fixed an issue where the NHL Coach card would show entering the AHL Coach card from the Edit Lines screen
• Fixed an issue where using sim intervene could show incorrect goalie stats for that game within the box score
• Improved CPU logic when signing drafted prospects
• Misc crash and UI fixes

Franchise Mode Conversations & Contract Negotiations:

• Fixed an issue where an empty text string could show when assigning long-term goals to some defenseman
• Fixed an issue where morale values could sometimes reset when impacted by conversations
• Fixed an issue where the user could add clauses to a 2-way contract offer within the negotiation after re-entering the conversation
• Fixed an issue where the previously discussed contract reset to below league minimum when re-entering the negotiation after a player declines an offer
• Fixed an issue where the player's new interest in an organization was not being calculated immediately at the time of an “organization persuade” succeeding or failing within a contract negotiation
• Fixed an issue where a player's “organization interest” wouldn't decrease after failing an “organization persuade”
• Fixed an issue where some playoff series focus options were not causing negative impacts
• Fixed an issue where the player's contract interest remained high when evaluating low-salary offers
• Fixed an issue where a contract promise could fail if the player was playing higher in the lineup than promised
• Added a 5-game buffer from the start of the regular season for contract promises (buffer scales down when using shorter custom league schedules)
• Improved tuning for contract negotiations, pre-season focus, and offseason development conversations
• Added additional info widgets within Conversations and the Contract Negotiation flow

World of CHEL

• Added Bloomington Bison and Tahoe Knight Monsters logos to Customize Team
• Fixed the Club Rewards screen being accessible while matchmaking
• Fixed Special Characters not displayed if equipped during the World of CHEL initial character creation
• Fixed a rare occurrence where the game would soft-lock when quickly dismissing messages in the World of CHEL Tutorial
• Fixed a crash occurring when quickly entering and exiting items in the Store several times
• Fixed an error occurring when entering gameplay after copying and pasting a loadout
• Fixed incorrect cropping of item images in the Store
• Fixed an issue where the game would soft-lock when accessing Live Events through banner tiles
• Fixed Store timers moving when selecting items in the Store
• Fixed matchmaking not working correctly if a user entered “Free Skate” before attempting to matchmake
• Fixed “Apply Team Colors” causing the UI to jump to the top of the list in Customize
• Fixed error message appearing when attempting to access World of CHEL with a socially restricted account
• Fixed “Invite a Player” action displayed when not part of a club
• Fixed the “Rotate Player” action missing in some screens in Customize
• Fixed navigation when selecting jerseys in the Club Dressing Room
• Fixed navigation widget misplaced when selecting jerseys in the Club Dressing Room
• Fixed soft lock occurring when users sign out after finding a match and re-attempt to matchmake again
• Fixed a text issue with the EASHL 3v3 Club Finals Progression screen
• Fixed an occurrence where the “Finding Opponents” UI would not appear in Ones Eliminator
• Fixed an occurrence where the Ones Eliminator tile would disappear if trying to enter as a group
• Fixed an error occurring when losing round 1 of Threes Eliminator and attempting to matchmake again with a new club
• Fixed Player Progression tab appearing blank in Live Events post-game
• Fixed background color for Live Event timers
• Fixed Live Events rewards not showing XP Multiplayer Token reward if the event was completed but the match was lost
• Fixed an issue where Private Match Grudge Match set to "No" still triggers Grudge Matches
• Fixed a rare crash in the Store
• Fixed a rare crash when entering World of CHEL
• Fixed scoreboard stopping at 0.1 seconds at the end of a match
• Fixed Grudge Matches still triggering even after they're manually disabled
• Fixed overlapping of match searching timer with other UI elements when some users were not in a ready state
• Fixed NHL and AHL colors not appearing in the color selector in Customize
• Fixed goalie special character intro animation not playing correctly with a left-handed goalie
• Fixed item preview not working correctly when accessing World of CHEL through the Special Character banner in the Main Menu
• Fixed player indicators appearing in the wrong positions during Gameplay

Presentation

Cameras

• Fixed cameras looking at the wrong bench during hat trick celebration
• Added more camera variation in the post-game menu replays

Grudge Match

• Fixed grammatical bug that showed "0 wins" as "0 win"
• Team Shots in the Grudge Match intro have been updated for improved variety, and fixes to handedness bugs

Broadcast

• Fixed bug where goal scorer's celebration ends early when cutting to "Big Game Ending" NIS.
• Fixed bug where teammates do not properly celebrate after scoring a goal in OT.
• Fixed issue where the post-goal group hug has a broken player when scoring with an extra attacker on the ice (e.g., pulled goalie).
• Fixed an issue where the sync screen (wipe) stays up until the next faceoff when a post-goal group hug is skipped.
• Fixed an issue where the wrong team's coach was being displayed during moments of coach dissatisfaction.
• Fixed an issue with the Digital Dashers where the scoring player's name wasn't appearing post-goal.
• General improvement to the smoothness of transition when transitioning from Gameplay to NIS.
• Fixed a bug in Ones Eliminator where the OT countdown SFX would continually trigger.

Replays

• Fixed an issue that showed a goal replay after stoppages for saves and penalties.
• Fixed an issue to properly show the right X-Factor ability in post-goal sizzle replays; it was incorrectly showing the "Zone" ability instead of the "Grudge" ability.

Menus

• Fixed an issue that was causing user-customized player portraits to appear rotated in menus.

Be A Pro

• Fixed an issue where conversations with Utah front-office staff referenced another club.

Flex Camera Logic Changes in OFFLINE MODES (Franchise, BaP, Play Now) and HUT

• AUTO Flex celebrations no longer occur for humans or CPU.
• Flex celebrations can only be activated MANUALLY by human users hitting Y / Triangle immediately after a goal.

Hockey Ultimate Team

• Fixed an issue with Wild Card where salaries were not updated when a player had been upgraded.
• Fixed the custom horn setting in HUT so that the horn should now be played when you score a goal.
• Fixed an issue where the player lineup screen disappears from the "Manage Team" menu when switching between "Play Offline" and "Play Online" within Wildcard.
• Fixed an issue where the Objectives title bar is missing on certain screens.

Updates:

• Added XP path feedback into the objectives screen.
• Added XP Path info and tab to HUT Champs post-match flow.
• Added XP Path info and tab to Competitive Seasons post-match flow.

