NHL 13: Biggest Reasons to Own New Hockey Video Game

It may be early September, but Hockey is in the air. A lot of the news surrounding the sport is negative right now, but before you get too depressed, there is a big reason to be optimistic.

The release of NHL 13. 

EA Sports has a monopoly on the video game market, but when the results are as spectacular as they have been with titles like the NHL and Madden series, it is hard to argue with the product that is delivered. 

As a way to give the NHL and its fans something to look forward to, we present the biggest reasons for you to purchase the latest installment in the NHL video game series, which will be released on September 11.

NHL Moments Live

As much as we love what's happening now in sports, the rich tradition is what has drawn us to them in the first place. People will remember these moments forever, and they provide hours of storytelling that can be passed from generation to generation.

Video games have started to include these moments much more frequently in recent years. NHL 13 is no exception. NHL Moments Live is the latest iteration of reliving classic moments from the past. 

With this mode, you have to use a team or a single player to recreate 26 of the most famous moments and games in NHL history. The thrill of being on the ice during some of the most poignant moments in the history of the sport is too much to pass up.

Hockey Ultimate Team

According to EA Sports' description of the mode, Hockey Ultimate Team is basically the best team that you can possibly build. It is a glorified fantasy mode, which allows you to break out all the stops in order to create the next dynasty. 

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Create a fantasy team without boundaries as you test your skills at Hockey Ultimate Team in NHL 13. HUT features a revamped design, improved reward system and an exciting new playoff format. 

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To me, these are always the best features of any sports game. Sure, it's not exactly the same as building a franchise from the ground up, because you are taking already-established players and throwing them into a pool. However, it still provides a great feeling of accomplishment when you compile the entire roster and see them win a Stanley Cup. 

Distraction From All The Lockout Talk

While this doesn't have anything to do with the game per se, it is a nice reminder that fans can still enjoy hockey in some form or fashion, even if they won't have the real thing to look forward to in the not-too-distant future. 

Even if there were some positive developments—like the reported exchange of proposals (via the Charlotte Observer)—the two sides don't seem like they are any closer to a resolution in this situation because they don't seem to have enough trust in each other to actually get a good dialogue going. 

Since you have to figure out something else to do with your time, the release of NHL 13 is going to provide some respite from the doldrums of winter. 

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