'NHL 17' unveils beta version; Vladimir Tarasenko chosen as cover athlete

Hockey and gaming enthusiasts are already anticipating the release of "NHL 17" on Sept. 13, but fans know that they should be able to play an early beta version just like they did last year.

It has been made official by Electronic Arts in their statement released on Facebook. The game publisher revealed to the public that the beta version will have three game modes available for play: one is an online head-to-head game, next is an EA Sports Hockey League, and finally a Hockey Ultimate Team.

In addition, the early beta version should allow the users to create their own players.

To those who want to get the beta version, they can register on the game's official website by 11:59 PT on July 7.

People will be able to play the beta version for seven and a half days, from July 28 to Aug 4.

Meanwhile, the game developers announced that St. Louis Blues star Vladimir Tarasenko will be the game's cover star.

In a poll done by the developers, fans were able to choose which player they want to appear on the cover of the game, and with over six million votes, the Blues' right winger got the nod.

In  his fourth season in the league, Tarasenko is one of the best NHL players at the moment despite being only 24 years old. He recorded 40 goals and 72 points in 80 games played in the recent season and is understandably happy with the choice of being the cover star.

Talking to Polygon in a phone interview, Tarasenko expressed his happiness, saying, "It means a lot for me. It means a lot of fans around the world believe in me, believe in my game. And I'm really proud to represent not only me, but the whole Blues organization on this cover, and it's [an] honor for me to be [an] EA Sports athlete of 2017."

Stay tuned for more updates on EA's upcoming "NHL 17" game.