Art

Players

• Fixed an issue where an EA SPORTS Logo was being displayed on the Kelowna Rockets Alternate jersey.
• Fixed Dark Shadow on the Goalie blockers in instant replay.
• Fixed an issue involving Skater casual jerseys clipping through the body in instant replay.
• Fixed Hair Style 18.
• Fixed misplaced Fanatics logo on the Carolina Hurricanes Home Uniform.
• Fixed mustache facial hair appearing low quality.
• No more clipping seen with WoC Casual Male Asset Tops, Goalie Pants, and Goalie Jerseys.
• Wrong logo rotation on default FE uniform pants.
• Pulsing Identifiers are now present on the socks.

Be A Pro

• Updated logos on the hoodie during the coach conversation for the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and Utah Hockey Club in Be a Pro.

Presentation

• Heckler now faces the right direction, no longer clipping through overlay during EASHL 6v6 penalty NIS.
• Animations - Intro/Outro - In post-Stanley Cup Final Handshake NIS, Facial smile animation is no longer broken.
• Scoring with Gold Player now emits GOLD Fireworks, not RED, to communicate the gameplay.

Environments

• Fixed an issue where Faceoff Lightshows for Dallas, Buffalo, Edmonton, and Tampa were faster than intended, reducing overlap with the blue dot.
• Threes arenas exterior lighting is fixed to allow better blending of visual effects.
• Fixed an issue in HUT Wild Card 5X5 with power rings displaying only green and black colors.
• Crowd with Parkas are no longer missing Hair Assets.
• Textures near the helicopter on The Peak are fixed.

User Interface

• Player name indicators are now in the correct position in Quickplay 3 vs 3 of World of Chel.

Stability

• Fixed an issue where if the game was on for an extended period, a crash would occasionally occur.

Updated the following teams’ center ice art:

NHL

• Boston Bruins
• Carolina Hurricanes
• Detroit Red Wings
• Los Angeles Kings
• Nashville Predators
• New Jersey Devils
• St. Louis Blues
• San Jose Sharks
• Toronto Maple Leafs

AHL

• Henderson Silver Knights

ECHL

• Florida Everblades

ICEHL

• EC iDM Wärmpumpen ID VSV
• Spusu Vienna Capitals

Uniforms

The following uniforms have been added or updated in NHL 25:

AHL

• Cleveland Monsters - Away and Third
• Coachella Valley Firebirds – Third
• Grand Rapids Griffins – Home and Away
• Hershey Bears – Home and Away
• Iowa Wild – Third
• Laval Rocket – Home and Away
• San Jose Barracuda – Home, Away, and Third
• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – Third

ECHL

• Adirondack Thunder – Home and Away
• Allen Americans – Home and Away
• Cincinnati Cyclones – Away
• Fort Wayne Komets – Home, Away, Third, and Fourth
• Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Home and Away
• Idaho Steelheads – Home, Away, and Third
• Indy Fuel – Home and Away
• Iowa Heartlanders – Home, Away, and Third
• Jacksonville Icemen – Home, Away, and Third
• Kalamazoo Wings – Home, Away, and Third
• Kansas City Mavericks – Home, Away, and Third
• Maine Mariners – Third
• Norfolk Admirals – Home and Away
• Orlando Solar Bears – Home and Away
• Rapid City Rush – Home and Away
• Tulsa Oilers – Third
• Wheeling Nailers – Home and Third
• Wichita Thunder – Home and Away

Canadian Hockey League

• Acadie-Bathurst Titan – Third
• Brampton Steelheads – Home and Away
• Chicoutimi Sagueneens – Home and Away
• Erie Otters – Fourth
• Everett Silvertips – Home and Away
• Flint Firebirds – Third
• Kamloops Blazers – Third
• Kelowna Rockets – Third
• Moose Jaw Warriors – Third
• Prince George Cougars – Home, Away, and Third
• Quebec Remparts – Third
• Regina Pats – Fourth
• Saint John Sea Dogs – Third
• Spokane Chiefs – Third
• Swift Current Broncos – Fourth
• Vancouver Giants – Third

DEL

• Adler Mannheim – Home, Away, and Third
• Augsburger Panther – Home, Away, and Third
• Bremerhaven Fischtown Pinguins – Home, Away and Third
• Dusseldorfer EG – Home, Away and Third
• EHC Red Bull Munchen – Home and Away
• Eisbaren Berlin – Home, Away and Third
• ERC Ingolstadt – Home, Away and Third
• Grizzlys Wolfsburg – Home, Away and Third
• Iserlohn Roosters – Home, Away and Third
• Kolner Haie – Home and Away
• Lowen Frankfurt – Home and Away
• Nuremberg Ice Tigers – Home and Away
• Schwenninger Wild Wings – Home, Away, and Third
• Straubing Tigers – Home and Away

ICEHL

• EC IDM Wärmpumpen VSV – Home and Away
• EC-KAC – Home and Away
• EC Red Bull Salzburg – Home and Away
• HCB Sudtirol Alperia – Home and Away
• HC Pustertal Wolfe – Home and Away
• HC TIWAG Innsbruck – Home and Away
• HK SZ Olimpija – Home and Away
• Hydro Fehervar AV19 – Home and Away
• Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey – Home and Away
• Moser Medical Graz 99ers – Home and Away
• Pioneers Vorarlburg – Home and Away
• SPUSU Vienna Capitals – Home and Away
• Steinbach Black Wings Linz – Home and Away

Liiga

• HPK – Home and Away
• KalPa Kuopio – Home and Away
• KooKoo Kouvola – Home and Away
• Lahden Pelicans – Home and Away
• Oulun Karpat – Home, Away and Third
• Porin Assat – Home and Away
• Rauman Lukko – Home and Away
• Tampereen Ilves – Home, Away and Third
• Vaasan Sport – Home and Away

National League

• EHC Biel-Bienne – Home and Away
• EHC Kloten – Home and Away
• EV Zug – Home and Away
• Fribourg-Gotteron – Home and Away
• Geneve Servette – Home and Away
• HC Ajoie - Home and Away
• HC Ambri-Piotta – Home and Away
• HC Davos – Home and Away
• HC Lausanne - Home and Away
• HC Lugano - Home and Away
• Rapperswil-Jona Lakers - Home and Away
• SC Bern – Home and Away
• SCL Tigers – Home and Away
• ZSC Lions – Home and Away

HockeyAllsvenskan

• AIK – Home and Away
• BIK Karlskoga – Home and Away
• IF Bjorkloven – Home and Away
• IK Oskarshamn – Home and Away
• Kalmar HC – Home and Away
• Nybro Vikings IF – Home and Away
• Ostersunds IK – Home and Away
• Sodertalje SK – Home and Away
• Tingsryds AIF – Home and Away
• VIK Vasteras HK – Home and Away

Source: https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-25/news/nhl-25-patch-notes-3

ENCE and Eki are organizing the world’s largest NHL 2v2 tournament on SportsGamer this November.

