EA Sports to add women's national teams to NHL video game series

Big changes are coming to EA Sports in the new year, including women's teams in its NHL series.

EA Sports will make International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) women's national teams and the IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship available for the first time, starting in January 2022.

In efforts to "celebrate women's hockey from across the globe," EA Sports will add the women's teams to NHL 22, "along with the Women's World Championships authentic tournament structure and visuals," the video game developer announced Thursday. 

Other additions to NHL 22 include IIHF Men's and World Juniors teams, updates to Play Now roster and federations, logos, and uniforms will be available in Ultimate Team and World of Chel.

“The introduction of women’s national teams to NHL 22 as part of the upcoming IIHF content will be an important moment for the franchise in its continued effort to reflect the diversity of the hockey community,” said Sean Ramjagsingh, the vice president and general manger of EA Sports NHL. “We are proud to feature playable women’s teams for the first time in NHL 22, alongside the rising stars on the World Juniors teams.”

Canadian hockey star and three-time Olympian Marie-Philip Poulin took to social media to say she's excited about being able to represent her country within the game.

Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.