An iteration promising to be the most accurate depiction of the sport by way of more a more realistic fighting component, NHL ‘10 finally endowed its cover to Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks today, and unlike many hockey stars, Mr. Kane has all his teeth.

The 20 year-old American is just the second stateside man to grace the NHL  series’ cover and will be the youngest player ever to have his likeness slapped upon the plastic wrapping of the game.

Want to read a PR-spun statement? Enjoy what Mr. Kane had to say below.

“It’s exciting to be on the cover of my favorite videogame after playing just my second year as a professional,” said Kane. “When you look back at some of the great players who have had this opportunity, it’s an honor to be a part of the EA SPORTS family and contribute to a game I’ve been playing for more than 10 years.”

As for the game itself, NHL ‘10 is said to have over 200 refinements to core game-play including a first-person perspective on fighting, a first-ever addition, and one that will accentuate the “aggressiveness” of the sport.

Eddie Makuch is Blast's Director of Video Game News. Reach him at Makuch.E@BlastMagazine.com.