Ice hockey is a sport that thrills fans worldwide, but for those new to the game, its structure might be a tad confusing. Ice hockey is divided into three periods, each 20 minutes long, making up a 60-minute game.
In this article, you’ll delve deep into understanding the game, why it is structured this way, and the variations seen in different leagues and formats. With charts, statistics, and clear explanations, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on the breakdown of a hockey game.
Key Things to Remember
To recap some of the key details about regulation, overtime, and playoff period structures in ice hockey:
- Games have 3 periods lasting about 20 minutes each
- There are two intermissions between periods to resurface the ice
- Total regulation game time is 60 minutes split into three periods
- Youth and recreational hockey may have shorter ~15 minute periods
- The NHL follows the standard three 20-minute period format
- NHL playoff overtime uses full 20-minute periods until sudden death
- Period procedures balance game flow, ice conditions, rest, and strategy
What Are the Basics of a Standard Hockey Game?
Every standard hockey game consists of three 20-minute periods, with the total gameplay being 60 minutes long. Between the first and second periods, as well as the second and third periods, there are intermissions which allow the teams to rest and strategize.
How Many Periods are There in an Ice Hockey? The Basic Structure
Generally three periods are in a hockey game. The standard length of an ice hockey game across all major leagues and levels of play is three 20-minute periods, for a total regulation game time of 60 minutes.
So in a normal NHL or recreational league hockey game, there will be three periods played unless otherwise noted in specific overtime or playoff formats.
Number of Periods in Ice Hockey by Level
| Level | Number of Periods | Length of Period (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard hockey | 3 | 20 |
| NHL | 3 (regulation), unlimited overtime periods | 20 (regulation), 20 (overtime) |
| Recreational hockey | Varies, but typically 2 or 3 | Varies, but typically 20 or 30 |
This three-period structure has been used in organized hockey for over 100 years, allowing for consistent game lengths, intermissions to resurface the ice, and strategic readjustments between periods.
The three standard 20-minute periods balance game flow, endurance, and ice quality maintenance. Other period lengths are sometimes used in lower-level leagues or youth hockey. But professional and international games universally follow the standard three period format.
Here’s a Typical 3-Period Game Format:
- Period 1: 20 minutes of play
- Intermission: 15-18 minute break
- Period 2: 20 minutes of play
- Intermission: 15-18 minute break
- Period 3: 20 minutes of play
- End of Regulation
The two intermissions allow for resurfacing the ice, analyzation by coaches, and physical recovery for players before the next intense period of play.
So in summary, the straightforward answer to “how many periods in ice hockey” is – three. All ice hockey games are played in three standard periods unless pre-determined overtime is required.
How Long is Each Period in Professional Hockey?
As mentioned, nearly all professional and international hockey leagues including the NHL, AHL, KHL, and more play three 20-minute regulation periods in games.
Length of Ice Hockey Periods
| League | Period Length | Intermission Length | Total Game Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHL | 20 minutes | 18 minutes | 1 hour and 58 minutes |
| AHL | 20 minutes | 17 minutes | 1 hour and 57 minutes |
| ECHL | 20 minutes | 16 minutes | 1 hour and 56 minutes |
| Recreational hockey | 15-20 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 1 hour and 30-45 minutes |
Here are some key details on period lengths:
- Each period is 20 minutes of game time as measured on the game clock.
- However, due to stoppages in play like icings and offsides, a 20-minute hockey period typically lasts between 25-30 real-time minutes from puck drop to horn.
- The NHL, Olympics, World Juniors, CWHL, and other major leagues all follow the standard 20 minute periods.
- Period lengths in lower-level pro, amateur, and junior hockey are also primarily 20 minutes.
So at the professional and top levels of hockey, you can expect roughly 60 minutes of total game time divided into three 20-minute periods of intense, non-stop hockey action!
Youth and Recreational Hockey Periods
Youth, high school, and recreational hockey leagues sometimes use shorter period lengths compared to the pros.
Here are some common examples of non-standard period formats:
- Youth Hockey – Periods may be only 15 or 17 minutes in length due to the age and stamina of players. Game times are shorter.
- High School – Typical high school periods are 15-17 minutes instead of 20 minutes.
- Recreational – Beer league and non-check rec hockey sometimes use shorter 10-15 minute periods.
- Outdoor Pond Hockey – No set periods, games end after a set time limit like 60 minutes.
So while 20 minute periods are the professional standard, period lengths can vary at other levels depending on age, skill, and stamina factors. But the 3 period game structure remains constant.
Why Are Hockey Games Played in Three Periods?
The three period format serves important purposes in game flow, tactics, and arena operations:
Maintains Ice Quality – Resurfacing the ice after each period provides good skating conditions.
Player Rest – Intermissions allow players to rest between intense 20-minute shifts.
Coaching Adjustments – Coaches analyze play and change tactics between periods.
Game Structure – Three segments breaks the game into strategic acts.
Historical Precedent – The format has been used since the early origins of organized hockey.
The three 20-minute period model balances game flow, strategy, rest, and arena logistics. Shorter or longer periods would disrupt these crucial elements. The three period system remains the gold standard in hockey worldwide.
Periods in NHL Hockey Games
The National Hockey League (NHL) follows standard ice hockey rules by playing games in three 20-minute periods. Here are some key NHL period regulations:
- 3 periods – All NHL regular season and playoff games have three standard periods unless going to overtime.
