The Professional Women’s Hockey League, also known as PWHL, has officially come to an agreement with NHL 25 to be featured in the current and future games. This is the first time a hockey video game has gone down this path, though it’s not the first time for sports games in general. NBA 2K has had the WNBA featured for a few years now. MLB The Show 24 introduced the option to play Road to the Show as a woman. Now, the NHL franchise is joining the future.
NHL 25 to Add PWHL
On December 5, the Professional Women’s Hockey League will debut in NHL 25 with all six teams. The Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres will be available. They can be used in the following modes:
- Play Now
- Online Versus
- Shootout and
- Season Modes
Furthermore, authentic women’s uniforms will be available in World of Chel with players, logos, and uniforms coming to Hockey Ultimate Team mode, too. The Walter Cup and advanced body skeletons, thanks to the new SAPIEN technology, will also join the game.
Player, Exec Reactions
Taylor Heise, a star player for the Minnesota Frost, said in a press release provided to Total Apex, “I was so excited when I heard the PWHL would be added to EA SPORTS NHL 25. As someone who grew up playing the EA NHL franchise, I am honored that the next generation of women’s hockey players will have the opportunity to play the game as me and my teammates in the PWHL. It is so meaningful that young girls will be able to see themselves in the game. It is a big milestone for inclusivity within the hockey community and shows that women’s prominence in hockey only continues to grow.”
Amy Scheer, Senior Vice President of Business Operations for the PWHL, said, “Our partnership with EA SPORTS opens new doors to elevate women’s hockey across all levels. Through this alliance, we’ll develop in-game and out-of-game experiences that strengthen the bond between our teams, players, and fans, bringing the PWHL closer to the global hockey community.” “EA SPORTS is proud to support the PWHL, which has pioneered the growth of women’s hockey in North America,” said Andrea Hopelain, GM & SVP, Publishing, EA SPORTS. “We look forward to working together to help elevate and grow women’s hockey to new and existing fans worldwide, starting by bringing PWHL teams and athletes to EA SPORTS NHL 25.”
More Updates Coming
The introduction of the PWHL is a monumental update, but it’s not the only change coming soon. There will also be an NHL Arcade event series on November 15 within World of Chel. This will bring arcade-style 3-on-3 action to the game. There will be Big Heads and power-up features that provide a zany experience on the ice.
Additionally, the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off will be added in February around the NHL All-Star Break. This tournament supplants the NHL All-Star Game and gives Finland, Russia, America, and Canada the chance to get their best players together for a rare face-off of the biggest hockey countries. NHL 4 Nations content will come to Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT), Play Now, Online Versus, Shootout, and Tournament modes in that update.
Final Seconds Ticking Off
When it comes to sports games, NHL 25 often gets lost. In the world of Madden, 2K, FC, and others, NHL is often overlooked. That’s a shame, because the developers are doing a lot to make sure it’s a quality game that is wholly representative of the sport. Now, that includes bringing in women’s hockey with the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Big changes are coming. Are you going to play?
