Connor McDavid chosen for NHL 18 cover

Electronic Arts has announced Edmonton Oilers center and Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid as the athlete on the game’s cover. The company also provided new details about the features of this year's game.

New Creative Attack skill moves give players the control to execute big plays. On offense, creative dekes include between-the-legs moves, one-handed dekes, back-handed toe-drags and more. On defense, the new Defensive Skill Stick delivers the tools to counter attacks with poke check targeting, extended pokes, and controlled stick sweeps to cover zones of the ice and take away lanes.

NHL 18 also introduces 3-on-3 hockey. First, NHL THREES is an arcade-inspired experience with fast-paced action that features faster gameplay, bigger hits and high-scoring action. Players can choose modes between fast couch co-op and fully competitive online team play, or dive into the new NHL THREES circuit-style Campaign Mode to compete against different teams and leagues in a circuit-style journey where they can unlock objective-based rewards. Second, NHL 18 adds an authentic 3-on-3 online team play option to the EA SPORTS Hockey League mode.

Fans can try the game early by registering for public beta now. The beta begins July 25, 2017 and will include three modes: NHL THREES, EA SPORTS Hockey League, and Online Vs.

There will be an NHL 18 Young Stars Edition and Young Stars Deluxe Edition, which each include three days early access to the full game and Connor McDavid content, including a Connor McDavid Rookie HUT item, a Connor McDavid celebration, and a custom HUT jersey designed by adidas and Connor McDavid. The Young Stars Edition also features 20 Gold Plus Packs for Hockey Ultimate Team and a Rookie HUT item from a team of the player’s choice. The Young Stars Deluxe Edition includes all these perks plus an additional 20 Gold Plus Packs for Hockey Ultimate Team. In addition to this, EA Access members can play for up to 10 hours starting September 7th with the EA Access Play First Trial.

NHL 18 will be released on September 15, 2017 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

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