Ice Hockey was favorably reviewed in 1982 by Video magazine where it was described as "yet another example of Activision's innovative approach to programmable video-game software" and suggested that along with Championship Soccer the game "proves that cleverly conceived sports simulations can work on the Atari VCS".
Ice Hockey received positive reviews in 1982 from Video magazine, which praised Activision's innovative approach to programmable video-game software and highlighted its success alongside Championship Soccer as a testament to the potential of well-designed sports simulations on the Atari VCS.