Led by Eki, ENCE addresses the previously unmet demand for a 2v2 mode in the NHL game series. The Voittamattomat Änäris (=Undefeated in NHL) tournament begins in early November. 

The competition includes two online qualifiers (Nov 3 & 10) and a final event held at ENCE’s new office in Helsinki on Sunday, November 17th. Registration starts today, October 16th, and closes the day before the qualifiers.

The tournament is primarily created for a Finnish audience, but participation is additionally available to the following countries: Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland.

The tournament will be played here on SportsGamer, and you can sign up using the links below:

• Sign up for Qualifier 1
• Sign up for Qualifier 2

"During spring we came up with the idea that this kind of tournament would certainly be in demand among the players, and something like this has never really been organised before. So we decided to put on our gloves and get to work," says ENCE's NHL star and content producer Erik @Eki Tammenpää.
 

Qualifier Details
The qualifiers for the tournament will be held on Sunday, November 3, and Sunday, November 10. The top two teams from each qualifier will advance to the finals, where they will be joined by Eki’s team and three invited guest teams. A total of eight duos will compete in the finals.

Prize Pool
The tournament features a prize pool of 5 000 euros, with the winner taking home 3 000 euros. Prizes can be won simply by participating in the qualifiers—a raffle among all Finnish tournament participants will award three (3) product prizes:

• two (2) sets of two tickets to a Liiga game of choice
• two (2) ENCE product packages

More Information

• Rulebook (in Finnish)
• Sign up for Qualifier 1
• Sign up for Qualifier 2

The tournament is made possible by Red Bull and Astro A50.

Today marks the launch of NHL 25 for those with the Deluxe Edition, giving you a full 7 days of early access to experience everything the game has to offer! Whether you’re a fan of Franchise Mode, HUT, or diving into 6v6 online, the excitement is real. With all-new features, gameplay improvements, and a fresh season ahead, we’re thrilled to hear your thoughts on the full version of NHL 25.

As always, there will be plenty to discuss as we explore the game together, and your feedback will play a vital role in shaping future updates. As one of the largest NHL gaming communities in the world, we’re here to gather your feedback and submit it directly to EA SPORTS in Vancouver.

What are we looking for?

We want to hear your thoughts—whether you’ve encountered something amazing or found an area that could use a little work. We encourage you to share both positive and constructive feedback on everything from gameplay mechanics and features to any potential issues you’ve come across.

Remember, even if you’ve spotted the same issue as someone else, feel free to share it anyway! Different perspectives help provide EA SPORTS with the clearest picture possible.

If you run into any bugs or glitches, providing screenshots or short video clips will be a huge help in detailing the issue. The more thorough the report, the better we can communicate it to the developers.

How to share your feedback:

We’ll be collecting feedback across our forums and social platforms. When submitting, consider these questions:

• What aspects of NHL 25 have you enjoyed the most?
• Have you encountered any bugs or performance issues?
• Are there any gameplay elements or features that need fine-tuning?
• What improvements would you like to see before the next update?
   

Let’s make NHL 25 the best version yet. With your help, we can create a comprehensive feedback package to send to EA SPORTS, so dive in and share your thoughts! We can’t wait to hear from you.

We’re excited to share a first-hand look at NHL 25, featuring raw, unedited gameplay footage from various modes of the game. Whether you’re a veteran HUT player or just curious about what’s new this year, these videos give you a clear sense of how the game plays.

All footage was captured on the Xbox Series S in 1080p, and while the visual quality may not represent the full experience on more powerful consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, the focus here is on gameplay, not graphical fidelity. From creating my first HUT team to exploring the Wildcard mode, you’re getting an unfiltered, commentary-free look at NHL 25.

The gameplay was recorded on Superstar difficulty, and it’s worth noting that some of these games were played in the early hours of the morning, so my performance might not be top-notch! Regardless, it’s a great chance to get an authentic first look at what NHL 25 has to offer.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to play World of Chel, nor games against any human players in Europe, so it's hard to judge that part of the game yet at this stage.

Thank you to EA Sports for granting early access to the game. Stay tuned for more videos, including additional game modes and pack openings!

Hey SportsGamers,

The new NHL 25 Gameplay Deep Dive trailer is out now and @sopuli04 and I sat down to watch it for the first time and react to it . Think of it as “NHL 25 Talk,” where we dive deep into the details that we see on the screen and try to make sense of it all. 😄

You can check out the video below:

 Looking for the NHL 25 Gameplay Trailer? Click here! 

Looking for the NHL 25 Reveal Trailer? Click here!
 

If you haven't read @bMaJuH's post about what's new in the game, check that out below:

Hey SportsGamers,

We got an exclusive early look at the NHL 25 Reveal Trailer, and let me tell you, it’s packed with exciting new features that are set to redefine the game. @sopuli04 and I sat down to dive into all the fresh details, sharing our thoughts and breaking down what you can expect. From innovative gameplay mechanics to our personal takes on the updates, our discussion gives you the inside scoop. Think of it as “NHL 25 Talk,” where we explore everything this game has to offer, what to expect, and how that could improve the game.
 

Looking for the NHL 25 Reveal Trailer? Click here!
 

If you haven't read @bMaJuH's post about what's new in the game, check that out below:

EA SPORTS has officially released its reveal trailer for NHL 25. With the trailer came information about all-new gameplay features, presentation enhancements, and the reveal of this year's cover athlete. We also got recent news about when the game will be released, what to expect from each edition of the game, and additions that will be seen in multiple game modes.


Click here to watch the Official NHL 25 Reveal Trailer

Hughes Brothers Named Cover Athletes

For the first time ever, an EA SPORTS title will feature siblings together on its cover, as brothers Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes will grace the cover of NHL 25’s Deluxe Edition together. For the game’s Standard Edition, all copies that are purchased in the United States will feature New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, while Vancouver Canucks defenseman and captain Quinn Hughes be featured on the cover in Canada and the rest of the world. 
Along with being NHL 25’s cover athletes, the Hughes brothers also took the ice to contribute motion capture to the game; providing NHL 25 with authentic animations that represent the modern style of hockey that fans love and enjoy today.

ICE-Q Intelligence System

 
NHL 25 will introduce the new “ICE-Q” intelligence system, which gives players the time and space to control every facet of their game and every inch of the rink. 

