The cover athlete has finally been announced for EA's NHL 10. It's none other then Patrick Kane, right-wing star of the Chicago Blackhawks. While personally I would have preferred to have Zach Parise from my New Jersey Devils, but obviously that's just my own bias talking there, being the diehard hockey fan that I am.

The kid is only in his second season as a 20 year old in the league. As announced earlier specific cover athletes for Finland, Denmark and Switzerland have yet to be announced. Wasington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was announced as the cover athlete for the game in Sweden.

"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."

EA SPORTS also announced that it has signed Canadian junior hockey scoring sensation John Tavares, expected to be the top pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, to promote the release of NHL 10. Tavares will join Kane, the first overall draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, as spokespersons for NHL 10.

"It's exciting for me to team up with Patrick to promote EA SPORTS and get the chance to play NHL 10 before it's in stores," said Tavares. "Now I'm looking forward to the draft and finding out which team will select me."

"At EA SPORTS we believe in identifying the most talented up-and-coming athletes in the world to help us develop the most authentic sports games," said Jordan Edelstein, Vice-President of Marketing for EA SPORTS. "We believe Kane is one of the next great American hockey stars and Tavares will have an immediate impact in the league."

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was earlier named a cover athlete on NHL 10 packaging in Sweden. Additional regional cover athletes for Finland, Denmark and Switzerland will be named at a later date. NHL 10 will be in retail stores across Europe on September 18.

Check out some screenshots below.