Ice spells are one of five types of Ancient Magicks combat spells that freeze the target in place and prevent it from moving. The duration of the freezing effect is shorter in Stealing Creation.
Ice spells are the only remaining Ancient Magicks combat spells to not be renamed in the earlier versions of Evolution of Combat, however all names are restored now.
Normally the animation for the spell hitting the target will only occur with autoattacks. However, in PvP combat, the animation will always appear, even with abilities.