The new system is highlighted by three major components; Next-Gen Vision Control, Empowered AI, and Reactive Actions.

Next-Gen Vision Control - This new skating system grants players more mobility both with and without the puck; allowing for players to move for more time and space on the ice. Gives players the ability to navigate the ice with more precision. 

The new system includes over 250 new skating animations. For example, now you can do things such as walk the blue line and execute precise turns while still staying locked on goal; helping players utilize the half circles and small spaces available on the ice.

When activated with the puck in the attacking zone, the net becomes the target to give you a better chance for quality shots, passes, or increased options when keeping possession. When activated off the puck, your player will target the puck to allow you to open up your body. This allows players to utilize body positioning and certain skating angles. These new capabilities will also give players more ways to defend. All of these abilities will also apply to AI and CPU players.
  

Empowered AI - This system is intended to be an overhaul of the AI system from previous NHL titles; giving CPU skaters increased agility and more accurate awareness of the play that is in front of them. Empowered AI also helps CPU players recognize player positioning and will help them be more consistent positionally.  This is something that I’m sure will catch many players' attention, as AI awareness and positioning has been one of the most common criticisms of the NHL titles over the last few years. Refreshed and updated playbooks will also be a part of this new system.
 

 
Reactive Actions - This improves on-ice positioning and collision avoidance with new animations and is aimed at making skaters more reliably responsive in critical situations. Reactive Actions will trigger animations that will make sense for specific situations on the ice; meaning that if your player should ideally react to a situation in the way that a player ideally would in the context of real-world hockey. 

These actions include things such as panic turns and changing direction quickly, and players being better aware of where they are on the ice and improving to avoid players around them. The hope is that this feature will help scenarios in-game play out as you would expect them to in modern-world hockey. 
 

Skill Based One-Timers
Another new feature that will be talked about is the addition of “Skill Based One-Timers”. This feature will reward a player’s ability to read the attacking zone and find an open teammate for a high-danger scoring chance. Doing so will reward you with a high-impact one-timer that the player can see, feel, and hear. 

These are triggered through an in-game indicator that will identify a player that is ready for a skill-based one-timer based on their openness and their position on the ice. Once you pass the puck to the player, you must time the shot input as the puck arrives at his/her stick. A well-timed shot will create more velocity and will also impact goalie fatigue. This feature will be most prevalent on power play opportunities, but can be triggered at any point in the attacking zone. 

These skill-based one-timers are intended to create authentic gameplay tension; combining the excitement of creating a high-quality chance on offense with the importance of anticipating the play on defense and trying to deny that high-danger opportunity. 

This is a feature that will be an interesting addition for players with NHL 24’s full pressure system and new fatigue system being back in the game for NHL 25. This means that possession time could become even more critical to player success than it already was in NHL 24. More details about gameplay are expected to be released in late August.
 

Presentation Improvements
NHL 25 sees expansive improvements to character likeness and creation. ALL in-game characters have received a serious face-lift for NHL 25.; utilizing the power of the Frostbite Engine to do so. With these new next-gen characters, players will notice new cloth wrap and new strands, hairs, and beards that give players realistic hair.

NHL 25 will also be introducing Sapien Technology to the NHL series; providing the game with anatomically correct skeletons to give players authentic lifelike models. Players will also notice that jerseys and clothing will dynamically flow to react and adapt to player movement.  

Also featured will be the new “Grudge-Match System”, which will keep track of the competitive history between teams. This system will be featured in both offline and online game modes to create additional context within games across all major modes. These rivalries will also feature special X-Factor abilities that can be earned from previous matchups against rival teams; making the stakes even higher against your fiercest competition. 

A deep dive into the presentation is anticipated to be released in early September.

Game Mode News
Franchise Mode will receive a complete revamp in NHL 25. One of many updates to the mode will be the Franchise Hub. This will provide players with streamlined navigation in the mode to access new, relevant, and easy-to-digest information.  A deep-dive regarding Franchise Mode is expected to be released in mid-September and will feature additional updates.

World of Chel will be getting an expanded schedule for live events with new ways to play. Though there is no specific timeline for when details about World of Chel will be out, news can be expected to be released at a time closer to the game’s launch on October 4th.

Hockey Ultimate Team will now feature a Single-Path XP Progression System in NHL 25 that will be shared across HUT. HUT players can also look forward to the new “Wildcard Mode”. A deep dive for HUT will be coming in late September.

Release and Pre-Order Information
NHL 25 will be released worldwide on October 4th on Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5, however, players who go for the Deluxe edition will be able to lace their skates up already on September 27th. Players who pre-order the game will receive the following benefits based on the edition.

NHL 25 Standard Edition

• 500 NHL Points
• HUT NHL Player Pack
• WOC Battle Pass XP Boost (x2)
• Immediate Reward In NHL 24 with digital pre-order (Choice of Jack, Quinn, or Luke Hughes at 99 OVR)

NHL 25 Deluxe Edition

• 7-Days Early Access, including a head start in initial HUT campaign and WOC season
• 4600 NHL Points
• HUT NHL Player Pack
• HUT “Hockey is Family” Objectives Choice Pack (x2, 82 OVR)
• HUT Cover Athlete Choice Pack (85 OVR, 1 of 8 )
• HUT Wildcard Starter Choice Pack (84 OVR, 1 of 6)
• WOC Battle Pass XP Boost (x2)
• WOC Season 1 Premium Battle Pass
• Exclusive WOC Player Set
• Immediate Reward In NHL 24 (Choice of Jack, Quinn, or Luke Hughes at 99 OVR)
• Players that pre-order the Deluxe Edition by September 13th will also receive an 84 overall Hughes Brother choice pack with their pre-order content.

Finally, here are some more NHL 25 screenshots that you can feast your eyes on!

SportsGamer and PlayStation are proud to bring you the PlayStation NHL 24 Showdown - a Finnish NHL 24 tournament played on the PlayStation 5 throughout December and January! This year's installation includes both the 1v1 and 4v4 game modes.

The PlayStation NHL 24 Showdown is for all players who are looking to test their skills in a competitive environment with the chance of winning some awesome PlayStation prizes in the process. Entry is free and in true SportsGamer fashion, we’ll be highlighting the greatest plays and most exciting games of the tournament on our social media channels and in live finals on Twitch. 

Tournament format

The PlayStation NHL 24 Showdown will span over the course of four weeks and is going to be played fully online in four different stages.

