The EA Sports NHL team is excited to bring you the NHL 19 Open Beta, featuring the World of CHEL, from July 26 to August 2. The World of CHEL expands on the EA Sports Hockey League with a unified progression and customization system across new and returning modes, customizable classes, and fresh looks for your create-a-character that showcase your personality while playing online. With that, here’s everything you need to know about building the perfect skater in the NHL 19 Open Beta.

Top of the Class

Let’s get started by taking a look at the classes and abilities that will take you to the top in the World of CHEL. When creating your character for the Beta, you’ll choose from twelve skater or three goalie classes that determine your ratings, abilities, and playstyle. If you want to be a prolific goal-scorer, then the Sniper class is a perfect choice for lighting the lamp. If you’re looking to run right through opponents as they try to deke their way to a goal, then the Enforcer Defenseman class will give you the strength to crush the competition. If you want to be a goalie, then there are three classes available for your backstop.

You’ll also be able to equip your character with traits that impact attribute ratings, and specialties that give your team boosts in certain situational moments. Traits have positive and negative impacts on skater performance, such as the Booming Slapper trait, which boosts your players’ shot power, but also decreases accuracy. Specialties can give you and your teammates bonuses in particular moments, such as a stamina increase after scoring a goal. Keep in mind the size of your player when determining your strategy, as height and weight affect skating speed, skating style, balance, hitting, and other attributes.

Build the Perfect Player

Modes like NHL Ones, Threes Drop-In, and Pro-Am are all designed to help you find the playstyle that’s right for your skater when you go into EA Sports Hockey League. In NHL Ones, competing 1v1v1 will help you decide what class to use, as you look to score more goals than your opponents in any way possible. Dance around the competition with a Dangler, or go for the strong and skilled Power Forward. Create saved loadouts with different height, weight, player class, traits, and specialities for any mode or situation. There’s a style for everyone in the World of CHEL, and you’ll need to find your way before you join an EA Sports Hockey League Club.

Another great way of practicing your skills is with Pro-Am, a mode that lets you pick a position for a game of three-on-three with some of the biggest names in hockey. This single-player experience helps you get the hang of various positions in a fun and wide-open competition that will go a long way once you join a team in EA Sports Hockey League. Threes Drop-In offers an over-the-top, arcade-inspired, 3v3 hockey experience, where you can match up with other Threes players and take on opposing squads. Combine the skills you pick-up while playing NHL Ones, Threes Drop-In, and Pro-Am in the World of CHEL as you look to dominate the EA Sports Hockey League.

Thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing you dominate the game with the skaters you create during the NHL 19 Open Beta. Share your favorite moments from the Beta on social media using the hashtag #NHL19BETA.