NHL 12 Will Include Winnipeg, Confirmed by EA Sports

[Flamesfan102]

EA Sports has confirmed Winnipeg will make its return in NHL 12.

Quote:

"The National Hockey League announced this morning that the True North Sports and Entertainment ownership group has purchased the Atlanta Thrashers, with plans to move the team to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the 2011-12 season. EA Sports confirmed to IGN the newly relocated team will be included in this year's title, set for release this September."

[BlueNGold]

Awesome. To be honest this alone might make me change my mind on buying the game, even if they don't fix the problems I had with it last year.

This is going to be the first NHL game for me where I can officially play as my hometown team. I can't wait.

[renojedi]

You CAN play as your hometown team now. What, no love for the Moose?

Actually, all kidding aside, I hate to admit it but I probably will pick it up for that reason alone...playing against the Atlanta Thrashers next season will just feel weird even though in my second year of BeAGM on NHL11, they won the Stanley Cup. Maybe a good omen for the Winnipeg club in NHL12?

[Winnipeg59]

Go Jets Go!
Already started a franchise with creating the Jets and then transferring all the Thrashers to the team. Play in the same division, which they will.
Awesome!!!

[Jattbreed]

So Edmonton will now be the second worst place players want to play...GREAT!

[BlueNGold]

Quote: Originally Posted by renojedi

You CAN play as your hometown team now. What, no love for the Moose?

No, I did use them. I just meant an NHL team.

Quote: Originally Posted by Winnipeg59

Go Jets Go! Already started a franchise with creating the Jets and then transferring all the Thrashers to the team. Play in the same division, which they will. Awesome!!!

This is what I'd love to do but I don't have NHL 11 anymore. Guess I have to settle with 10 for now, lol.

[Vikes1]

Glad to hear this!


Very cool to know they'll be in from the start. Congrats Winnipeg!!...and welcome back!

[john1842msu1977]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vikes1

Glad to hear this! Very cool to know they'll be in from the start. Congrats Winnipeg!!...and welcome back!

Now is the NHL going to do division realignment for the NHL 2011-12 season? Obviously it makes no sense to have Winnipeg in the southeast division. Probable realignment would be:
Winnipeg - from Southeast to Northwest
Minnesota - from Northwest to Central (back in the "Norris Division")
Nashville - from Central to Southeast

The other question is if the NHL does immediately realign divisions for next season, will EA be able to make the adjustment in time as well? I would assume yes, but remember it will take time to recode the program for conference and division realignments...