• 4v4
  • 1st Qualifier 20.12.2023
  • 2nd Qualifier 27.12.2023
• 1v1
  • 1st Qualifier 21.12.2023
  • 2nd Qualifier 28.12.2023

Players and teams will have two opportunities to qualify for the Top 16 that will make the playoffs, as eight players/teams will be qualifying on each qualifier.

The below dates apply to both game modes

• Top 16 2.-3.1.2023
• Quarterfinals 4.-7.1.2023
• Semifinals 8.-9.1.2023
• Finals 13.1.2023

The prizing of the tournament consists of 1400+ EUR worth of PlayStation Vouchers!

Find more information and register now at sportsgamer.gg/showdown!

SportsGamers,

The official NHL 24 launch will be tomorrow, and we'll kick off the new game in style with a launch party by Gigantti at Draft Sports Bar at the Tripla shopping mall in Helsinki. The event will start at 12 EEST with plenty of action throughout the day. We'll have plenty of gaming stations set up, where you are free to test out the game fresh out of the box. In addition, several community members and top players will be joining us for challenges throughout the evening. 

So join us at Draft Sports Bar together with Erik @Eki Tammenpää, Rasmus @Rapsu Virtanen, Väinö @Pikkardz Pikkarainen, Teemu @temppanen Karvonen and Sisu @sisu33_ Nurminen for an epic launch event tomorrow!

The event is organized in cooperation with Gigantti, DNA, Pelaajat.com and PlayStation. You'll be able to get a feature discount at the event for a PS5 + NHL 24 at a great price of 469 EUR, or just the game for 39,95 EUR. 

See the full event details (in Finnish) at Gigantti's site.

Hello SportsGamers, 

The wait is almost over and in under a week (for the x-factor pre-orderers amongst us) we will have our hands on the new NHL 24. If the technical test was anything to go off, this new NHL will bring with a breath of fresh air to online gameplay that has gotten a little stale over the past few years. In the run up to this release, and with your feedback from the technical test, EA have released a change list that will be immediately active once you load up the game. You can of course find the full list of changes here, in essence though this post looks to provide an overview of what are the most interesting changes made by EA, as well as the impact I think that they will have, as such this is an opinion piece and so our views may differ. 

Above: NoSleeves sits down with Lead Design Director Mike Inglehart to discuss the changes

Hybrid Controls and Goalie Controls

Whether it was previously planned and this announcement was an attempt at garnering good will from the community or not, NHL 24 will have the hybrid control scheme as an option for skaters, and goalies will be able to toggle whether they want the auto-positioning feature that was present in the technical test.

Gameplay changes

Pressure system

Based on feedback from players during the technical test, EA have decided to tweak how much of an impact simply possessing the puck in the offensive zone has regarding building pressure by 30%. Meanwhile shots on net and big hits are now the “best way to build pressure”.

In addition to this, teams must stay within the offensive zone more consistently too to maintain their pressure as the rate in which the meter decreases when the offensive team is not in the zone has been increased by 100%.

Overall, these two changes when paired together mean that getting ‘full pressure’ will take more time, and / or require the offensive team to be more proactive about it, as opposed to simply pinging it around the boards and playing keep away. Personally, these are a great set of changes and should reward teams for being more clinical at managing their offensive opportunities than their opponents.

Goalie fatigue system

Personally, I only really tried goalie in club open practice so cannot really comment on the potential ups and downs on the tweaks mentioned.

That said however, being able to see the current energy level of a goalie is a nice addition.

Physics-based contact (hitting)

Hitting has the potential to be a worrying change depending on how strong the general standard of hits are once everyone figures out the controls as big hits now deal slightly more stamina damage. One area that is a welcome change is that reverse hits will now result in an animation slow down from the player throwing the hit, additionally player size will have more of an impact, with smaller players being less likely to throw an effective reverse hit against bigger and stronger players. This change might incentivise players to trend towards larger players in order to account for this ‘mismatch’ on the ice, but it remains to be seen how effective reverse hits will be in actual competitive gameplay.

Additionally, hip checks have received a nerf in low-speed situations, so you’ll be less likely to see someone getting absolutely rocked a hip check unless they are carrying some decent amount of speed with them.

Lacrosse Deke

Mercifully, the lacrosse deke has been reduced in its effectiveness – somewhat. It will now be tied to a player’s deking attribute, with higher ratings resulting in a faster execution, this however does not say whether it impacts the success rate of the deke so while someone with 60 deking will be slower than 99, they’ll both end up completing it – which in my opinion kind of misses a major part of the issue with it.

X-Factor Tuning

This is where the juicy changes are in my opinion.

Close quarters has been nerfed (no this is not a drill keep calm) so that you now have to be within 20ft of the net for it to activate (how on earth it was originally 30ft and how anyone thought that was a good idea I’ll never know). In addition to this, the bonus accuracy when activated is reduced by 50%, with the superstar version by hit by a 75% decrease. All in all, a nerf to close quarters was needed and despite it taking a while for EA to get around to it, they at least have and hopefully means that it is in a good enough place to return to the competitive trait pool.

Human goalies tuning

Again, I have very (read: none-existent) experience playing goalie in the technical test, however one thing that immediately pops out and is quite frankly borderline crazy for EA to change in the way they have is the way the instinct system works. As a rough rundown for people who aren’t aware, one feature that has been added to goalies for NHL 24 is the ability to hold the right stick in a direction and loosely anticipate where a shot is going to go, anticipate correctly and they receive a bonus to their stats and a higher chance of saving a shot in that direction, anticipate incorrectly however and they would find themselves on the receiving end of an attribute reduction and thusly a reduction in the likelihood of saving the shot.

In short, this gave goalies a risk-reward system to leverage against skaters and give them an edge based on in game knowledge and skill. Well, the risk part of the risk-reward system has been completely cut away with the reward part being buffed (to an unknown amount). Now, if a goalie anticipates incorrectly, they receive no penalty, while if they get it right, they get all of the upside.

On it’s own removing the risk part probably isn’t the worst idea, goalies have a rough job at the best of times, however buffing the result of a correct anticipation is sketching me out and makes the system way too forgiving (well, completely forgiving let’s be honest). It’s fine to buff it, but keep the negative. On the flip side, it’s fine to remove the negative, but keep the reward at the same level. Doing both just seems like an overreaction and makes it ripe for it to be incredibly overpowered on release, then resulting in either a year of ridiculous stone wall goalies, or an overcorrection from EA about a month into release.

