Newest SEGA Game Includes ECHL Players

The ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players Association announced that they have signed a licensing agreement with SEGA Europe. The agreement includes players from the ECHL being included in NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005, the newest release from SEGA Europe which will be available across Europe on May 27 and on the PSP come September.

Created by Sports Interactive, NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 has a refreshed interface and all new features while offering a comprehensive experience for every hockey and management fan.

"Following the success of the game last year, we are delighted to continue our excellent relationship with the Professional Hockey Players Association and with the involvement of the ECHL, which is the Premier "AA" Hockey League," said Mark Duffy, Product Manager for Sports Interactive. "We are looking forward to working closely in seasons to come to increase accuracy and make NHL' Eastside Hockey Manager' 2005 even more comprehensive."

"The ECHL is proud to announce its partnership with SEGA, the leader in sports video game entertainment," said Glen Thornborough, ECHL Vice President of Marketing and Sales. "This new relationship will allow ECHL fans the opportunity to manage their own ECHL team providing an experience that transcends customary fan affinity."

"The PHPA is thrilled to work with an established organization like SEGA and the commitment to quality and realism affords this product a true management experience," said Andrew Johnston, Director of Communications and Business Development for the PHPA. "As the first company to utilize all of the top developmental professional hockey leagues in a video game, SEGA has produced a professional hockey simulation that is second to none."

In addition to the ECHL and the PHPA, NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 is officially licensed by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players Association as well as the American Hockey League.

yay, maybe sega's people ditching efforts can help expand the hockey fanbase.-

wait. that was quite lame. it actually upsets me a bit that they havent done this league before, actually, more than the fact that i fear the big "S", possibly dropping this title before it hits the stores.

sorry.

No big news....i'm surprised this was some sort of announcement on the part of someone. Probably that attention strived good league, the ECHL.

The NHL, AHL, ECHL, and some European leagues were all willing participants in the last game, some minor league systems and Euro leagues were not or their actual propertie wasn't necessary for the game anyway.