2K Sports has announced new standard setting features for NHL 2K8, the latest edition of the top rated NHL video game series.

The new ProStick gives players precision puck handling movements and all new controls intuitively mapped to the right thumb stick while the groundbreaking face-off system brings an unmatched level of depth and strategy with every drop of the puck.

"The ProStick and face-off system work hand-in-hand to bring a new level of control to hockey video games," said Graeme Bayless, President of Kush Games, a 2K Sports studio. "With these two features, we feel NHL 2K8 offers a fresh gameplay experience that will appeal to gamers new to the series as well as our loyal fans."

Stick movement and commands are tied directly to the right analogue stick, giving gamers authentic control and puck handling ability. Hundreds of new animations give users a full range of movement, creating a genuine NHL gameplay experience on both offense and defence.

The NHL 2K series has always set the standard in realistic hockey simulation, and with an all new face-off system, NHL 2K8 brings a never-before-seen depth to one of the most important aspects of the game. Working with 2005-2006 NHL MVP and NHL 2K7 cover athlete Joe Thornton, the development team gained unique and valuable insight into the key aspects and subtleties of real NHL face-offs. Based on timing and strategy and featuring warnings, tossouts, and tieups, this innovative approach to face-offs provides gamers with unrivalled detail and realism.

NHL 2K8 will be available in September 2007 for the Xbox 360 video, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2.