NHL 17 Features ECHL with 27 Teams, Plenty of EASHL Customization & More

[RaychelSnr]

EA Sports NHL 17 will feature new ways to play your favorite modes, according to a new blog post.

Quote:

"Take your EA SPORTS Hockey League team to the next level by progressing through ranks to unlock customization items and give your uniform a unique look, or use the all-new Arena Creator to build the home ice you’ve always wanted. Celebrate career defining Moments in Be a Pro and immerse yourself into the most exciting Hockey Ultimate Team ever with the introduction of team Synergy, completely changing the way you build and play your dream team."

There are several new additions to already popular modes which are detailed in the blog post:

• EASHL - New EASHL Player Rank System which allows you to earn badges and unlock new customization items.
• EASHL Arena Progression - Start off in a community rink and grow your following and arena into an internationally renowned cathedral.
• Arena Creator - The new arena creator (which is an obvious addition given the above) will feature customization options from the ice surface, goal lights, scoreboards, and arena sounds.
• Team Editor - New editing tools for uniforms, logos, and more.
• Career Definining Moments - From things such as your first goal, first fight, etc. -- you can now look back on these moments in your Be a Pro and other modes to celebrate career milestones.
• HUT Synergy - The most played mode in NHL is introducing an all-new team building system which will challenge you to pair player strengths together to get perks for your roster across lineups.
• HUT Dynamic Sets - Collect sets to unlock rewards, including thematic sets, to constantly build and upgrade your team.
• ECHL - The ECHL is debuting this year with 27 teams, jerseys, and rosters all authentically reproduced.

What do you think of the improvements to the various modes in NHL 17?

[sooner1074]

Great improvements...will probably be picking up a copy this fall.

Slightly disappointed they didn't mention scouting, drafting and progression system in the new franchise mode. Those details make or break your mode right there. That's what makes it fun - the big trades, the awesome steels from a draft class, the progression of your prospects becoming stars in the NHL, winning the cup (and not watching the same animation every time).

Yes, moving teams and controlling ticket prices can be fun at times but at its core if it has glitchy programming like NHL '16 and it doesn't sim properly then you're going to be left with upset single player community.

[JayhawkerStL]

Not gonna lie. I'm kind of excited for the ECHL. I've been to some Missouri Maverick games, and it will be fun to dig deeper and pay with some of these teams.

[Al_Tito13]

I am eager to see what Arena Creator and Team Editor options have to offer. They seem like good additions. However, gameplay is by far my most important concern.

[spoofrice11]

Quote: Originally Posted by sooner1074

Great improvements...will probably be picking up a copy this fall. Slightly disappointed they didn't mention scouting, drafting and progression system in the new franchise mode. Those details make or break your mode right there. That's what makes it fun - the big trades, the awesome steels from a draft class, the progression of your prospects becoming stars in the NHL, winning the cup (and not watching the same animation every time). Yes, moving teams and controlling ticket prices can be fun at times but at its core if it has glitchy programming like NHL '16 and it doesn't sim properly then you're going to be left with upset single player community.

Sounds promising.

I agree, on the Franchise mode things.
I always make prospects and feel every game should be like NBA 2K16 where you can make draft classes for every year.

[ericromain]

Oh, awesome to hear the ECHL is added. The first new league in 6 years.

[Simple Mathematics]

I hope team editor and create an arena are options outside of EASHL.

[B5KoshYou]

Can't wait to play ECHL Fort Wayne Komets... but very concerned that there hasn't been any direct mention of a "team builder" style tool for team creation. I love custom teams and would very much like to put the 1987 Canada Cup team against any team in hockey history.