NHL 25 Introduces PWHL Teams & Arcade Madness This Year

EA Sports is taking a major stride in inclusivity and fun with its latest updates to NHL 25. This year marks the official addition of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), bringing a new level of representation to the beloved hockey franchise. Plus, players can dive into the chaos of arcade-style hockey and look forward to a thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off mode in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about these exciting updates.

The PWHL Comes to NHL 25

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) will make its virtual debut on December 5, 2024, as part of a multi-year deal between EA Sports and the PWHL. All six teams from the league will be playable, including:

• Boston Fleet
• Minnesota Frost
• Montréal Victoire
• New York Sirens
• Ottawa Charge
• Toronto Sceptres

These teams can be used across various modes like Play Now, Online Versus, Shootout, and Seasons. Even better, their uniforms will also be available in World of Chel and Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT).

While EA has confirmed that not all player likenesses will be available at launch, they have assured fans that more players will be added over time. The inclusion of the Walter Cup—the PWHL’s version of the Stanley Cup—is another big win, marking a milestone in the game’s history.

Building on a Legacy of Inclusion

This isn’t the first time women’s hockey has made an appearance in the NHL gaming franchise. The journey started with NHL 22 when EA Sports introduced women’s players through a partnership with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). NHL 23 further celebrated this inclusion with Sarah Nurse appearing alongside Trevor Zegras on the game’s cover, making history as the first woman to be featured.

With the addition of the PWHL, EA Sports continues its commitment to highlighting women athletes, joining other EA franchises like EA Sports FC and UFC that have integrated women into their rosters.

The NHL Arcade Event Series

For fans craving a break from traditional hockey gameplay, EA is rolling out a major update this holiday season with the NHL Arcade event series. Kicking off on November 15, this mode offers a chaotic 3v3 experience featuring:

• Big Head Mode: Cartoonish player proportions for maximum hilarity.
• Power-ups: Boosts like Supershot and Super Speed to spice up matches.
• Unique Rink Design: A bespoke rink with no glass and no rules, reminiscent of the arcade glory days.

This isn’t quite NHL Hitz nostalgia, but it’s a step in the right direction for anyone missing the lighthearted fun of hockey games from the early 2000s.

Coming Soon: The 4 Nations Face-Off

Looking ahead to 2025, NHL 25 will introduce the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. This round-robin competition features teams from the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, capturing the spirit of international hockey rivalry.

In-game, players will have access to dedicated tournament modes and exclusive national team uniforms. This update ties in with the real-world 4 Nations Face-Off event, scheduled for February 2025, making it a perfect way to build hype.

Special Free Content for Early Logins

To celebrate these updates, EA Sports is rewarding loyal players with free in-game goodies. From November 15 to January 2, anyone who logs in will receive:

• Six vanity items for the arcade mode.
• A Road to 4 Nations content pack.
• A PWHL 83 OVR Team Building Choice Pack, available when the PWHL content drops on December 5.

It’s a great way for both new and returning players to jump into the action without missing a beat.

^{While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!}