Yesterday, NHL 09 was released to the public and Electronic Arts saw this as an opportunity to gather the media. Six NHL players were on display. Dion Phaneuf (D, Calgary Flames), as the cover athlete on NHL 09, was the star of the show.

Also in attendance were Drew Doughty (D, Los Angeles Kings), Josh Harding (G, Minnesota Wild), Patrick O’Sullivan (C, Los Angeles Kings), Corey Perry (RW, Anaheim Ducks), and Jeremy Roenick (C, San Jose Sharks).

The press events for EA Sports titles are always interesting because the blend of gaming and sports journalists is a bit like mixing oil and water. I wonder what the players think, being asked one moment what they think about their chances in the upcoming season, and whether they prefer Mario or Sonic the next.

With some assistance from clever comrade Rob Klovance, I came up with a list of questions that I asked each of the six players. Their answers were sometimes brusque (I was told explicitly “Next question” more than once, which must be loudmouth Michael Landsberg fault) and sometimes thoughtful and considered.

So I’m going to post those Q&As here. For the record, as it were.

Here are the questions that were asked:

• Do you play video games? What are your favourites?
• Which NHL team made out best with acquisitions during the off-season?
• Is there a player in the league worht $10 million a year? Is Mats Sundin one of them?
• Should we still have national antems played before games?
• Which song would you like to hear before a game?
• Which superhero would make the best hockey player?
• What’s the one part of your game you wish you were better at?

Answers will follow in discreet posts in the next day or so. Stay tuned.