The Ultimate Guide to NHL Covers: Past, Present, and Future

Introduction

The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and its video game covers have become iconic symbols of the sport. From the early days of pixelated graphics to the stunning realism of today's consoles, NHL covers have showcased the evolution of hockey gaming and the league's star players.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history of NHL covers, explore the criteria used to select cover athletes, and provide an in-depth look at the most memorable and controversial covers of all time.

The Evolution of NHL Covers

The Early Years (1991-1995)

The first NHL cover graced the release of NHL Hockey in 1991, featuring Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The cover design was simple, with Lemieux's image superimposed over a hockey rink. However, it established the precedent of featuring the league's biggest star on the cover.

The Golden Age (1996-2005)

During this period, NHL covers became more elaborate and featured multiple players. Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux were the most common cover athletes, appearing a combined 12 times. Other notable players to grace NHL covers include Jaromir Jagr, Patrick Roy, and Brett Hull.

The Modern Era (2006-Present)

With the advent of high-definition graphics, NHL covers became more visually stunning and cinematic. The focus shifted from featuring multiple players to showcasing a single cover athlete in a dynamic pose. Some of the most memorable modern NHL covers include Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Connor McDavid.

Criteria for Selecting Cover Athletes

The NHL and EA Sports, the publisher of the NHL video game series, use several criteria to select cover athletes. These criteria include:

• Performance: Cover athletes are typically the league's most dominant players at the time of selection.
• Popularity: Players with a high public profile and strong fan base are more likely to be chosen for covers.
• Marketability: Cover athletes are often chosen for their ability to attract new fans and boost sales of the video game.

Memorable and Controversial Covers

Memorable Covers

• NHL 94: Featuring Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, this cover is considered one of the most iconic in NHL history.
• NHL 99: Showcased Brett Hull and Eric Lindros in a memorable pose, capturing the rivalry between the two stars.
• NHL 2000: Featured the "Great One" Wayne Gretzky in his final season, making it a collector's item.

Controversial Covers

• NHL 15: Had Alex Ovechkin on the cover twice, drawing criticism for favoring him over other star players.
• NHL 17: Featured Sidney Crosby in full Penguins gear, which some fans argued should have been replaced with Team Canada colors for the World Cup of Hockey that year.
• NHL 21: Showed Nathan MacKinnon celebrating a goal with a raised fist, which was deemed offensive by some.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The First NHL Cover

Mario Lemieux was initially reluctant to pose for the first NHL cover due to concerns about his image. However, he eventually agreed after being convinced by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. This story highlights the importance of persuasion and negotiation in securing endorsements.

Story 2: The Importance of Fan Feedback

After the release of NHL 15, fans voiced their dissatisfaction with Alex Ovechkin being featured on the cover twice. This feedback led EA Sports to reassess its cover selection process and take fan preferences into consideration. This story demonstrates the power of customer feedback in shaping product decisions.

Story 3: The Controversy Surrounding NHL 21

The raised fist celebration depicted on NHL 21's cover was criticized as inappropriate. EA Sports apologized for the cover and released a statement condemning violence. This story emphasizes the importance of sensitivity and the need for companies to be mindful of the potential impact of their products on society.

Tips and Tricks for NHL Cover Athletes

• Showcase your skills: Cover athletes are chosen for their exceptional on-ice abilities. Work hard and demonstrate your skills consistently.
• Build your brand: Off-ice activities and community involvement can help build your public profile and increase your chances of being selected for a cover.
• Network with EA Sports: Attending events and interacting with EA Sports representatives can increase your visibility and enhance your chances of being noticed.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Getting on an NHL Cover

1. Dominate on the ice: Become one of the league's top performers and establish yourself as a star.
2. Build a strong fan base: Engage with fans on social media and participate in community initiatives to increase your popularity.
3. Market yourself effectively: Create a personal brand and promote your image through marketing campaigns and public appearances.
4. Network with EA Sports: Attend industry events and reach out to EA Sports representatives to promote yourself and your candidacy for a cover.
5. Be patient and persistent: It takes time and effort to become an NHL cover athlete. Don't give up on your dream and continue to work hard towards your goal.

Pros and Cons of Being an NHL Cover Athlete

Pros

• Increased visibility: Being featured on an NHL cover catapults you into the spotlight and increases your public profile.
• Marketing opportunities: Cover athletes have access to exclusive marketing opportunities, which can boost their earning potential and brand value.
• Legacy: NHL covers leave a lasting legacy for players, solidifying their place in hockey history.

Cons

• Pressure: Being a cover athlete comes with increased pressure to perform and maintain a high level of play.
• Criticism: Cover athletes are often criticized by fans and media, which can be difficult to handle.
• Time commitment: Cover athletes are required to participate in marketing campaigns and other promotional activities, which can take up significant time.

Conclusion

NHL covers have evolved from simple player portraits to dynamic works of art, showcasing the league's biggest stars and capturing the excitement of the sport. The criteria for selecting cover athletes have changed over time, but the goal remains the same: to feature players who embody the spirit of hockey and appeal to fans worldwide. Whether memorable or controversial, NHL covers have left an indelible mark on the history of the league and the video game industry.