NHL 13 has its super-shooting cover star in place – and what a close contest it was.

Following a vote from thousands of fans that came down to a one-percent margin (maybe even less than that), the Philadelphia Flyers’ Claude Giroux has landed the honors of appearing on this year’s cover for EA’s ongoing hockey franchise.

Giroux has some big numbers from this last season, as he nailed third in the league in points with 93 scored (28 goals and 65 assists).  And during playoffs, he managed eight goals in ten different games, even if the Flyers didn’t make it to the Finals.  That’s hardly anything to scoff at.

“The support fans have given me throughout the campaign has been unbelievable,” said Giroux.  “I am very excited to be on the cover of NHL 13, and I want to thank everyone who campaigned and voted for me – especially my teammates, the Flyers organization, and, of course, all the NHL fans who voted and tweeted.”

Look for NHL 13 to bring a whole new round of slap shots, glove saves and insane hockey action when it releases on September 11 of this year.