Absolutely use practice mode, and for now, I would recommend using an overhead camera angle until you get the grasp of the controls, as the broadcast modes can make it a bit tricky to pick up on. Also, the one touch dekes will be your friend when you are learning, so remember to use L1 or LB in conjunction with the right stick, as this will pull off the easiest of dekes.
As far as defensively, make sure you use the very few weapons that are at your disposal, and good positioning, otherwise you will get burned on the higher difficulty modes.
Be aware of, and get used to the back swing for slapshots, and the quick flick for wristers, that's the biggest change from the old school holding down the button for a clapper.