Mystery Alaskais a basic
Rocky movie and a grown-up version of
The Mighty Ducks. There's the basic redemption through sports plot, a loveable character's death, the healing of old wounds, important lessons of teamwork and pride, endearingly quirky players, resolved family problems, a young player just beginning and an older one about to hang up his skates, and at least one speech about how our guys don't play for money, they play for the love of the game!
Not that there's anything wrong with that. The reason that formulas endure is that they usually work, as long as the details are all right, it's not overtly manipulative, and nothing interferes with our ability to suspend disbelief. And here the details are pretty good, especially the feel of the remote, snowy town, where kids skate the river and make out in snowplows and everyone attends the weekly hockey game. And there are fine ensemble performances. The hockey game is pretty good, too. And there are a couple of very funny guest cameos to pick things up near the end.