Have you ever watched an ice hockey game and wondered how the game is divided? If you’re curious about how many periods are in ice hockey and why the game is structured that way, you’re in the right place.
Understanding the number of periods can change how you watch the game and appreciate the strategy behind each segment. Stick with me, and I’ll break down everything you need to know about ice hockey periods, including what happens if the game is tied and how overtime works.
Ready to become a hockey pro in no time? Let’s dive in!
Ice Hockey Periods
Ice hockey is played in three periods. Each period lasts 20 minutes of play time. The clock stops for certain events, so real time is longer.
Between periods, there are two intermissions. These breaks last about 15-18 minutes. The ice is cleaned by a Zamboni machine during this time.
| Period | Duration |
|---|---|
| 1st Period | 20 minutes |
| 2nd Period | 20 minutes |
| 3rd Period | 20 minutes |
If the score is tied after three periods, the game may go to overtime. Overtime rules vary by league. Some have sudden-death overtime; others use shootouts.
Reasons For Three Periods
The idea of having three periods in ice hockey started long ago. Early games tried different lengths but found three parts worked best. This setup gives players time to rest and coaches time to plan. Each period lasts 20 minutes, making the game easier to watch and understand.
Playing in three periods helps keep the ice clean. Between periods, a machine called a Zamboni smooths the ice, making skating safer and faster. It also allows players to recover their energy. This way, the game stays exciting and fast-paced until the end.
Intermissions
Intermissions give players time to rest and coaches time to plan. They also help keep the ice in good shape. During intermissions, the ice is cleaned by a machine called a Zamboni. This machine smooths the ice and removes any cuts or snow build-up. A clean ice surface helps players skate faster and reduces the chance of injuries.
The purpose of intermissions is to break the game into parts and keep it fair and safe. Usually, there are two intermissions in a hockey game, dividing the game into three periods. Each intermission lasts about 15-18 minutes.
| Step | Ice Resurfacing Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Zamboni shaves the top layer of ice to remove rough spots |
| 2 | Machine collects the shaved ice and snow |
| 3 | Zamboni sprays warm water to create a smooth surface |
| 4 | Ice freezes quickly, ready for the next period |
Overtime Rules
Regular Season Overtime in ice hockey usually lasts for 5 minutes. It is played with fewer players on each side, often 3-on-3. The game ends as soon as one team scores, called sudden death. If no team scores, the match goes to a shootout.
Playoff Overtime works differently. There is no time limit. Teams play full 20-minute periods until one team scores. This sudden death period can last a long time, but the goal ends the game immediately.
| Overtime Type | Duration | Players on Ice | Ending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Overtime | 5 minutes | 3-on-3 | Goal scored or shootout |
| Playoff Overtime | Unlimited 20-min periods | 5-on-5 | Goal scored |
| Shootout Procedures | After overtime in regular season | One player at a time | Most goals win |
Shootout Procedures start if no team scores in overtime during regular season. Each team picks players to shoot one-on-one against the goalie. The team with more goals after rounds wins the game.
Variations Across Leagues
The NHL uses three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. A 15-minute intermission happens between periods to clean the ice. If tied after three periods, the game goes into sudden-death overtime, followed by a shootout if needed during the regular season.
College hockey also has three 20-minute periods. Overtime rules differ by conference, but many use a shorter sudden-death period. Some games may end in a tie during the regular season.
International play, governed by the IIHF, follows three 20-minute periods too. Overtime rules vary for tournaments. For example, the Olympics often have sudden-death overtime and shootouts to decide winners.
| League | Periods | Period Length | Overtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHL | 3 | 20 minutes | Sudden-death OT, then shootout (regular season) |
| College Hockey | 3 | 20 minutes | Varies by conference, sometimes ties allowed |
| International (IIHF) | 3 | 20 minutes | Sudden-death OT and shootouts in tournaments |
Game Length Breakdown
Ice hockey has three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. These are called the regulation periods. Between each period, players rest during a 15-minute break called an intermission. The ice is cleaned to keep the surface smooth.
The total game time includes these breaks. So, a regular game lasts about 60 minutes of play plus 30 minutes of intermissions, making it roughly 90 minutes long. If the score is tied, the game goes into overtime.
| Period | Duration |
|---|---|
| 1st Period | 20 minutes |
| Intermission | 15 minutes |
| 2nd Period | 20 minutes |
| Intermission | 15 minutes |
| 3rd Period | 20 minutes |
Key Game Rules Impacting Periods
Offside happens when a player enters the attacking zone before the puck does. This rule keeps the game fair and stops players from waiting near the goal.
Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck from their side past the opponent’s goal line without it being touched. This leads to a stoppage and a face-off in the offending team’s zone.
Both rules help keep the game moving smoothly and prevent unfair plays. They affect how teams attack and defend during the three periods of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hockey 3 Periods Or 4?
Ice hockey games have three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. If tied, overtime and shootouts may follow.
How Many Periods Are In An Ice Hockey Game?
An ice hockey game has three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. If tied, overtime and shootouts may follow.
How Many Minutes Are In Ice Hockey?
An ice hockey game has three periods, each lasting 20 minutes of play. Total regulation time equals 60 minutes.
Is Hockey Best Of 5 Or 7?
Hockey playoff series are typically best of 7 games. Some leagues or tournaments may use best of 5 formats.
Conclusion
Ice hockey games have three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. Between periods, players rest and the ice is cleaned. If the score is tied, the game may go into overtime. Overtime rules differ depending on the league. This setup keeps the game fast and exciting.
Understanding periods helps you enjoy hockey better. Now you know how ice hockey time is divided. Ready to watch the next game with confidence?
