Play NHL '97 (Europe) Online

NHL '97 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System came out in 1996, published by EA Sports. It was one of the later hockey titles on the SNES, arriving as the console generation was winding down, but it still offered a solid, straightforward hockey experience for anyone with the system.

You control a team of five skaters and a goalie, working to outscore your opponent. The main objective is simple: shoot the puck into the net more times than the other team. Signature mechanics include body checking opponents into the boards to separate them from the puck, executing one-timer shots for quick scoring chances, and managing line changes to keep your players fresh. The pacing is quick, with a noticeable arcade feel, and the difficulty can spike against stronger computer teams. It feels responsive and immediate, especially when you connect on a hard check or slip a shot past the goalie.