Trevor Zegras is not only changing the game on the ice but, he has now literally changed the sport of hockey in the video game world. Coming to this year’s iteration of the EA Sports NHL game, you can now attempt “The Zegras”! You know the one; when Trevor Zegras carried the puck behind the Sabres net and tossed it with almost too much ease over the net, where Sonny Milano lies in wait to bat it in out of mid air. ESPN and many other platforms only showed the highlight of this goal a couple thousand times. I’ve heard that it’s nearly impossible to pull off in the game alongside “The Michigan”, but I’m sure it will be a blast to attempt in the game. Unless of course, someone pulls it off against you.
If you missed it somehow, Trevor Zegras and Sarah Nurse were both named cover athletes for this year’s NHL 23 by EA. Zegras is the first Anaheim Ducks player to ever be an EA cover athlete in North America and Sarah Nurse became the very first women’s hockey player to grace the cover. This is an incredible feat in more ways than one.
What’s better than one cover athlete?
Your two official #NHL23 cover athletes @tzegras11 and @nursey16 ⭐️⭐️
See the full reveal tomorrow
➡️ https://t.co/QhoZN09ldb pic.twitter.com/06XIVh92ud— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 24, 2022
There are plenty of people who don’t like the things Zegras can pull off. Calling it too arcade-like, not real hockey or just disrespectful. I very much disagree. Isn’t the point of playing sports to have fun while doing it? And should work not also be fun? Zegras pulling off fun stuff like this only helps the game and the evidence is right in front of you. Look at how many kids have tried “The Zegras” in their own games. After all, that is the demographic the NHL wants to tap into. Look at how much attention his many goals and fun skill plays have on social media. It’s even better with ESPN and TNT covering the game these days. Most hockey fans don’t like the way the players are marketed and I will admit that I am in that group. But let’s not get upset now when skilled players are being put in the spotlight when they are helping the game of hockey. The game has began to navigate away from the goon era and it’s better off. This sport should always focus on the best players and run away with it. If you don’t change with the times, you’ll get left behind. Focus on the fun and let’s hone in on the chaotic aspects of the game that have made it grow.