Pokecheck

During the technical test if you tried to poke check and then move off, you’d find that your player would take an age to start skating and consequently get blasted past by the puck carried like you were a pylon. To counter this EA have now reverted the speed loss to NHL 23’s level. Per EA’s own words, the recovery will still be lower (I presume they mean animation recovery), so while your player will still be slow out of the blocks if you mistime a poke and a pivot, you won’t lose that much speed if you do the poke while already skating.

General Gameplay Tuning

As anyone that played the technical will have noticed, the nets had a slight tendency to become knocked loose and be taken for a walk by passing skaters. To remedy this, the rate at which nets can become dislodged has been reduced for NHL 24. Additionally, the glass is less likely to break so random stoppages have been cut down on.

One thing that has not been mentioned are the broken sticks that they added, as well as penalties like cross checking and elbowing. While these are good quality of life additions for offline play and add a bit of immersion, they are wholly inappropriate for online play and it is hoped that they don’t actually ship WOC with these additions activated as they are things that are random, and completely out of the player’s ability to control – which is for obvious reasons are not great in an esport situation.

------

What do you think of the changes? Are you happy with what you’ve seen or would you like to see further changes for the release of NHL 24?

NHL 24 has its release date set for October 6th, around a week earlier than what the latest titles have gotten gamers used to, and there’s lots to talk about with this years iteration!

With the new cover athlete Cale Makar being revealed earlier this week, fans of the franchise were expecting a game highlighting speed, skill and creativity - much alike what we saw last year with Trevor Zegras and Sarah Nurse being on the cover and really setting the tone for how the game would play. While there’s speed, skill and creativity in abundance in this years iteration too, NHL 24 brings a multitude of other new features to the table.

NHL 24 really aims to bring the nuances of hockey right into your living room with an all new Exhaust Engine powered by Frostbite. The Exhaust Engine includes a Sustained Pressure and Goalie Fatigue system rewarding hits in the offensive zone, cycling the puck and peppering the goalie with shots. Simultaneously, this brings a new element to being on the receiving end of such an offensive onslaught, as making simple plays to relieve pressure becomes a more viable and rewarding option. 

Overhauled physics and animations will bring over 75 new ways for goaltenders to react to plays, whereas the new Physics-Based Contact will revolutionize physical play in all areas of the rink. In NHL 24, physical contact will be more realistic than ever before and while a massive body check will be more rewarding than ever, the risk will also be great. Players will now also be able to break the glass with thundering checks or send their opponents for a change over the boards. Goaltenders will also be pleased to know that the new game introduces an Instinct System, allowing a human goalie to guess shot placement for a bonus on the save attempt. 

Mike Inglehart, Creative Director at EA Vancouver states that NHL 24 is a game made by hockey fans, for hockey fans. “With the new Exhaust Engine system and gameplay features that really capture the physical nature of hockey, NHL 24 delivers realistic body checks and a deeper defensive toolbox full of more choice and tactics that bring a whole new level of immersion to the franchise.”

Now delivering on their promise to make NHL 24 the most connected hockey experience thus far, this years iteration brings true cross-play to HUT and World of Chel game modes, meaning that same-generation Microsoft and Sony consoles can now seamlessly play together with or against each other. 

A big addition in terms of gameplay will also be new Total Control Skill Moves, making dekes and skill moves more accessible and allowing players to perform these moves out of any position. Combined with the Vision Passing System that assigns buttons for passing to certain teammates and the addition of a new one-touch pass mechanic, creativity and quick wits will be prevalent when generating highlight reel plays in NHL 24. 

Preorder your copy of NHL 24 now - Deluxe edition preorders get double entitlement and a number of preorder perks the get their HUT and WoC careers started!

The NHL is featuring an increasing amount of speed and dazzling skill each season. Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar on the cover might be an indicator that NHL 24 is moving in the same direction. 

A Hobey Baker award, a Calder Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Norris Trophy and a Stanley Cup. Those are just some of the accomplishments that defenseman Cale Makar has in his rearview at only 24 years old. The speedy defenseman is a true franchise player that is able to make everyone sharing the ice with him so much better. He is the true definition of a next generation superstar in the NHL.

The ability to read and execute plays in split seconds while skating like the wind and making everything look effortless is the hallmark of Cale Makar’s play. That is also the type of players that seem to thrive in today’s NHL - take a look at the likes of Connor McDavid, Adam Fox, or Miro Heiskanen to name a few. Having a player like Cale Makar on the cover leads us to believe that could be the type of gameplay that the development team wants to emphasize in the upcoming NHL 24 title.

The full NHL 24 reveal is going to be on August 16th at 17:00 CEST, so make sure to tune in for the premiere at the EA Sports NHL YouTube channel!

SportsGamers,

We know all of you are as eager as us to hop on the thumbsticks and get a piece of the new NHL 24, and today we're one step closer to that being a reality. EA Sports have announced playtesting for NHL 24 and now is your chance to get in on the action.

First off, make sure to sign up your EA account for playtesting eligibility, secondly, you'll need to complete a short introductory survey. The playtest will follow similar guidelines as to previous years, where no footage of the game shall be captured and the test will be fully confidential. Players will be required to sign a pre-release feedback agreement.

The Playtest is available on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Signing up does not guarantee participation.

Find out more and sign up here.

After a hard fought competitive season with a renewed format for the NHL 23 World Championships a Champion has been crowned at the Finals event in Nashville, Tennessee.

From the NHL All-Star Open  and the European Chel Showdown to the Finals of the NHL 23 World Championships in Nashville, Tennessee, it's been a season like never before in the NHL esports scene and players have had lots of action throughout the lifecycle of the game.

It was a toasty weekend in Music City, where the top four NHL 23 gamers in the world had gathered to battle for the World Championship for the first time since the pandemic put the world in restriction mode. Samuel @Canadiens 27 Landry (Cadcooks) from Sainte-Julie, Quebec and Joseph @Jos x 10 Olmstead from Troy, Michigan made their way to the Finals as the North American Champion and Runner-up respectively, whereas Erik @Eki Tammenpää from Helsinki, Finland and Teemu @temppanen Karvonen from Oulu, Finland caught a flight over to Nashville with corresponding titles on the European side of things. 

This season, the format of the Grand Finals was also improved based on player feedback and the event kicked off with a round robin, where all four players went up against each other. From the round robin, the #1 seeded player would clinch a direct spot in the Final and the #2 and #3 would go up against each others in a Semifinals matchup, with both of the latter being best-of-threes. 

