Coming from a non-Hockey fan, this is a fun game and a good addition to your VC collection.
The controls in Ice Hockey are pretty basic. You hold the Wii Remote horizontally, and use the + Control Pad to move. On offense, the 1 Button is used to shoot, and the 2 Button is used to pass. On defense, the 1 Button is used to switch players and the 2 Button is used to body check someone. One of the toughest part of the controls is the fact that on defense, you have to control the goalie yourself. You also can't switch between controlling a player and controlling the goalie. You're always controlling a player and the goalie at the same time. Of course, more often than not the goalie doesn't get much action, but it still takes a while to get used to controlling him when he's needed.
Graphically, you probably won't be impressed with this game. As with a majority of NES games, the graphics aren't impressive but they're also not selling points. Gameplay is what really makes the classics great.
As with most NES games, they won't have soundtracks, sound effects, or anything like that. What they will have are semi-catchy tunes that most gamers have become accustomed to. Ice Hockey is no different.
One part of this game that may not appeal to most gamers is the difficulty. This isn't one of those games that you just pick up and go, nor is it a game that eases you into the action. Right off the bat you're playing with the pros, and it does take a while to get used to. Personally, I got smuthered 11-0 in my first game and thought I had made a bad purchase. But after putting a few hours into the game it becomes rather addicting. I'm still not a shining star and defense, but more often than not I'm within 1-2 of the computer's score.
At the end of the day, for just 500 Wii Points on the virtual console, this is a great game to pick up. Also, if you've got a brother or cousing who enjoys playing games as well, multiplayer is as fun if not more fun than single player.