NHL 09: Player Types - Part 3

August 28, 2008 3:32 pm - Author: Shanker Srinivasan

One of the most exciting features to hit the ice this season is the inclusion of 6v6 online hockey on NHL 09. Bringing MMOs (Massive Multiplayer Online) elements to the sports community, NHL 09 may finally remedy a long-standing issue with online leagues in the past, getting specific players to show up and play their games. Instead, NHL 09 will allow you to search through the vast pool of players currently online in order to fill out your roster. In addition to every online player's detailed stats to guide your selection, NHL 09 will also introduce the concept of Player Types. These player types will further distinguish players online past simply the position they play.

As a SportsGamer exclusive, we will be releasing two new player types each week along with their base attributes and what NHL players currently fit the bill. This week we take a look at offensive and defensive defensemen.

 

Player Type: Defensive Defenseman

Defensive Defensemen are great at blocking shots, and clearing the front of their net. They will dump the puck off the boards if they feel pressure.

Base Attributes: Offensive Awareness 65 Wrist Shot Accuracy 70 Slap Shot Accuracy 65 Aggression 80 Checking 85 Toughness 85 Acceleration 80 Agility 75 Balance 85 Defensive Awareness 80 Deflections 55 Deking 65 Discipline 85 Durability 85 Endurance 85 Face-offs 60 Passing 65 Puck Control 70 Shot Blocking 80 Slap Shot Power 80 Speed 78 Wrist Shot Power 75   Examples of players in NHL 09: Zdeno Chara – Boston Bruins Willie Mitchell – Vancouver Canucks Dion Phaneuf – Calgary Flames Chris Pronger – Anaheim Ducks Anton Volchenkov – Ottawa Senators

 

Player Type: Offensive Defenseman

Offensive Defensemen will move the puck up the ice to start the breakout play and will often pinch to keep the puck in the offensive zone.

Base Attributes: Offensive Awareness 85 Wrist Shot Accuracy 75 Slap Shot Accuracy 75 Aggression 65 Checking 65 Toughness 65 Acceleration 80 Agility 75 Balance 70 Defensive Awareness 65 Deflections 70 Deking 80 Discipline 85 Durability 85 Endurance 85 Face-offs 60 Passing 85 Puck Control 80 Shot Blocking 65 Slap Shot Power 70 Speed 80 Wrist Shot Power 75 Examples of players in NHL 09: Dan Boyle – San Jose Sharks Brian Campbell – Chicago Blackhawks Sergei Gonchar – Pittsburgh Penguins Nicklas Lidstrom – Detroit Red Wings Scott Niedermayer – Anaheim Ducks