Eric Staal to Grace NHL 08 Cover

Today Electronic Arts announced Eric Staal, center for the Carolina Hurricanes, will be featured on the cover of NHL 08. A young player (23) with just four seasons under his belt, Staal led the Hurricanes to victory with 28 points in the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Stall is apparently also a big fan of EA games.

"I am a huge fan of the NHL franchise and played NHL 07 fanatically," said Staal. "I am honored to be named to the EA Sports family and the NHL 08 team."

Staal comes from a hockey family. His brothers Marc and Jordan were also first-round draft picks, for the NY Rangers in 2005 and Pittsburgh in 2006, respectively. The siblings grew up playing together on an outdoor ice rink their father built for them in their backyard.

©2007, IGN Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved