How Many Periods in Hockey? Getting to know the game’s structure
It’s a fast-paced, thrilling sport with a unique structure. New fans often ask: “How many periods are there in hockey?” This article explains hockey’s period structure, why it follows this format, and how it varies from league to league.
Hockey Period Structure
Each period lasts 20 minutes in a hockey game. Professional leagues like the National Hockey League (NHL), college hockey, and international competitions like the IIHF World Championships and Olympics follow this structure.
Duration of the game
- Play time: 60 minutes (3 periods of 20 minutes each)
- There are two 15-18 minute intermissions between periods
- If the game is tied at the end of regulation, there could be overtime and a shootout
What’s the deal with hockey’s three periods?
Unlike many other sports, hockey has three periods instead of two halves or four quarters. There are several ways this format makes the game better:
1. Adjusting player rest and strategy
- There’s a lot of physical activity in hockey, so stamina and endurance are key.
- Between periods, players can recover, hydrate, and adjust their strategies.
- Coaches use these breaks to analyze gameplay and change tactics.
2. Maintaining the ice surface
- The ice deteriorates when you skate and play.
- During intermissions, the Zamboni resurfaces the ice so it’s as smooth as possible.
- It’s better for puck movement and reduces injuries on fresh ice.
3. TV and fan engagement
- Having three periods accommodates TV broadcasts, so commercials don’t interfere with gameplay.
- Intermissions are filled with analyst breakdowns, keeping fans engaged.
What happens in overtime and shootouts?
A game goes into overtime if it’s tied at the end of regulation in professional leagues like the NHL.
Overtime Rules for Regular Season (NHL)
- Five-minute sudden death overtime (3-on-3 format)
- In the event that neither team scores, there’s a shootout, where players take turns scoring against the other goalie.
NHL Playoff Overtime Rules
- Five-on-five sudden death overtime periods until a team scores.
- Playoffs don’t have shootouts – games go into overtime until a goal is scored.
Different hockey leagues have different period structures
A three-period structure is standard, but some leagues have variations based on level:
1. Amateur and youth hockey
- To match endurance levels, youth games usually have 15- or 17-minute periods.
- Some leagues use mercy rules to end games early if one team has a big lead.
2. Playing internationally (IIHF rules)
- Like the NHL, it’s a three-period game.
- Olympic and World Championship overtime rules might be different.
- Longer intermissions: Some tournaments let you take longer breaks between periods.
3. Women’s Hockey
- In leagues like the NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship and IIHF Women’s Championships, it’s a three-period game.
Final thoughts
Hockey’s three-period format ensures a good balance between gameplay, strategy, and ice conditions. Players, coaches, and fans get a better experience thanks to this structure.
The key takeaways
✔️ There are three 20-minute periods in hockey games. ✔️ Intermissions are for rest, strategy changes, and ice maintenance. ✔️ Games that are tied go into overtime and maybe a shootout. ✔️ There are differences in youth hockey, international hockey, and women’s hockey.
You can better appreciate this exciting sport if you understand how periods work. Hockey’s period structure remains core to its identity, whether it’s an NHL match, an Olympic event, or a local youth game.
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