EARLY ACCESS & CHEL WEEK 1 – COMEBACK SEASON
September 7, 2026
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Welcome to Early Access for NHL 27! To kick off the new hockey year, we’re launching the very first CHEL Week, with the theme being “Comeback Season.”
Running from September 7 through September 11, here is your complete roadmap and breakdown of everything dropping during Early Access Week.
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BREAKDOWN
DAILY SCHEDULE & CONTENT DROPS
Keep track of all daily releases dropping throughout CHEL Week 1 at 2:00 PM PT on September 7 (with Friday's finale going live at 9:00 AM PT on September 11):
| Day | Release Time | Drop Category | Highlight / Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday - Sept. 7 | 2:00 PM PT | CHEL Week Drop & Vote Launch | Starter Pack granted to all Early Access players, Objectives & HUT Moments live, Community Vote opens. |
| Tuesday - Sept. 8 | 2:00 PM PT | Forward Collection | Collection sets unlock special squad boosts |
| Wednesday - Sept. 9 | 2:00 PM PT | Defensive Collection | Defensive pairing sets & boosts |
| Thursday - Sept. 10 | 2:00 PM PT | Spotlight Player | Spotlight Moments & Sets go live. |
| Friday - Sept. 11 | 9:00 AM PT | Vote Winner Reward | +1 OVR upgrade & the Community Vote winner will be a Featured Event Player |
HOCKEY ULTIMATE TEAM (HUT) CONTENT
1. Starter Pack & Community Vote
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Every player who logs in during CHEL Week 1 receives a Free Starter Pack containing CHEL Week player items to jumpstart their progression.
Additionally, players can vote on their favorite CHEL Week player! The winner of the community vote will receive a +1 OVR boost, along with a Featured Event Player, who will be activated on Friday, September 11, at 9:00 AM PT.
2. Spotlight Player
A yet-to-be-revealed Spotlight Player takes center stage during CHEL Week 1
- Acquisition: All Spotlight Moments unlock on Thursday, September 10, at 2:00 PM PT and will be available for one week. Complete all moments to earn the Spotlight Player, or build him through sets on Day 1.
3. Collection Sets & Lineup Boosts
Building your lineup with CHEL Week player combinations unlocks unique team boosts for your HUT squad.
OBJECTIVES & HUT MOMENTS TRACKS
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CHEL Week Objectives Track
Earn untradeable (UT) player items to build your roster and complete your collection sets:
| Objective Challenge | Reward |
|---|---|
| Complete All CHEL Week Objectives | 81 OVR CHEL Week Player Choice Pack (UT) |
| Get 40 Hits with any CHEL Week Player Item | 78 OVR CHEL Week Player Item (UT) |
| Take 45 Shots with any CHEL Week Player Item | 78 OVR CHEL Week Player Item (UT) |
| Score 20 Goals with any CHEL Week Player Item | 78 OVR CHEL Week Player Item (UT) |
| Complete 18 Games with 1+ CHEL Week Player Item | 78 OVR CHEL Week Player Item (UT) |
CHEL Week Player Moments
Put your skill to the test in specialized single-player moments:
| Moment Challenge | Reward |
|---|---|
| Score 1 Power Play Goal in 90 Sec with Elias Pettersson | 78 OVR Player Item (UT) |
| Score 1 Goal in 120 Sec with Kevin Fiala | 78 OVR Player Item (UT) |
| Take 5 Slap Shots in 150 Sec with Dougie Hamilton | 78 OVR Player Item (UT) |
| Score 2 Points in 150 Sec with Thomas Chabot | 78 OVR Player Item (UT) |
ICYMI: WOC EARLY ACCESS CONTENT
“Real” NHL Alumni Debut: Mario Lemieux
As a reminder, NHL 27 Early Access also marks the historic debut of the “Real” NHL Alumni content playable directly inside World of CHEL!
- Mario Lemieux Flagship Drop: Features a nostalgic '92-era retro "action figure" aesthetic.
- Exclusive Loadout: Comes with an exclusive Sniper Loadout equipped with Elite Ankle Breaker, Specialist Big Rig, and Backhand Beauty.
Live Event: Autumn Cup
Celebrate Early Access by hitting the ice in the Autumn Cup Live Event! Customize your avatar with seasonal rewards and fast-track your Season Pass with these limited-time event perks:
- First Win Bonus: Earn a Free Tier Skip immediately upon securing your first event victory.
- 2x XP Multiplier: Enjoy 2x Season Pass XP for every game played to maximize your seasonal progression.
- Exclusive Event Objectives: Complete special event challenges designed to help you climb Season Pass tiers even faster.
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