Taylor Hall making progress in NHL 11 Be a Pro mode

Hall has to work up the ranks — even if he is on
the cover.

Blair Charboneau, Hockey Net

EDMONTON — Oilers GM Tambellini has assigned struggling rookie Taylor Hall to work his way through the EA Sports NHL 11 Be a Pro mode. The Oilers are hoping EA’s popular hockey simulation game can further the development of their 18-year-old prospect.

“We’re going to monitor his Memorial Cup and AHL progress. Eventually, we hope Hall can put up good virtual numbers at the “All-star” setting and play his way onto a top-six role with us, explained Oilers coach Tom Renney.”

Although Oilers Fans' expectations might be somewhat unrealistic for the 2010 first-rounder, Hall has only one assist in seven games so far and has since seen his ice-time diminish and is doing his best to deal with NHL 11 setbacks.

“Well I had to restart a few times because the Oilers kept passing me over on draft day, and that prick Taylor Chorney stole my number. Then the OKC Barons wouldn’t put me on the powerplay so I asked for a trade, but things are getting better,” said Hall.

The Oilers remain confident Hall will steadily move up the NHL 11 ranks and into a larger role with the club.

“We’ve asked Taylor to be patient, stick with the game, and stop trying to fight people after the whistle,” commented Oilers assistant coach Kelly Buchberger.

Hall is working hard to show his commitment to the team, and is already starting to see some results.

“Actually, I just got called up to the NHL. I’m only rated 75 overall and playing nine minutes on the fourth line, but my positional score is strong, said Hall, adding,

The Oilers must be content to see Hall grinding it out, taking nothing for granted, and Hall will likely see more playing time soon enough once Hemsky gets injured.