Habs fans are some of the most passionate and enthusiastic hockey fans around. After all, supporting the Montreal Canadiens is about loyalty, dedication, and the ability to cheer them on even when they appear to be letting you down.
While Youppi! may take it easy after a suspenseful match, fans are generally rearing to go and still riding the high from an epic win (or looking for comfort after a heartbreaking loss). Therefore, taking the game into their own hands may be a great way to continue celebrating or gain some distraction.
Thankfully, several software developers have provided the means to do this through their hockey-themed slots. These companies have created games that Habs fans and even those supporting other teams will fall head over skates for.
Hockey League – Pragmatic Play
The most popular hockey-themed slot is Hockey League by famed developer Pragmatic Play. With the ability to make you feel like you’ve been transported directly into the rink, this game is recommended for seasoned gambling veterans and those just starting out.
The game is pretty simple and operates the same as any other slot. You have a 5×3 grid of symbols that are all hockey related. Pay lines depend on the site you’re playing on and vary between 9 and 20. This is a bit strange, as developers usually prefer to fix the number of lines, but certainly nothing to complain about.
The real gem of this game isn’t the wilds that substitute other symbols or the free spin jackpot. The incredible graphics and sound are so immersive and representative of an NHL game that you’ll believe you’re there.
Break Away Deluxe – Microgaming
Microgaming, makers of the infinitely popular Mega Moolah, is known in the industry as the developer of some of the most memorable and profitable slot games. For hockey lovers, Break Away Deluxe is another game that hits the mark perfectly.
Set on the cold ice of the rink, the game has a 5×5 grid and lets you choose between 18, 38, 68, or 88 pay lines. Your bet amount will increase or decrease accordingly, depending on the number of lines you play with.
While the graphics are basic and feature hockey staples like players, helmets, and ice rinks, the gameplay is what you should get excited about. In addition to free spins, the game features stacked wilds and cascading icons that let you win multiple times on a single spin.
Hockey Hero – Push Gaming
Showing what it is like to be on the ice in an almost scarily accurate way, Hockey Hero follows three superstars of the sport in their quest for victory. These heroes are the highest-paying symbols, with all lower-paying symbols displayed through a sheet of cracked ice.
If the backtrack of screaming fans, bells, and whistles isn’t enough to get you into the hockey spirit, the way the game works definitely will. It hosts a regular 5×3 grid and 40 pay lines. However, the three sportsmen can appear as an entire reel and, when falling on the first reel, will trigger an automatic respin.
Respins activated by the heroes can continue up to five times, potentially leading to some winnings you’ll be screaming about. The game also features a wild symbol and five free spins that let you choose which athlete you want to help you achieve greatness.
Ice Hockey – Playtech
If you’re searching for an incredible hockey slot accessible from Canada, Playtech’s Ice Hockey may be your holy grail. Featuring a 5×3 grid, this game lets you pit teams against each other—something hockey fans will particularly enjoy.
To start playing, you’ll need to pick two national teams from the supported list, including the USA, Russia, Germany, and (of course) Canada. Each team will place three players on the reels, and each team will grant wins depending on where they land (from left to right or vice versa).
The slot offers plenty more if the excitement of competition between teams isn’t enough. Some wilds force the two teams to work together to award significant wins, and there is a bonus game that gives 12 free spins.
Hockey League Wild Match – Pragmatic Play
Released as a different variation of Pragmatic Play’s popular Hockey League (mentioned earlier in this article), this game ups the ante and keeps you on the edge of your seat. While it may look very similar to the original game, the Hockey League Wild Match version offers a few gameplay changes that are sure to please.
The most noticeable change is that wins can now occur both ways—left to right and right to left. Because of this, the way the reels fall has also changed, with reels stopping in an alternating pattern from the left and then the right.
The game’s visuals have been retained and make you feel like you’re watching on an old television, and the soundtrack is incredible. There are also wilds that substitute, and the scatters offer ten free spins that come with a three-time multiplier.
Notable Mentions
While the above games are the cream of the crop, there are a few others that will surely have your inner hockey player fighting to get out. Some of these include:
- Jagr’s Super Slot – Inspired Gaming
- Break Away Lucky Wilds – Microgaming
- Field Hockey Hero – Push Gaming
- Hockey Hero – RealTime Gaming
- Hockey Attack – Pragmatic Play