REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that Patrick Kane will be the new face of the EA SPORTS NHL 10 videogame. Kane is the youngest player ever chosen for the cover of the NHL franchise and his image will be on the front of all packaging when NHL 10 is available on Sept. 15.
Having emerged as one of the most skilled players in the NHL in two seasons, Kane won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2008 and this year helped lead the Blackhawks to the Western Conference Finals. He has scored more than 20 goals and registered more than 70 points in each of his first two seasons.
EA SPORTS also announced that it has signed Canadian junior hockey scoring sensation John Tavares, expected to be the top pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, to an endorsement contract. Tavares will join Kane, the first overall draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, as spokespersons for NHL 10.
“It’s exciting to be on the cover of my favorite videogame after playing just my second year as a professional,” said Kane. “When you look back at some of the great players who have had this opportunity, it’s exciting to be a part of the EA SPORTS family and contribute to a game I’ve been playing for more than 10 years.”
A native of Buffalo, NY, Kane is just the second American-born player to be featured on the cover of the videogame franchise. New York Rangers goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck was the first when he was featured on the cover of NHL 97.
“At EA SPORTS we believe in identifying the most talented up-and-coming athletes in the world to help us develop the most authentic sports games,” said Jordan Edelstein, Vice President of Marketing for EA SPORTS. “We believe Kane is one of the next great American hockey stars and Tavares will have an immediate impact in the league.”
Along with Kane, regional NHL 10 cover athletes for Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Switzerland will be named at a later date. NHL 10 will be in retail stores across Europe on Sept. 18.