Play NHL 2002 (U)(Venom) Online

NHL 2002 for the Game Boy Advance came out in 2001, published by EA Sports. It was one of the few hockey titles on the handheld, arriving early in the system's life when sports games were still figuring out how to translate the console experience to a smaller screen. The game tried to bring a full NHL season, playoffs, and even a shootout mode into your hands, which felt ambitious at the time.

You control a team of five skaters and a goalie, working to outscore the opponent in fast, arcade-style matches. The main objective is to win games across various modes, from exhibition matches to a full season. Signature mechanics include one-timer shots, which require precise timing to pull off, and a card collection system where you earn power-ups to temporarily boost player attributes like speed or shot accuracy. The pacing is quick, with short periods that keep things moving, though the AI can be punishing on higher difficulties. It feels like a stripped-down but surprisingly functional version of hockey that fits in your pocket.