re: Any NHL fans?

EASHL Breakdown:

There are two ways to play EASHL

- Drop In Games
- Club Games

Drop In Game:

- You are either by yourself or with friends (for the explanations I will explain how '16 runs and then I will tell you what '17 is adding in at the end to improve these modes)

- Once you enter the lobby either by yourself or friends the remaining spaces are left blank until other people join the same game lobby as you. There is a countdown timer that either starts or is on going to attempt get a full lobby (6 v 6). While in this lobby, you can choose a position available.

- After the lobby fills or the timer runs out and there are enough people to play a game, you move on to the next screen which is where you select the type of player you want (Defensive players choose from a variety of Defensive D-men, Offensive D-men, Two way D-man, or enforcer)(Forwards choose from two way forward, playmaker, sniper, grinder). This is where you want to match up vs your opponents because you can see what everyone picks.

- After everyone makes their selection, the game starts and you win or lose. Rinse and repeat.

Club Games:

- everything mentioned above except the lobby in this case is like a chat room for your club. Members can show up and chat while waiting for others, or everyone picks their position and player type and searches for a game. In club games, if you have a human goalie, ideally you would like to face a human goalie as well because it levels out the playing field. Sometimes the CPU goalie can be too damn good and make ridiculous saves.

- You play through "seasons" in Club games and either qualify for the "playoffs" or you don't. You get promoted to better divisions the better your club does. You will obviously face tougher competition, but the satisfaction of being one of the best clubs in the game is what you ultimately strive for.

What's new in NHL 17:

- Drop in games now function like club games in terms of picking your position prior to entering a lobby. This has been a major request for a couple of years now because it eliminates dumbasses from picking a defensive position and still trying to play up as a forward allowing the opposing team easy breakaway or 2-1/3-1 opportunities.

- So once you or you and your friends pick positions, you will not find a lobby that has those positions filled, so naturally matchmaking could take a bit longer. I don't know if they will allow us to create a game based off of the amount of people in a party, but I would hope so. Trying to find an already created game with two slots open when you have a party of 4 could prove difficult.

- The biggest addition comes in the form of content unlocking for both your player (drop in games) and your club. You will have to earn the right to wear a full uniform. As a club, you will start off with just a simple letter logo and color combination. You will play in a community center ice rink where it's just you vs the other team and no fans. Through earning XP as a club, and winning, you will unlock various uniform items and various stadium unlocks. As you progress through the ranks you will unlock more stadium and jersey customization options. It's going to be awesome.