How Many Periods Are in a Hockey Game?
If you’re new to the exciting world of hockey, you might be wondering how long a game lasts and how it’s structured. Unlike many other sports that play in halves or quarters, hockey games are divided into three periods. Let’s break down the details and explore what each period entails in a typical hockey game!
1. Three Periods in a Hockey Game
A standard professional ice hockey game, such as those played in the NHL (National Hockey League), is made up of three 20-minute periods. So, in total, a hockey game lasts 60 minutes of play time.
- First Period: The game kicks off with the first period, where both teams get to showcase their skills, strategies, and energy. At the end of the first period, the players take a short break to rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the next period.
- Second Period: After a brief intermission, the teams return for the second period, and the intensity often ramps up. This is where momentum can shift, and big plays or goals can change the course of the game.
- Third Period: The final period is crucial, as it can decide the winner of the game. Players dig deep in their stamina reserves, as it’s the last chance to either secure a victory or fight for a comeback.
2. Intermissions Between Periods
After each period, there’s a break known as the intermission. These intermissions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, giving players time to rest, recover, and strategize. It’s also a time for fans to grab snacks, use the restroom, or enjoy the entertainment and activities going on in the arena. The second intermission is especially important in professional leagues like the NHL, as teams may make adjustments to their game plans based on the results of the first two periods.
3. Overtime and Shootouts
If the score is tied at the end of the third period, the game doesn’t necessarily end in a draw. Here’s what happens next:
- Overtime: In the regular season, the game will go into overtime, which is typically 5 minutes of extra play in a 3-on-3 format (meaning only three skaters per team, with the usual goalie). The first team to score during overtime wins the game. If no one scores during the 5-minute overtime, the game goes to a shootout.
- Shootout: In a shootout, each team selects three players to take penalty shots. If still tied after those shots, the shootout continues in a sudden-death format, where teams alternate shots until one team scores and the other doesn’t.
Note: Overtime rules and shootout formats may vary depending on the competition, such as regular season vs. playoffs. In the NHL playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long, played in a sudden-death format where the first team to score wins. This means overtime can go on indefinitely until a goal is scored.
4. The Length of a Game
While a regular game lasts 60 minutes of play, the total length of a hockey game can be much longer due to stoppages in play, intermissions, and any potential overtime or shootout periods. On average, a game lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on how fast-paced the game is, penalties, and any overtime action.
In Conclusion
To sum it up, a standard hockey game is divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. With intermissions in between and the possibility of overtime or shootouts, a hockey game can extend beyond the initial 60 minutes of play. Whether you’re watching an NHL game, a college match, or a recreational league, understanding the structure of the game makes the experience even more exciting. Now that you know the basics of how a hockey game is divided, you’re ready to enjoy the fast-paced action!