Best NHL & Ice Hockey Games for Diehard Fans

The hockey season is too short for many NHL fans.

Though the regular season runs for six months every year, only the crème of the crop will watch their team advance to playoffs in May and June. While there’s plenty of excitement leading up to the season start in October, that flatlines with the conclusion of the NHL season.

Many hockey fans are on the hunt for added sports content during the offseason. One of the most perennial ways to still feel close to the sport is by finding a great ice hockey video game. Compared to soccer, American football, and basketball, the options aren’t quite as varied.

That being said, there are dozens of ice hockey-centric releases to explore.

Even fans of casino games have a few options at their fingertips. For example, one popular slot choice that can be found at a Canadian Casino is Hockey Fever Penny Roller. The Games Global release takes hockey fans straight onto the ice with a dynamic and exciting reel. It’s a great option for fans gearing up for the next NHL season or slogging through the offseason.

But if you’re looking for a longer-form game, stick to one of the options listed below. They’re some of the most highly rated ice hockey simulations and management simulations in the gaming world.

NHL 20

This 2019 release is one of the best recent ice hockey releases from EA Sports. Critics and players alike found the gameplay to be advanced and highly realistic, especially within the realm of goalkeeping. Developers also introduced a new local broadcasting channel that featured real-life radio hosts from the Vancouver area. Those little dashes of realism have helped put this release high on the rankings list.

NHL 94

For ice hockey gamers who want a highly accurate and satisfying game should stick to NHL 20. That being said, NHL 94 is a popular choice for gamers who enjoy a little bit of retro action. Long-time NHL fans might even recognize the names on the rosters. However, the real appeal of NHL 94 is the fast-paced and action-centric nature of the game. Scoring tactics were imaginative, including plays like ‘the move’ and ‘the duper’, which have since become common in many NHL gaming circles.

Super Blood Hockey

Before moving on to some of the best ice hockey management sims, let’s not forget about cheekier releases. After all, not all of the best sports video games are faithful representations. Super Blood Hockey features plenty of odes to the arcade era of gaming—but the game also includes combat-style moves, which make for a pretty entertaining twist on the standard hockey fare. Some players also enjoy the retro look and feel of the game.

Franchise Hockey Manager (FHM)

In terms of ice hockey management simulations, FHM is usually lauded as the most popular, replayable, and realistic. That’s in part thanks to the developer’s experience; FHM has been around for decades, meaning modern releases all feature new improvements. It delivers on authenticity, along with realistic business-based challenges. After all, creating a winning franchise is only partly about crafting a killer lineup. Players need to also balance their drafting, trading, and coaching skills with their entrepreneurial acumen.

Eastside Hockey Manager

If FHM is a little too hardboiled, then consider a more relaxed management simulation. Eastside Hockey Manager offers plenty in the way of leagues, as players can choose from more than 30 playable leagues around the world. While the game doesn’t offer the same licensing as official simulations, which means player likenesses and names aren’t used, there’s still plenty to enjoy. In fact, some players seem to prefer working with fully fictionalized teams and leagues.