The EA SPORTS NHL series has always had a loyal fan base, especially here in Sweden where hockey is more than just a pastime—it’s a way of life. NHL 26 enters the rink with big promises: smarter gameplay, more lifelike animations, and a stronger focus on player individuality. But does it actually deliver a next-gen hockey experience, or are we still talking minor improvements dressed as major features?

ICE-Q 2.0 – Hockey IQ Meets Real-World Data

At the heart of NHL 26 is the new ICE-Q 2.0 system, which uses real NHL EDGE tracking data to make players feel more authentic. This means that star players now skate, shoot, and behave more like their real-life counterparts. You’ll notice things like Trouba’s aggressive body checks or Draisaitl’s unique shooting angles actually showing up in-game.

And to be fair—this works surprisingly well. Players feel more distinct, and gameplay is a bit more dynamic because of it. Building lines and adjusting tactics now actually matters beyond just chemistry ratings. For hardcore fans and competitive players, this is a big step forward.

Revamped “Be A Pro” – Finally, Some Personality

The Be A Pro mode has been given a much-needed overhaul. There’s now a chapter-based structure with branching storylines, cutscenes, and media interactions that actually carry consequences. From your rookie days in the World Juniors to lifting the Stanley Cup (or getting demoted to the minors after a bad stretch), the mode finally has some emotional depth.

New voice acting and facial animations bring more life to the characters, and yes, walking through the tunnel onto the ice now feels pretty epic. Still, while the upgrades are welcome, this mode could push even further—especially in terms of off-ice decisions and team interactions.

HUT & World of Chel – Bigger, Not Always Better

Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) has received a fresh coat of paint with new Ranked Matches and offline-friendly HUT Cup Chase. The new team-building mechanics, rotating themes, and boost systems make it easier to create a competitive team without spending a fortune—though microtransactions are still very much part of the ecosystem.

Over in World of Chel, the renamed Season Pass (formerly Battle Pass) now offers 45 levels of unlocks for free, which is a welcome shift. Plus, the new X-Factor system based on ICE-Q 2.0 brings more balance and variety to player builds.

However, both modes still suffer from occasional UI quirks, matchmaking issues, and—let’s be honest—some lingering bugs. For example, crashes in World of Chel and chemistry boosts not registering in HUT are known issues, though many are scheduled to be fixed by early access.

Presentation & Extras – Flashy But Familiar

Visually, NHL 26 looks better than ever thanks to Dynamic Cinematic Lighting, improved menus, and reworked arena elements like net physics and facial animations. Even small details like players wearing neck guards add to the authenticity.

The upgraded broadcast package also deserves praise. Replays now include detailed stat overlays, like skating speed and shot power, which give matches a more analytical, TV-style feel. It’s not revolutionary, but it shows EA is paying attention to presentation.

Final Verdict – A Smart Evolution, Not a Revolution

EA SPORTS NHL 26 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it fine-tunes it in some smart, meaningful ways. ICE-Q 2.0 is the real deal, giving the gameplay a strategic edge that rewards both knowledge of the sport and tactical thinking. Be A Pro finally feels like a real career mode, and HUT is slightly less predatory.

Still, this isn’t a massive leap for the franchise. Core gameplay remains largely the same, and if you were hoping for major upgrades to franchise mode or more robust online features, you might be disappointed.

TechCravers Score: 8/10

Pros:

  • ICE-Q 2.0 adds real tactical depth
  • Be A Pro mode finally feels immersive
  • Presentation and replays are nicely upgraded
  • HUT offers better value and offline play

Cons:

  • No big changes to Franchise Mode
  • World of Chel still has stability issues
  • Microtransactions still ever-present in HUT
  • Occasional bugs at launch