Once again hockey fans are being called on to select the player who will grace the cover of the upcoming NHL video game title from EA. This year a total of eight players are in the running including Vladimir Tarasenko of the Blues.
It’s difficult to get excited for the vote considering EA has been criticized for having a loophole which mostly lets them choose whichever player they’d like for the cover regardless of votes. EA claims they won’t use said loophole, but alas, it’s there.
The fan vote will decide the cover, but in the event of a draw, vote tampering or other extenuating circumstances, EA reserves the right to select the athlete ultimately used for EA SPORTS NHL® 17’s cover.
It only takes one claim of fraudulent activity to throw the whole system out should something troubling (like legal issues) pop up with any of the candidates.
Still, it’s nice to see Tarasenko included on the short list for the cover. He’ll compete directly against Victor Hedman in the opening round of votes while Jakub Voracek, Connor McDavid, Jamie Benn, Aleksander Barkov, Anze Kopitar and Joe Pavelski battle it out.
It is pretty nice to see players on teams rarely recognized by the NHL and by EA. Note that the usual cast of characters – the Blackhawks, Penguins, Capitals and Rangers – aren’t eligible. Instead, teams like the Stars, Panthers and Blues are options which may get some big exposure.
Click here to learn more and cast your vote for Tarasenko.
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