Nick Hockey Stars is a timed sports game by Nickelodeon that features hockey play across Quick Match and Tournament modes. The player selects a character from a popular Nick animated television show and then competes against other characters.
The player starts by picking a mode and character. Their character options include favorites like Patrick, SpongeBob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They can also improve their avatar's stats by equipping cool stuff that unlocks after a specific amount of gameplay. For example, they might unlock and equip a flag that improves speed. Other items include a helmet, shoulder pads, sticks and skates.
If the player selects Tournament mode, they must win every match in a series of six matches. In both modes, the game automatically partners the avatar with another character and selects two opponents. It also automatically assigns team names and mascots.
On the ice in Nick Hockey Stars, the player can direct their avatar to skate around the rink, hit the puck, attack another character, and perform super moves. To complete a super move, they must wait for a star near the bottom-right corner of the screen to fill with a golden orange color. The game also presents obstacles, such as floating dark ice that slows the avatar's movement.
As with other games in the Nick series of sports games, the player or the game can accidentally direct the puck into their goal zone and reward the other team with a point.
