How Long Does a Hockey Period Last?

A standard hockey game consists of three periods, each with a specific duration. But exactly How Long Does A Hockey Period Last?

Hockey period clock showing 20:00

The Duration of a Regulation Hockey Period

In regulation play, a hockey period lasts for 20 minutes of action-packed gameplay. This means that when the clock hits zero, the period ends, and the teams get a short break before the next period begins.

Stoppages in Play and Actual Time

It’s crucial to remember that the 20-minute period length only accounts for the time the puck is in play. Hockey games, unlike many other sports, have numerous stoppages throughout the game. These stoppages can be due to various reasons such as:

• Penalties: When a player breaks the rules, they are sent to the penalty box, resulting in a power play for the opposing team.
• Offside: When a player enters the offensive zone ahead of the puck.
• Icing: When the puck is shot from behind the center red line across the opponent’s goal line without being touched.
• Puck out of play: This can happen when the puck goes over the glass, into the net (not for a goal), or is frozen by the goalie.

These stoppages mean that a 20-minute period can easily stretch out to a much longer timeframe in real-time, often taking 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

Action shot of a hockey game with players battling for the puck

Overtime: When the Game is Tied

If the score is tied at the end of the three regulation periods, the game goes into overtime. Overtime rules can vary depending on the league and whether it’s a regular-season or playoff game:

• Regular Season: Many leagues implement a 5-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime. The first team to score wins. If no one scores, it usually ends in a tie or goes to a shootout.
• Playoffs: Overtime in the playoffs is often longer and continues until a team scores. This can lead to multiple overtime periods and an extended game time.

Understanding Hockey Timekeeping

Understanding how time works in hockey is key to fully appreciating the flow and strategy of the game. The 20-minute period, while a seemingly short amount of time, is packed with intense action, making every second count.

Scoreboard showing the score, period, and time remaining in a hockey game

FAQs about Hockey Period Length

1. Is a hockey period the same length in all leagues?

Yes, a regulation hockey period lasts 20 minutes in most professional and amateur leagues.

2. Why do hockey games have so many stoppages?

Hockey is a fast-paced game with a lot of physical contact, leading to frequent stoppages for penalties, offsides, icing, and other reasons.

3. How long does a hockey game typically last?

Considering stoppages and intermissions, a hockey game usually lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours.

4. How is overtime different in the playoffs?

Playoff overtime typically involves longer periods and continues until a team scores, potentially leading to much longer games.

5. Where can I find more information about hockey rules and gameplay?

Official league websites like the NHL or IIHF offer comprehensive rules and explanations for a deeper understanding of the game.

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