Be a Pro: Shape Your Legacy
Unlike last year’s edition of NHL virtual action, EA Sports declined to have a fan vote. Over the summer, the company awarded Stanley Cup Champions Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks cover rights for the upcoming much-anticipated title NHL 16. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old right-winger, Kane won’t be featured on the cover or in the game until further notice, amid a police probe.
Due to his on-going investigation of an alleged rape act over the summer, Electronic Arts issued a public statement about changing their co-spokesman to now just a person – with only his teammate Toews. Luckily for fans of the series, NHL 16 is set to arrive this September 15th on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as this marks the first time the company had step away from one of its cover athletes.
Although Kane has not been formally charged regarding the crime, upstate New York police (where he lives) and district attorney’s office are still awaiting forensic test results. This comes just one year after Patrick inked a eight-year, $84-million contract with the Blackhawks – including multiple endorsement deals with McDonald’s, Gatorade, Chevrolet and Bauer Hockey. Take a look at the statement and new cover below.
Official statement regarding Patrick Kane. pic.twitter.com/MVurUYOHT8
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 12, 2015
The new cover of #NHL16. pic.twitter.com/57iMr9pD9d
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 12, 2015
NHL 15 Now Available Free on Xbox One’s EA Access