After the initial round robin, Eki had managed to go 3-0 and thus clinch his spot in the Finals, whereas Jos and Temppanen were set to clash in the Semifinals. Cadcooks did not get his game going in the round robin and ended up being the odd man out. The Semifinals series between Jos and Temppanen was a wild show, where it was evident that the youngster, who made the trip by car from Michigan with his brother and good friend, started warming up. Jos really got in the groove and started converting on some of the plays he had been looking for earlier, and it seemed like Temppanen couldn't stop him - with that came a 2-0 Semifinals win and a spot to face Eki in the Finals. 

The Finals were seemingly more of the Jos show, where he caught fire early and grabbed a commanding lead of the first game, only to have Eki claw his way right back. While game 1 was fireworks all along between the young new talent and the one-time World Champion, game 2 was more of a defensive battle, where both gamers had their chances, but neither could find a way to convert quite like before. Eventually the Finals ended in a 2-0 sweep for Jos and with that - a new Champion was crowned.

Fresh after his Championship clinching win, Jos also provided a legendary quote showcasing just how confident he was going into the Finals: "To be honest, when I came here, I expected this. I'm happy to get it done and happy to have all my buddies around. Hats off to Eki, one of the best players in the world for a reason"

SportsGamer would like to congratulate Joseph @Jos x 10 Olmstead on this incredible feat! 

Finland completes a successful title defense in the 2023 IIHF eWorld Championship and seals a second onsecutive Championship on the virtual ice. After a thrilling comeback in the Semifinals, Canada was no match for the Finns in the Finals.

The second consecutive IIHF eWorld Championships in the revamped format has concluded and with that, Finland has now hoisted the trophy for the second consecutive year. This season, Erik @Eki Tammenpää and Jesse @JesseL2002 Linden represented the Finnish Leijonat and proved excellent teamwork throughout the tournament as both players had their times to shine. In the Finals, team Finland managed to beat Canada, represented by Justin @Regs84 Reguly and Samuel @Canadiens 27 (CadCooks) Landry.

As the 2022 Finals were some of the most thrilling action we've got to witness in NHL esports history, these Finals were decided with a wider margin. However, the Finns were in a pickle in the Semifinals against USA Hockey and barely squeezed through with an incredible comeback completed by Eki in game 4 of the series. 

How did it feel to play today, especially getting used to high ping games?

@Eki: "I'd say it felt rather easy to play today 'cause we got used to the ping a bit yesterday in the Semifinals."

@JesseL2002: "As Eki said, we had some time to get used to it yesterday and today it felt really smooth and did't go into the red zone at all."

Eki, you played some tight games against Regs today, what are your thoughts on his game?

"I've said it in previous interviews, and I've played Regs a few times in high stakes games before. He is definitely the best player I've played on the international stage and just levels ahead of the competition. Although they played with a worse team in the Finals, it felt like he had the advantage at times."

Jesse, you managed to dominate your games today right from the get-go, what happened?

"I don't even know, goals happened, that's for sure. The first game was definitely pretty good, and I managed to set a good tone for the day. I hadn't scouted my opponent and just went into the games with a clean slate. I felt like i had control of the games all along and although my opponent tied it at 3-3 at one point, I just kept scoring and everything seemed to go my way."

@Eki: "About Jesse, I have to say he's been a great teammate throughout the tournament and afforded me to play without pressure in the Finals, in the Quarterfinals I also felt a bit off my game and he was excellent then also."

Once again, congratulations to both Jesse and Eki for their Championship! 🏆

SportsGamers,

Today we'll be watching with excitement as the PlayStation Showdown Top 4 Finals conclude and a Champion will be crowned, claiming the top prize of some cash and amazing PlayStation gear to go with it! Despite the fact that the PlayStation Showdown is the arena for new talent to challenge top players in a little more casual environment, we've still got some absolute top tier talent in the Top 4 Finals.

Lainaa

What is the PlayStation Showdown?

The PlayStation NHL 23 Showdown is for all players that are looking to test their skills in a competitive environment with the chance of winning some awesome PlayStation prizes in the process. The winner of the entire tournament will be taking home 250 EUR in cash, a 50 EUR PSN voucher and a lot of PlayStation goodies, while the top eight players of the tournament will all receive cool prizes!

The players that have cleared their way through the Qualifiers and the Top 16 Groupstage are all familiar faces to all of us at this point, and while the Groupstage #1 seed @sisu33_ was forced to award walkovers due to overlapping tournament events, our Top 4 is overflowing with talent nonetheless. 

The Semifinals will feature the following matchups:

@Eki (3) vs @temppanen (8)
Groupstage result: 6-7 OT

@NikkeDangles (5) vs @tkantola (7)
Groupstage result: 3-7

Find the full schedule, standings and playoff tree at the league page here.

Follow along with all the action, starting at 18:00 EET at www.twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG! We've got Arttu @OLVARI Hämäläinen and Iiro @iRSPe Kalli keeping you guys company in the booth all night long!

IIHF continues their esports initiative with the eWorld Championships for the second consecutive year. Finland is entering to defend their title and now you will have a chance to Qualify for Team Finland right here at SportsGamer!

The IIHF eWorld Championships will return for a second consecutive year with a format similar to that of the 2022 season. All 22 participating nations will host qualifiers for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to determine two Champions that will represent each country in the final tournament. 

Qualifiers have already started in late January, and we'll have a new Champion in early March, 2023. The 2023 IIHF eWorld Championship is played in three stages, out of which the first is the National Qualifiers. First are the National Qualifiers, where both a PlayStation and Xbox champion will be determined, these 44 champions in total will make up the national teams for each country. After this, the final tournament starts with the Group Stage, followed by the playoffs, that will finish with the Grand Final.

Here's a list of the remaining Qualifiers:

Thursday, February 2nd
Kazakhstan
Norway

Friday, February 3rd
Slovakia
Switzerland

Saturday, February 4th
USA
Czechia
Finland (continued on Sunday, February 5th)

Sunday, February 5th
Canada
Latvia

Monday, February 6th
Great Britain
Germany

Tuesday, February 7th
Sweden

Click your country in order to advance to the registration site, Finnish players are able to qualify right here at SportsGamer.GG.

Anyone over 16 years of age from a participating country is available to sign up! To compete a player is required to have a stable internet connection and a console that is able to play the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version of NHL 23, so sign up now in order to help your country go for glory in the 2023 IIHF eWorld Championship!

SportsGamer and PlayStation bring you the PlayStation NHL 23 Showdown - a Finnish 1v1 NHL 23 tournament played on the PlayStation 5 throughout January and February 2023.

