Shortly after announcing the immediate availability of a new “NHL 09″ demo via PlayStation Network on Thursday, EA Sports, the sports-game-only division of publisher Electronic Arts, retracted the announcement, saying instead the free demo would be available later this month.

EA did not explain the delay or give a new date for the release. A separate demo release scheduled for sometime early next month through the Xbox Live network apparently will go on as planned.

PlayStation Network is the online multiplayer gaming community and digital delivery service for Sony’s PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable users. Xbox Live provides the same services for Microsoft.

“NHL 09″ ships to retailers Sept. 9. The free demo is expected to allow players a brief opportunity to try the game’s revised controls in a Stanley Cup game between this year’s finalist, the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.