Trey Taylor’s duties for the Vernon Vipers aren’t finished just yet.
The Richmond blueliner is putting his gaming skills to test as part of the BC Hockey League’s simulation of the remainder of the post-season using EA Sports NHL 20.
The actual playoffs were halted at the end of the first round due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the eight remaining BCHL playoff teams were created in the game, each team selected a player rep to go head-to-head in an online contest which decided the winner of their would-be second round series. Taylor is going up against Penticton Vees’ Kent Johnson.
Rather than live-streaming a full series, the league has compiled highlights of the games using calls from the BCHL broadcasters as well as videos submitted by the player reps.
“We were looking for a way to keep our fans engaged during this unfortunate downtime and we think this initiative accomplishes just that,” said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb. “By involving our players and our broadcasters in the project and creating our teams in the NHL 20 video game, we’ve tried to make it a fun and unique BCHL experience for everyone to enjoy.”
The video for the first matchup between the Coquitlam Express and the Surrey Eagles was released today and you can watch it here.
The remaining three second-round games will be published in the coming days and Round 3 will commence next week.
Taylor, 18, served as an alternate captain for the Vipers this season. The 2020 NHL Entry Draft prospect is taking his career to the NCAA Division One level next season at Clarkson University in Postdam, New York.