The PlayStation NHL 23 Showdown is for all players that are looking to test their skills in a competitive environment with the chance of winning some awesome PlayStation prizes in the process. Entry is free and in true SportsGamer fashion, we’ll be highlighting the greatest plays and most exciting games of the tournament on our social media channels and in live finals on Twitch. 

Tournament format

The PlayStation NHL 23 Showdown will span over the course of four weeks and is going to be played fully online in four different stages.

• Registrations: 15.12.2022-19.1.2023 ⚠️
• First Qualifier: 14.1.2023
• Second Qualifier: 21.1.2023
• Top 16 Group Stage: 25.1-5.2.2023
• Quarterfinals: 7.-9.2.
• Top 4 Finals: 11.2.2023

Schedule for 2nd qualifer *

• RO128: 11:00
• RO64: 12:00
• RO32: 13:00
• RO16: 14:00

* Times are Finnish time.

Eight players will be qualifying on each Qualifier weekend and with one Qualifier in the books, we've still got eight spots left in the Top 16!

Here are the Top 8 of the first Qualifier

The Top 16 Group Stage will span over the course of a week.

The winner of the entire tournament will be taking home 250 EUR in cash, a 50 EUR PSN voucher and a lot of PlayStation goodies, while the top eight players of the tournament will all receive cool prizes!

Find more information and register now at sportsgamer.gg/playstationshowdown!

The newest traditional hockey organization to sign their own NHL esports roster is EHC Kloten from the Swiss National League NLA. The club, hailing from Kloten in northern Switzerland in the canton of Zürich now joins the group of several other Swiss clubs that have entered the NHL esports scene looking for glory, with ZSC Esports leading the way in the European top 16. 

Formerly known as Gleumes Hockey Krefeld, the roster led by captain Manuel @ManU287 Engels is excited about their new opportunity and the development he's seen in the team over the past few seasons: "Two years ago I started the project Gleumes Hockey Krefeld with friends. In the last few months, I thought more and more about joining an ice hockey club as an eSports team. Through Kiwi @kiwison Meier, we then came to EHC Kloten and were able to take this important step. I am very happy about this cooperation and what can come out of it. We will establish ourselves in the ECL Lite division and then see what will be possible for us from there. The club has a great tradition and we will wear the colours and logo with pride".

Kiwi Meier, the assistant captain and driving force in the talks with EHC Kloten is feeling good about their new organization and is excited about expanding the community to fans of EHC Kloten, and also potentially discovering a few undiscovered talents along the way. 

Their participation in the eNationalleague was EHC Kloten's first venture into esports and their representative Guido Wanger, who was selected through club qualifiers has fared well and slotted in the top 100 consistently on the worldwide leaderboards. A 6v6 team will be the next step for the club, building on the momentum established on the 1v1 side of things. The traditional sports club wants to attract a younger audience and capitalise on the growing popularity of eSports. The goal is to foster a sense of community and engagement among the club's members and fans, creating a more vibrant and supportive environment for all the club's activities.

"For EHC Kloten, esports is a big project with a lot of potential that we want to use. We are happy that we were able to sign motivated and experienced players who represent the club and its values in the world of competitive gaming. We have been able to define initial goals and are looking forward to embarking on this mission together", Yanis Schälchli, Head of esports at EHC Kloten summarizes.

You can catch EHC Kloten eSports in action already tonight in a Swiss league rivalry matchup against HC Lugano eSports. The games will be streamed live at www.twitch.tv/ehc_kloten_esports with puckdrop at 22:00 CET!

SportsGamer and PlayStation bring you the PlayStation NHL 23 Showdown - a Finnish 1v1 NHL 23 tournament played on the PlayStation 5 throughout January and February 2023.

The PlayStation NHL 23 Showdown is for all players that are looking to test their skills in a competitive environment with the chance of winning some awesome PlayStation prizes in the process. Entry is free and in true SportsGamer fashion, we’ll be highlighting the greatest plays and most exciting games of the tournament on our social media channels and in live finals on Twitch. 

Tournament format

The PlayStation NHL 23 Showdown will span over the course of four weeks and is going to be played fully online in four different stages.

• Registrations: 15.12.2022-19.1.2023
  *Note that registrations for the first Qualifier will be closing on January 12th!
• First Qualifier: 14.1.2023
• Second Qualifier: 21.1.2023
• Top 16 Group Stage: 25.1-5.2.2023
• Quarterfinals: 7.-9.2.
• Top 4 Finals: 11.2.2023

Players will have two opportunities to qualify for the Top 16 that will make the playoffs, as eight players will be qualifying on each Qualifier weekend. The Top 16 Group Stage will span over the course of a week.

The winner of the entire tournament will be taking home 250 EUR in cash, a 50 EUR PSN voucher and a lot of PlayStation goodies, while the top eight players of the tournament will all receive cool prizes!

Find more information and register now at sportsgamer.gg/playstationshowdown!

IIHF continues their esports initiative with the eWorld Championships for the second consecutive year. Finland is entering to defend their title, will anyone rise to the challenge this year?

The IIHF eWorld Championships will return for a second consecutive year with a format similar to that of the 2022 season. All 22 participating nations will host qualifiers for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to determine two Champions that will represent each country in the final tournament. 

Qualifiers will start in late January, and we'll have a new Champion in early March, 2023. The 2023 IIHF eWorld Championship is played in three stages, out of which the first is the National Qualifiers. First are the National Qualifiers, where both a PlayStation and Xbox champion will be determined, these 44 champions in total will make up the national teams for each country. After this, the final tournament starts with the Group Stage, followed by the playoffs, that will finish with the Grand Final.

List of Qualifiers:

Saturday, January 28th
Denmark
Austria

Sunday, January 29th
Hungary
France

Monday, January 30th
Slovenia
Poland

Tuesday, January 31st
Korea
Italy

Wednesday, February 1st
Japan
Ukraine

Thursday, February 2nd
Kazakhstan
Norway

Friday, February 3rd
Slovakia
Switzerland

Saturday, February 4th
USA
Czechia
Finland (continued on Sunday, February 5th)

Sunday, February 5th
Canada
Latvia

Monday, February 6th
Great Britain
Germany

Tuesday, February 7th
Sweden
 

Click your country in order to advance to the registration site, Finnish players are able to qualify right here at SportsGamer.GG.

The signups are already open and anyone over 16 years of age from a participating country is available to sign up! To compete a player is required to have a stable internet connection and a console that is able to play the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version of NHL 23, so sign up now in order to help your country go for glory in the 2023 IIHF eWorld Championship!

Read more about the tournament at the official site www.gaming.iihf.com.