NHL2K11 picks it’s Wii cover boy

In a move that was not in the least bit surprising or disappointing, the guys over at 2K Sports announced last week that they would not be making NHL 2K11 for the PS3 or the Xbox 360. Since EA has cranked up the expectations of hockey games, 2K has decided to skip a year. Their plan is to take a look at what they can do better and return the following year with something that may compete with the hockey king NHL 10. Wii owner may notice that their console was not mentioned above. That’s because Nintendo will be getting a NHL 2K11 from 2K Sports and they’ve officially found their poster boy.

The man to grace the cover is none other than 2009 Selke Trophy finalist, awarded annually to the top defensive player in the league, Ryan Kesler. Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2003 as the 23rd overall pick in the first round, Kesler has spent his entire five-year NHL career with the Canucks.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the Olympics and play in front of my home crowd was one of the best experiences of my life. To now be chosen as the next cover athlete for NHL 2K11 is another dream come true,” said Kesler, alternate captain for the Vancouver Canucks. “It was awesome to work with 2K Sports last year on the NHL 2K10 commercial shoot and the outdoor motion capture session on the Las Vegas strip was incredible to be a part of. I’m looking forward to having just as much fun again, and helping them make another great hockey game this year.”

“Ryan is one of the most talented and exciting players to watch in the NHL today and his popularity has grown exponentially since the recent success of Team USA at the Winter Olympics,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “We’re thrilled to have him represent NHL 2K11 and wish him the best of luck through the rest of this season.”

Being developed by Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio, NHL 2K11 is not yet rated by the ESRB and scheduled to be available for Wii™ in fall 2010.