Developed for the PC and Mac by Sports Interactive, developers of Worldwide Soccer Manager (Football Manager in Europe), NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 represents the next evolution in fantasy sports by enabling gamers to take full control of the management of their favorite hockey franchises.

NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 features an award-winning game engine that offers highly realistic simulations where gamers are responsible for overall team performance through the management of important franchise elements including, but not limited to, coaching, scouting, trading, human resources and finance. Gamers act as general manager for one of more than 250 playable pro and semi-pro teams from a list of more than 3,000 teams and 20 playable leagues worldwide – including the NHL, AHL, ECHL and Canadian Hockey League.

Gamers can develop and shape their franchises from a database of more than 38,000 players and staff by trading them, signing free-agents and drafting the leagues' hottest prospects.

"NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 includes the new system under the NHL's recent collective-bargaining agreement and is the only game to feature the salary cap, both of which are very significant in gaining a true understanding of what teams are facing in today's new hockey landscape," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America. "This game incorporates most off-season roster moves, retirements, and other player and staff moves into the game's database."

"For hardcore hockey fans, NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 offers one of the most comprehensive lists of licenses ever assembled in a hockey game" said Marc Duffy, product manager at Sports Interactive. "There is not a hockey game in the market today that rivals our depth and attention to detail, which is synonymous with any Sports Interactive title."

NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 incorporates Sports Interactive's award winning game engine that has been refined and tuned in accordance with over 13 years of feedback and development. The game is officially licensed by the NHL Enterprises (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA).

NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 is rated "E" for Everyone and is available via the World Wide Web at SEGA.com and SIgames.com or at nationwide retailers for an MSRP of $29.95 US / $ 29.99 CDN.