Feature Request: Full NCAA Hockey Integration for NHL 26
Introduction
Hello EA Sports Team and Community,
With the recent changes regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the growing popularity of college hockey, I am formally requesting the introduction of a fully licensed NCAA Hockey suite in NHL 26. We have seen the massive success of EA Sports College Football 25, and the hockey community is ready for that same depth.
The Proposal
We aren't just looking for generic "collegiate" jerseys. We are asking for a dedicated NCAA experience that bridges the gap between Junior hockey and the NHL draft.
Key Features Requested:
"Road to the Frozen Four" Mode:
A "Be a Pro" style career path where you start in Junior or High School, get recruited by major NCAA programs (e.g., Boston College, Michigan, Denver, North Dakota), and play for a National Championship before turning pro.
Include the real tournament structure and the "Frozen Four" atmosphere.
Franchise Mode Integration:
Fix the current scouting gap. Instead of just seeing a text name for a prospect in the USA, let us scout actual NCAA stats and performance.
Allow drafted players to stay in college for development (just like in real life) without signing immediately, risking them becoming free agents after 4 years (the "Jimmy Vesey" rule).
Atmosphere & Presentation:
NCAA hockey has arguably the best crowd atmosphere in the sport. Please include student sections, fight songs (like "The Victors" or "O Ma Baba"), and smaller, louder arenas.
Why Now?
Legal hurdles regarding player likenesses have largely been removed due to NIL deals. If EA can do it for College Football, the framework exists for Hockey. This would be the single biggest content update to the franchise in a decade and would bring back many lapsed fans.
Thank you for considering this request!
