As we reported previously, we can now confirm that Electronic Arts will be adding the CHL (Canadian Hockey League) to the upcoming NHL 11 release. The addition of the CHL (which is the junior developmental league for 16-to 20-year olds) will add a new dimension to the game. Among the CHL players are many NHL prospects, as well as recently drafted players.

The deal that EA struck with the CHL will include all 60 major junior teams, which are made up of 51 teams from the Western Hockey league, Ontario Hockey league, and the Quebec Major Junior league, as well as an additional nine teams from the United States. It is thought that the CHL players will be available in the Be A Pro, Be A GM, Tournament Mode, Season Mode, and Playoff Modes of gameplay.

From our understanding, the deal does cover the use of the names as well as the likenesses of CHL players, as well as the CHL rosters. This means a number of the best prospects will be available within the game. It is likely that roster updates will also include updates to the CHL rosters. The deal does cover the use of the league’s Memorial Cup, which is awarded to the CHL champion, and it is thought that it will be possible to take the CHL team of your choice to the top of the mountain.

The agreement between EA and the CHL will provide a significant addition to the title and add some new dimensions to the game which the title has not had in the past. Many fans of the game are already speculating at the increased depth that the addition of the CHL will add to the title with the NHL 11 release. NHL 11 is slated for release on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 on September 7th.

Again this year, EA currently has no plans for a PC or Wii release. In the past, the NHL franchise was released on the PC platform, but last year EA decided that despite the fact that it was popular, the company would be ditching the PC version of the game. Despite the fact that the company has released NHL titles for the GameCube platform, the company has not done an NHL release for the Wii; and apparently, according to our sources, has no plans to do so.