Big thanks to Marcus up at EA Canada for hooking us up with a review copy.

I’ve never disguised my persistent love-hate relationship with many EA Sports titles. From Madden to FIFA, EA Sports has consistently frustrated me by annoying glitches and gameplay. However, if one EA Sports title has it right, it’s NHL 09. Flying under the radar because of other titles, this game delivers not only an authentic hockey experience, but one that is truly a blast to play.

Following in the footsteps of the Madden/NCAA Football titles, NHL 09 features an all-new “Be a Pro Mode.” While I haven’t dove incredibly deep into the mode, it has enormous potential. After creating your very own toothless goon, you’re dumped into a team’s affiliate in the AHL, forcing you to work up the ranks all the way into the NHL. But unlike Madden and NCAA, NHL’s pro mode forces users to play with a little more strategy. Because it’s impossible to skate around for 60 minutes, it’s up to you to manage line changes to keep your player fresh. 

But your pro doesn’t have to be all about the glory. For every sniper, there’s a handful of ungraceful grinders that do nothing but kick ass and take names while on the ice. If scoring goals, winning fame and having sex with hot women isn’t your style, feel free to play as a grinder while sporting a mullet.

But that’s not all. One of the best parts about Be a Pro mode is the ability to take your player online and form a team with other users’ created characters. Have some friends with their own pro creations? Why not join forces and destroy skulls online? With NHL 09’s EA Sports Hockey League (EASHL), it’s possible to create teams of up to 50 players and join the league. A similar innovation is being used in this year’s installment of FIFA, which should promise an absolute shit show of 10 vs. 10 fun.

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