While the sport of hockey has lost its fair share of spectators, on TV and in the arenas mainly due to the strike, the video game versions of the sport seem to up the ante year in and year out. Last year's NHL 08 from EA, while tough in the net, provided some of the best hockey action seen in many years. So what would EA due to inspire gamers to pick up the skates this year, even if they don't follow the sport hardcore anymore? The answer is a butt ton of options, game play tweaks, and possibly the best damn hockey game to ever hit the video game world.

You can't argue that NHL 09 definitely looks the part. The presentation from the slick menus, cut scenes, and even opening ceremonies are top notch and will get any hockey fans cold blood pumping. The player models once again are accurately detailed from the faces to the pads. The animations whether you are delivering a check against the glass, or providing that last minute deke to a wrister in the back of the net all look brilliant. I'd be lying if I would say that you never encounter slight hiccups in framerate and some clipping issues here and there, but you'll be having such a good time you'll never really notice or care unless you are looking for flaws.

Unlike EA Canada's Tiger Woods effort, the developers were smart enough to keep the same energetic commentary team from previous games. Not only are these guys insightful, provide nuggets of cool info on teams and players, and call the shots dead on, but they really sound excited to be part of the action and not just phoning in their efforts. The audio for the crowd is dynamic and fluctuates appropriately to the action on the ice. Sound effects are also pleasing to the ear whether you just knocked the wind out of some unsuspecting wing man or shaving the ice into the face of the opponent's goalie, you really get the impression of being down close to the arena ice without the cold feet from the stands.

Game play once again separates this title from the other guys as they really put you in control of the game, not only correctly, but giving you plenty of options to tailor the game on how you want to play it. Sure there is the default recommended NHL 09 controls, but you even have the option to tweak them, use control integrations from years past, heck even play the game like you did when you played NHL 94, the choice is yours to play the game how you see fit. You can even create plays for your teams, how's that for customization? Of course you'll need this as NHL 09 has one relentless A.I. system that kicks your ass and dares you to blame the controls. The CPU will check you hard, intercept passes, and rob you of shots you thought were a sure thing.

EA didn't just make their game look, sound, and play superbly, but they even brought their "A" game when it comes to features as well. Of course the no surprises are the quick play, tourneys, online, and dynasty modes. Where most gamers will spend time on the ice is with the new Be a Pro mode. This mode is a first in hockey games and allows you to play as one person, from making the plays to sitting on the bench, but you live the life of a hockey player. You control only your player so you must have a keen sense of where you are at all times so you can be ready for that critical one timer pass, or just to ensure you aren't going to get called for offsides. You will get information from your coach on how you are performing, you talents, and what you need to do to help your team, all from an easy to make out menu system. What's more, if you have enough friends to fill up a roster, you can take the experience online and play as every member of the team including goalie for the ultimate MMO experience without the fees. This is a true integration that has yet to be seen by hockey fans, and EA made it fun and accessible the first time out of the box. It opens the imagination to wonder what the future holds for such a feature.

All in all, NHL 09 delivers the goods in spades and even if you have played your fill of the NHL series over the past two years. NHL 09 gives you reasons to lace up the skates again, if anything for the Be a Pro mode exclusively. If you consider yourself a hockey fan, you would be doing yourself a great disservice by passing this one up. It may be the best hockey game ever.