DigitalNoob

EA Games is breaking glass ceilings, or ice ceilings, with NHL ’13. Along with adding multiple hockey stars from throughout history, the video game will be the first professional sports game to feature female players.

Former USA women’s defender, Angela Ruggiero and Team Canada’s Hayley Wickenheiser are going to be a part of the roster that includes Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Due out September 11, NHL ’13 will also have gamers choosing to flourish their careers, or manage a team’s season. With so many different ways to play, the ladies have more than ample chances to be integrated into the game.

Taking the step to include female athletes came from a 14-year old NHL gamer who wrote a letter to EA Sports, saying she did not feel included in her own favorite sport that she actually played. The general manager of EA, Dean Richards, says the addition of two female players is only the beginning for the sport overall.

“The EA Sports NHL franchise took a big step,” Wickenheiser is reported to have said. “I’m excited to be a part of NHL ’13 and hope that the addition of women hockey legends will encourage greater participation from young women everywhere.”

NHL ’13 is due out in the United States on September 11, and September 14 in Europe. The demo is available now for download on Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network.