Electronic Arts has announced that NHL 09 has shipped to stores worldwide for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Featuring an exclusive license with the primary development league for the NHL, start in the ranks of the AHL and work your way up into the NHL progressing towards your ultimate goal of becoming an NHL legend. Using the same on-ice view as the Be A Pro mode, each player will have a third person camera putting them right on the ice. With the EASHL you can become the first great name in videogame hockey.

The all-new Defensive Skill Stick will enable you to sweep your stick 360 degrees to block passing lanes, poke check effectively and introduces stick lifts to hockey videogames. On offense, the Skill Stick adds the one-handed deke to your arsenal of weapons. Players can now make highlight reel plays by having the ability to tap the puck to one hand, and slide it past a sprawling goalie.