I didn't have the same complaints about the onscreen controls with Icebreaker Hockey that I did with Backbreaker 2. Maybe it's because the former game only runs on the iPhone and iPod touch in optimized form, and cramped controls are to be expected on those smaller devices. Still, I would occasional try to tap the screen to perform that hard stop, only to deke or spin instead. A bigger problem is the game clock that counts down how long you've got to complete a particular wave--the clock appears persistently in Backbreaker Football, but only pops up when you're running out of time on an Icebreaker stage. It's remarkably easy to not notice the clock if you're too busy dodging and deking defenders.

These are minor quibbles, however. Icebreaker Hockey is a great interpretation of the NaturalMotion formula in a brand new setting. If the developer's football-themed iOS games tickled your fancy with their bone-crushing action, you'll certainly enjoy this hockey-influenced offering.