Hockey games may look fast and intense, but they follow a simple structure. Many new fans wonder, “How many periods are in a hockey game?” The answer might surprise you—hockey games are made up of three periods, not quarters like other sports. But the way these periods are timed, and how they affect the game, is key to understanding the flow.
What’s more, the length of these periods changes based on the level of play, from youth leagues to the NHL. The good news is, no matter where you watch, you can quickly grasp how the clock impacts the game’s strategy and intensity.
Let’s break down how hockey periods work, and how they vary from one level to another, so you can enjoy the game even more.
Understanding Hockey Basics
The Structure of the Game
A hockey game is typically played in three 20-minute periods, with a 15-minute intermission between each. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, a 5-minute overtime period is played, and if still tied, a shootout determines the winner. The game takes place on an ice rink divided into three zones: defensive, neutral, and offensive. Each team has six players on the ice at once, consisting of one goalie and five skaters: three forwards (center, left wing, right wing) and two defensemen.
Ice Hockey vs. Other Sports
Ice hockey stands apart from other sports due to its distinctive blend of speed, skill, and physical intensity. Unlike sports that rely on frequent pauses or structured play, hockey is defined by its fast-paced, continuous action, where players are constantly moving, passing, and shooting. The sport also incorporates aggressive body checks, fights, and on-the-fly player substitutions,
which add to its unpredictable nature. While football and basketball emphasize strategic pauses and set plays, hockey’s constant flow and quick shifts make it a thrilling spectacle that requires both mental and physical endurance. These elements combined create an experience that’s uniquely intense and fast-paced compared to other team sports.
Periods and Game Flow
A standard hockey game consists of three periods. These periods are 20 minutes long, with short breaks in between.
The clock stops for stoppages like penalties and puck-outs, adding time to the game. Intermissions last 15 to 18 minutes for rest and ice resurfacing.
Games typically last around 2.5 hours, factoring in these delays.
How many periods in hockey?
In hockey, the structure of the game plays a key role in how the action unfolds, making it an essential concept for both newcomers and long-time fans. A fundamental aspect to grasp is the number of periods in a game, as it shapes the flow of the competition. This piece of knowledge is vital for understanding how a game is divided and how teams manage their energy and strategy.
A typical hockey game features three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, with two breaks in between that last about 15 to 18 minutes. These intervals give players a chance to rest, strategize, and prepare for the next stretch of intense action on the ice.
How long is a period in hockey?
A period in hockey typically lasts 20 minutes at most levels of the game, including the NHL. This means each team plays three 20-minute periods during a regulation game, totaling 60 minutes.
Between the first and second periods, and again between the second and third, there is usually a 15-minute intermission. This break allows players to rest, and for coaches to make adjustments before continuing the game.
How many quarters in hockey?
Hockey does not use quarters. Instead, it is divided into periods.
Unlike many other sports that break their games into four quarters or two halves, hockey follows a different structure with three periods. This format is unique to hockey and is an essential part of how the game is played.
Duration of Periods and Intermissions
A standard hockey game consists of three periods.
Each period is 20 minutes of play, with breaks between the periods for rest and resurfacing the ice. These intermissions typically last between 15 to 18 minutes.
The game clock stops whenever there is a stoppage in play, such as when the puck goes out of bounds. As a result, the total duration of a game is usually around 2.5 hours.
Stoppages and Timeouts
Throughout the game, play will be stopped for several reasons. Some common stoppages include:
- Icing
- Offside
- Puck out of play
- Penalties
- Injuries
In addition to stoppages, teams are allowed one 30-second timeout per game. This timeout can be used to rest players, adjust strategies, or discuss important upcoming plays.
Impact of Periods on Player Strategy
The three periods in hockey shape player strategy, influencing pacing, energy management, and tactical adjustments during each intermission.
Game Duration by Level
Hockey game durations differ depending on the level of play. Professional games usually last between 2.5 to 3 hours, while youth games tend to be shorter, around 1 to 1.5 hours. This variance is primarily due to the length of periods and the frequency of stoppages and intermissions. Professional leagues feature three 20-minute periods, while youth games often have shorter periods of 10-15 minutes, resulting in quicker overall game durations.
1. NHL Games:
An NHL game typically has a duration of around 2.5 hours. That being said, there are instances where the game can run longer, particularly during playoff seasons. In these cases, the length can approach 3 hours as overtime periods are played until one team scores the decisive goal, extending the game’s total time.
2. Minor League and Junior Hockey Games:
Minor league and junior hockey games are structured similarly to NHL games, featuring three 20-minute periods with intermissions. The intermissions, however, tend to be shorter, resulting in a total game duration of around 2 to 2.5 hours.
3. College Hockey Games:
College hockey games are played in three 20-minute periods, with intermissions comparable to those in professional games. The typical game lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours, though overtime can extend the duration, particularly in tournament play where games may require extra time to determine a winner.
4. High School Hockey Games:
High school hockey games generally consist of three periods, each lasting between 15 to 17 minutes. As a result, the total duration of a game typically falls between 1.5 to 2 hours. However, variations in local regulations or special tournament formats can sometimes alter these timeframes.
5. Youth Hockey Games:
Youth hockey games typically last between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the age group. Periods usually range from 10 to 15 minutes, and there are often fewer stoppages compared to higher levels, leading to shorter overall game times.
