With the NHL playoffs just a short while away, it only makes sense to conduct a playoff like challenge. That is exactly what EA Sports is doing with their cover athlete for the NHL 14 video game.
While many of us will never make the NHL, we try to experience it vicariously through beer leagues and video games. I can only imagine the feeling the NHL players have being able to play as themselves in the game, let alone the possibility of them being the cover athlete. Fans get to decide who the final winner based upon six rounds.
| Voting Period | Voting Action | Start Date | End Date |
| 1 | Vote on one (1) out of two (2) players for each NHL team (thirty (30) teams/sixty (60) players) | April 22 | April 28 |
| 2 | Vote on the thirty (30) remaining players after the 1st Voting Period plus two (2) wild card players (determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion) |
April 29 | May 5 |
| 3 | Vote on eight (8) match-ups (sixteen (16) remaining players) | May 6 | May 12 |
| 4 | Vote on four (4) match-ups (eight (8) remaining players) | May 13 | May 19 |
| 5 | Vote on two (2) match-ups (four (4) remaining players) | May 20 | May 26 |
| 6 | Vote on the Final match up between the two (2) remaining players (Voting only, no Sweepstakes entry) |
May 27 | June 2 |
While one lucky NHL player wins and becomes the NHL 14 Cover Athlete, one lucky voter will also win. The prize; a trip to a 2013 Stanley Cup Final game.
According to EA Sports:
Cast your vote for your favorite player from each team. Voting is unlimited and for every vote FORM you submit through April 28, you’ll earn one entry (up to 10 per day) into the Cover Vote sweepstakes. The more you vote, the better your odds of winning a trip to a 2013 Stanley Cup Final game. See official rules for more details.
The winner will be randomly selected and based on luck, Canadian residents may wish to brush up on their mathematics, and will experience a trip for two to either game one or game three of the Stanley Cup Finals. Airfare and lodging included, as well as a stipend for a rental vehicle. Start voting now!
