Ice hockey is one of the most popular and exciting sports to watch. The fast-paced action keeps fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. But exactly how long does an ice hockey game last from the start time to the final buzzer?
The length of an ice hockey game can vary depending on the league and game situation, but a standard game typically runs around 2.5-3 hours in total.
We’ll help you understand the details of ice hockey game durations, including regular season matches, playoff battles, and the factors that can affect the length of these thrilling encounters.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A standard NHL ice hockey game lasts for 60 minutes of actual playing time during the regular season, excluding stoppages.
- Overtime and shootouts can extend the game duration by about 15 minutes if the score is tied at the end of regulation.
- Playoff hockey games can be much longer, with multiple sudden-death overtime periods that can extend well beyond the standard 60 minutes.
- Factors like stoppages, TV timeouts, and game flow can influence the length of an ice hockey game, making each match a unique and thrilling experience.
How Long Does an Ice Hockey Game Last?: Periods and Regulation Time
Periods in an NHL Hockey Game
The length of an ice hockey game is based around three 20-minute regulation periods, for a total hockey game is 60 minutes long. However, the clock runs continuously through each period regardless of stoppages in play. This means that the actual elapsed time from period to period is longer than 20 minutes of playing time.
In the NHL game, the average length of a period is around 30 minutes including stoppages. With 2 intermissions between periods and all the NHL hockey game typically lasts 2.5 hours to 2.75 hours if the score is not tied at the end.
Period Length in Other Leagues
Most professional leagues follow a similar 60-minute structure of three periods. However, youth hockey and college hockey sometimes use shorter 17-minute periods instead of 20, bringing the total regulation time down to about 2 hours.
Expected Regulation Time in the NHL
So in a typical NHL hockey game, you can expect regulation play to last around 2.5-2.75 hours. But that’s not counting any additional time from overtime or shootouts.
Additional Time: Overtime Drama and Shootouts
If the hockey game is tied at the end of regulation, additional time will be added on to determine a winner. In the NHL regular season, they’ll play out a 5-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime period. If neither team scores in overtime, a best-of-3 shootout will follow to break the tie.
Overtime periods in the NHL last 5 minutes of running clock time regardless of stoppages, so they typically take about 10-15 minutes of real time. Shootouts generally last 5-10 minutes as well. Altogether, this can tack on about 15 extra minutes to the overall game time if it ends up tied at the end of the 3rd period.
NHL Playoff Intensity
Playoff games in the NHL can be even more thrilling and intense than regular season matches. While the standard format remains the same, overtime periods in playoffs can last up to 20 minutes each, and there is no shootout.
This means that playoff games can potentially continue for much longer, with multiple overtime periods, until a winning goal is scored. The drama and excitement of playoff hockey often result in unforgettable, extended games.
How Long Are Intermissions Between Periods in NHL Hockey Game?
Aside from the total of 60 minutes of actual gameplay, there are also two intermissions between periods in a hockey game. In the NHL, intermissions last 17 minutes each.
This gives the ice crew time to resurface the ice, teams time to rest and strategize in the locker room, and fans the opportunity to grab snacks and refreshments. With two 17-minute breaks between the 3 periods of 20 minutes, intermissions add about 35 minutes to the total game time.
Average NHL Game Length in Professional Hockey
Taking regulation time, overtime/shootouts, and intermissions together, an average game length of an NHL will last approximately:
| Aspect | Duration |
|---|---|
| Average NHL Game Length (Total) | Regulation: 2.5-2.75 hours |
| Overtime: 0-15 minutes | |
| Intermissions: 34 minutes | |
| Total: Around 2.5-3 hours |
This brings the average game typically lasts around 2.5-3 hours in the NHL. However, some games can go longer if they have multiple overtimes.
The longest game in NHL history was in 1936 when the Detroit Red Wings beat the Montreal Maroons after playing 176 minutes and 30 seconds over 6 overtime periods!
For other professional leagues like the AHL and ECHL, game lengths follow similar parameters to the NHL in terms of regulation time, overtime, and intermissions. The average pro hockey game will be in the range of 2.5-3 hours total.
Youth, Recreational, and College Hockey Game Length
At lower levels of competitive hockey like youth, high school, college, and beer league recreational hockey, game times are a bit shorter on average:
| Aspect | Duration |
|---|---|
| Youth/High School Hockey | ~2 hours |
| College Hockey | ~2.25 hours |
| Recreational Hockey | ~2-2.5 hours |
The shorter 17-minute regulation period length accounts for some of the reduced game time at youth and college levels. Recreational league games also tend to have shorter overtime periods if needed.
But regardless of the skill level, any hockey game can go longer than expected if it heads into multiple extra periods!
Factors Affecting Game Duration
Several things can influence how long an ice hockey game lasts, Duration of the game can vary depending on factors like:
Stoppage Time:
Stoppages in play, such as penalties, icing, and offside calls, can add minutes to the game clock. The frequency and duration of these stoppages can vary from game to game.
TV Timeouts:
Television broadcasts of NHL games include scheduled commercial breaks, known as TV timeouts. These breaks provide advertisers with airtime and offer viewers at home a chance to catch up on snacks or use the restroom. While TV timeouts are standard, their timing can affect the flow of the game.
Game Flow:
The pace of a hockey game can vary depending on the teams involved. Some games feature continuous end-to-end action, while others may involve more defensive play and fewer scoring opportunities.
Game Situation:
The scoreline and game situation can also impact how long a game lasts. If one team is trailing and pulls their goalie in an attempt to tie the game, it can lead to longer periods of intense play.
FAQs
How long does an ice hockey game typically last in the NHL?
Answer: A standard NHL ice hockey game lasts for 60 minutes of actual playing time during the regular season, not counting stoppages.
Do hockey games ever go into overtime, and how does it affect the game’s duration?
Answer: Yes, hockey games can go into overtime if tied at the end of regulation. Overtime adds around 5 minutes of play, and if no winner emerges, a shootout follows.
How long do playoff hockey games typically last, and why are they longer than regular season games?
Answer: Playoff hockey games last the same 60 minutes as regular season games. However, they can be longer due to multiple sudden-death overtime periods that can go up to 20 minutes each.
What factors can affect the duration of an ice hockey game besides overtime and stoppages?
Answer: TV timeouts, game flow, and game situations like pulling the goalie can influence game duration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the length of an ice hockey game can vary depending on whether it’s a regular season match or a playoff showdown. While the standard format consists of three periods totaling 60 minutes of playing time, factors like stoppages, overtime, and TV timeouts can extend the overall duration. Playoff games, with their sudden-death overtime periods, often provide the most thrilling and extended hockey experiences.
