NHL 2K9 cover athlete announced

For the first time in recent memory 2K Sports has beaten out EA Sports with the first announcement around one of the upcoming releases. The looming potential of an EA buyout hangs overhead but the production of 2K’s titles continue as normal in the meantime. Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been chosen as the cover athlete for NHL 2K9. Even more important than the cover is the news that Visual Concepts, the highly regarded studio behind the NBA 2K and previously NFL 2K/APF, has taken over development of the franchise from Kush/2K LA. That can only bode well for the the quality and resources behind it.

Visual Concepts has taken over the development duties for NHL 2K9 and are building a brand new experience from the ground up with the ultimate goal of creating an addictively fun sport simulation of the NHL that will be available this fall.

Nash was selected first overall in the 2002 NHL Draft and is one of the most exciting and dynamic young players in the NHL. In only his second season, at the age of 19, Nash became the youngest player in NHL history to win the “Rocket” Richard Trophy by co-leading the League with 41 goals scored. Now an established superstar in the NHL, Nash was also a member of Team Canada at the 2006 Olympics, and was named MVP of the 2007 World Championships. His deep level of involvement and work with Visual Concepts, alongside his background as an experienced gamer, provides an invaluable contribution and influence to the overall development process for creating the most fun hockey experience available.