In summary, while the game structure remains the same with three periods, the length of youth hockey games can vary based on factors like age, league, and game conditions, offering flexibility to accommodate developing players.
Average Game Length
An average hockey game typically runs for about 2 to 2.5 hours. This time includes the 60 minutes of play, breaks between periods, and any stoppages. Additional time for TV broadcasts or overtime can extend the duration, sometimes pushing games closer to 3 hours. While most games stay within this window, delays due to injuries or penalties can also affect the overall length, leading to occasional longer durations.
Special Game Conditions
Overtime and Sudden Death
In some cases, a hockey game may go beyond regular time, requiring overtime and, in some instances, sudden-death overtime.
When the score is tied after the usual three periods, an overtime period is played to determine the winner.
The rules for overtime vary between the regular season and the playoffs.
In the regular season, overtime consists of a 5-minute, 3-on-3 period. If a team scores, the game ends immediately—this is known as sudden death.
During the playoffs, teams continue with full 20-minute periods of 5-on-5 play. The game ends as soon as a goal is scored, triggering sudden death.
NHL overtime rules
Overtime in the NHL is used to determine the winner when a game is tied at the end of regulation. It typically consists of a 5-minute, 3-on-3 period followed by a shootout if necessary.
According to the NHL Rulebook, if the game remains tied after overtime, a shootout decides the winner, with each team alternating penalty shots .
NHL Overtime Rules for Preseason and Regular Season
- Teams play a five-minute overtime period of 3-on-3 hockey.
- The overtime period is played in a sudden-death format, meaning the first team to score wins.
- If no one scores within the five-minute overtime, the game proceeds to a shootout.
- Each team selects three shooters for the shootout, with each team taking one shot per round.
- The team with the most goals after the three rounds wins the game.
- If the score is tied after three rounds, the shootout continues round by round until one team scores and the other does not.
NHL overtime rules for playoff games
If a playoff game is tied after regulation, teams will play a 5-on-5 overtime period. This is sudden death, meaning the first team to score wins. If the game remains tied after the first overtime, additional periods are played, continuing until a team scores, securing the victory.
Shootouts and Tiebreakers
If a regular season game remains tied after the five-minute overtime period, the outcome is decided by a shootout. Each team selects three players to take penalty shots in a best-of-three format. If the shootout is tied after the initial round, it progresses to a sudden-death format, with one player from each team shooting until a winner is determined. The tiebreaker procedure does not apply to playoff games.
Penalties and Power Plays
Penalties are a key element in hockey, often giving teams a chance to gain a valuable edge.
When a player violates the rules, they are penalized, requiring them to serve time off the ice (typically 2, 4, or 5 minutes) or until the opposition scores.
While a player is penalized, their team must play short-handed, providing a power play opportunity for the opposing team.
Power plays are critical because they offer a numerical advantage, boosting the likelihood of scoring.
However, if both teams are serving penalties, the game remains even-strength.
A power play only occurs when one team has more players in the penalty box than the other.
Understanding these dynamics enhances your appreciation of the strategic elements and intensity of the game.
Factors Affecting Game Length
Possible Reasons a Hockey Game May Take Longer
While the typical structure of a hockey game offers a reliable estimate of its length, there are various factors that can lead to the game running longer than anticipated
Intermissions and Stoppages
Each game period is followed by a brief intermission, usually lasting between 15 and 18 minutes. During these pauses, players take a break in the locker room, coaches discuss adjustments, and the ice is resurfaced to maintain optimal conditions for the next period. Altogether, these intermissions contribute an additional 30 to 36 minutes to the total game time. In addition to intermissions, various stoppages occur during the game, such as goals, penalties, and instances where the puck leaves the playing area. While each stoppage is short, their cumulative effect extends the overall length of the game.
Television Timeouts
Televised NHL games include scheduled timeouts for commercial breaks, which can lengthen the game. These timeouts typically last around 2 minutes and happen several times during each period.
LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY RIGHT AT HOME WITH YOUR OWN POLYGLIDE ICE RINK
Knowing the game’s periods and intermissions helps you better follow the action and understand players’ strategic decisions throughout. This insight deepens your appreciation for each moment on the ice.
To truly enhance your hockey knowledge, explore the sport’s unique strategies and tactics that go beyond basic rules. Understanding the finer details adds to the excitement of watching the game.
Hockey’s rich history, fierce rivalries, and legendary moments make it a thrilling sport to dive into, offering something new with every game.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long is a high school hockey game?
A high school hockey game generally lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. The game is divided into three periods, each lasting 15 to 17 minutes. Between periods, there are intermissions, and stoppages for penalties or injuries can add extra time. The duration may vary depending on local rules or tournament formats, but the overall length remains fairly consistent across most games.
How does a hockey game start?
A hockey game kicks off with a face-off. This occurs at the beginning of each period and after every stoppage or goal, with the referee dropping the puck between two opposing players at center ice. The players immediately battle for control of the puck, aiming to establish possession and initiate the play. Face-offs are pivotal in hockey, as they can influence the flow of the game and often give one team an early advantage in possession.
What is a penalty, and how long do they last?
A penalty in hockey is a punishment given to a player for breaking the rules, such as tripping, high-sticking, or fighting. When a player is penalized, they must serve time in the penalty box, leaving their team short-handed. Minor penalties typically last 2 minutes, while major penalties can last 5 minutes or longer. Knowing these rules helps you better understand the flow of the game and the impact of each player’s actions.