- 20 minutes – NHL periods are 20 minutes shown on the game clock, lasting 25-30 real-time minutes.
- Resurfacing ice – Ice resurfacing machinery cleans and smoothens the playing surface between periods.
- Intermissions – Players rest and coaches strategize during intermissions between periods lasting 17-18 minutes.
- Playoff variances – NHL playoff overtime follows slightly different period procedures if games extend beyond regulation. See below for details.
The NHL rulebook mandates the standard three period format for all league games. This framework provides the timeline of 60 minutes for teams to compete and win before overtime or shootouts potentially come into play.
How Periods Work in NHL Playoff Overtime Games
The NHL playoff period format operates slightly differently in overtime situations compared to the regular season. Here are the key differences:
- 20-minute OT periods – Overtime during playoffs is 20 minutes long (compared to 5 minute OT in regular season).
- Full intermissions – Standard ~17 minute intermissions still occur between overtime periods to resurface ice, etc.
- Unlimited OT periods – In playoffs, additional 20-minute OT periods are played in succession until a goal is scored.
- No shootout – Playoff games cannot end in a shootout – periods continue until a goal is scored.
So while the fundamental three period structure remains, NHL playoff hockey follows its own overtime procedures to allow games to continue until a winner is decided. Periods essentially act as proxy scoreless innings until sudden death.
Recreational Hockey: Are There Variations?
Recreational hockey might not always adhere to the standard three-period structure seen in professional games. Some recreational games are played in two 30-minute halves or shorter periods, depending on the venue or league rules.
Evolution of Game Structure Over Time
Historically, hockey was played in two periods or even halves, much like soccer. As the game evolved and became more professional, the three-period format was established to enhance the quality of play and viewer experience.
Periods in Different Sports: A Comparison
While ice hockey is played in three periods, other sports have their own unique game structures. For example, basketball has four quarters, and soccer has two halves.
A Quick Recap – How Many Periods in Hockey?
Let’s do a quick recap of the key details covered regarding the standard number of periods in a hockey game:
- Almost all hockey leagues play games in three periods
- Each period typically lasts 20 minutes shown on the game clock
- There are two intermissions between the three regulation periods
- Professional hockey games therefore last ~60 minutes total
- Shorter period lengths may be used in amateur, youth, or rec leagues
- The NHL and other pro leagues all follow the standard three 20-minute period framework
So in summary, the next time you watch or attend a hockey game at any level of play, you can expect it to be divided into three periods of intense action on the ice!
FAQs
Why are there three periods in ice hockey?
There are a few reasons why there are three periods in ice hockey. First, it allows the players to rest and recover between periods. Hockey is a very physically demanding sport, and the players need time to catch their breath and hydrate. Second, it allows the ice to be resurfaced between periods.
This helps to improve the quality of the ice and reduce the risk of injuries. Third, it keeps the game moving and exciting. Three periods is a good balance of time, allowing for both teams to have a chance to win, while also keeping the game moving at a fast pace.
Are there ever more than three periods in an ice hockey game?
Yes, there are a few times when there can be more than three periods in an ice hockey game. First, in the playoffs, if the game is tied at the end of regulation time, the game will go into overtime. Overtime periods are 20 minutes long, and the game will continue until one team scores a goal. This means that there could be multiple overtime periods in a playoff game.
Second, in some recreational hockey leagues, the games are played in two halves instead of three periods. Each half is 30 minutes long, with a 15-minute intermission between halves. This is typically done to reduce the length of the game and make it more accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
How long does a typical ice hockey game last?
A typical ice hockey game lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. This includes the time for the three periods, the intermissions, and any potential overtime periods. However, the actual game time is only about 60 minutes.
How many periods are in a regular season game?
There are three periods in a regular season ice hockey game. Each period is 20 minutes long, for a total of 60 minutes of game play.
How many periods are in a playoff game?
In the playoffs, games that are tied at the end of regulation will go into overtime. Overtime periods are 20 minutes long, and the game will continue until one team scores. There is no limit to the number of overtime periods that can be played.
What happens if the game is tied at the end of regulation?
If the game is tied at the end of regulation, it will go into overtime. Overtime periods are 20 minutes long, and the game will continue until one team scores. There is no limit to the number of overtime periods that can be played.
How long are the intermissions between periods?
The intermissions between periods are 18 minutes long in the NHL, 17 minutes long in the AHL, 16 minutes long in the ECHL, and typically 10-15 minutes long in recreational hockey.
How Do NHL Games Differ from Other Leagues?
The National Hockey League (NHL) follows the standard three-period structure, but other hockey leagues might have variations. The game length, overtime rules, or shootout formats could be different depending on the league’s specific regulations.
What Happens When a Hockey Game is Tied?
If the game is tied at the end of the three regulation periods, it goes into an overtime period. In the regular season, if the game is still tied after this, it progresses to a shootout. However, playoff games can have multiple overtime periods.
How Long Do Overtime Periods Last?
In the NHL, a regular-season overtime period lasts 5 minutes. If the game remains tied, it goes to a shootout. However, during the NHL playoffs, overtime periods are 20-minutes long, and the game continues until a team scores, leading to a “sudden death” situation.
Conclusion
Understanding the basics of how many periods are played and how long each one lasts provides helpful context the next time you find yourself watching or attending an exciting game of hockey!
