How Long Are Hockey Games? Beginner’s Guide

Do you wonder how long hockey games last? As a fan, you must have been in front of the screen watching the fast-paced action unfold on the ice rink. But the question is, have you ever thought about the actual duration of the game? 

Well, if you’ve wondered how long are hockey games, we are here for you. The length of a hockey game depends on many factors including overtime, whistles, regulation time, etc. Let’s delve into the specifics of the hockey world, especially the duration of a typical hockey game. 

Regulation Time in Hockey

We all know that hockey games are known for their fast-paced action and intense competition. Players have to sweat it out in the regulation time to win the game for their team. 

However, there are several factors that might affect the typical length of a game. But first, let’s look at the regulation time hockey. 

Well, the average length of a typical hockey game is about 2 and a half hours. As we’ve mentioned, it might depend on several factors including gameplay, penalties, and stoppages. 

Periods in Hockey

You must know that a hockey game is divided into three periods of 20 minutes each, regulation time. There is an intermission or stoppage after each period. During this, the teams can regroup, strategize, and do all sorts of things to come out better in the next period. These intermissions typically last for 15–18 minutes.

Intermissions and Breaks

Well, apart from sectioned breaks, there are additional breaks called commercial breaks. Commercial breaks are there for broadcasters to show advertisements and provide players some time to rest and regroup. Most often these breaks occur during stoppages in play or intermissions. They are essential for TV broadcasts of the game. 

The duration of each period can slightly vary depending on multiple factors including stoppages, penalties, or timeouts. Generally, hockey games adhere to a strict schedule of 2 and a half hours. 

This might have answered your question, “How long are hockey games?” Understanding hockey game length is the key to helping fans plan their time and fully immerse themselves in the excitement of one of the most popular games in the world. 

Overtime in Hockey

Furthermore, aside from the regulation time, the game of hockey also has instances where it may extend beyond the scheduled time. This is overtime and additional time in the game of hockey. 

Let’s explore this. 

Overtime Rules 

Overtime comes into effect when a game of hockey ends in a tie. It provides the teams with an opportunity to break the tie and win the game. 

In a NHL game, overtime consists of a 5-minute period with a sudden death format. In that five-minute period, whichever team scores first will wind the game. If both teams are unable to score within the stipulated overtime, then the game proceeds to a shootout. 

Sudden Death in NHL

As the name suggests, it is sudden death to teams who can not score in overtime. The team that scores the first goal during the 5-minute overtime period is declared the winner of the game.

This adds an extra layer of excitement to the game and pushes teams to do better and secure a victory. 

Playoffs in NHL

The above-listed overtime rules apply to only regular games in the NHL. If the tied game was played during the playoffs, the rules are different. 

During playoffs, if the games are tied at the end of regulation time, then the teams will go into overtime. But there is one technical change here. In playoffs, overtime typically lasts for 20 minutes, with sudden death still in play. 

During the playoffs, there is no shootout. Overtime will continue till one team scores a goal for their team. This rule makes the games even longer than they already are. 

So, if you’re asking how long does a hockey game lasts, there is no set answer to this. It depends on a lot of factors, including whether they are playing a regular game or a playoff game. 

Game Length Variations Across Various Levels

How long does a game of hockey last? Well, the game length varies across various levels of play and specific circumstances. The average length of a hockey game remains consistent. 

• Professional Hockey: In professional hockey games like they play in the NHL, game duration is close to the 2-and-a-half-hour mark. However, as we’ve explained above, the game might last longer due to some factors. 

• College Hockey Game Duration: These games are similar in length to NHL games, with three 20-minute periods. However, there are some differences in overtime rules in college hockey. Their overtime period is 20 minutes long instead of 5 minutes. In College hockey, if the scores remain tied after one overtime, the game ends in a draw. 

• Recreational Hockey Game Duration: These types of games are played in local leagues or games between two amateur teams. These games often have flexibility in game duration. The duration of these games can vary as it is based on the agreements between teams and factors like available ice time. 

Factors Impacting Hockey Game Duration

As we’ve mentioned earlier, there are several factors that impact the duration of a hockey game. Let’s take a look. 

Penalties and Power Plays

In an ice hockey game, penalties are a common occurrence. These penalties have a significant impact on the game duration. When a penalty occurs, the player is sent to the penalty box for a set amount of time. One team plays with one less player, and the opposing team has a power play opportunity. When a goal is scored during the power play, the penalty time is ended. 

Timeouts and Stoppages

The timeouts and stoppages are contributing factors in increasing the length of the hockey game. In hockey, each is allowed a 30-second timeout per game. Teams usually use this strategically to rest players or create another play. Other stoppages like the whistle, broken glass, or any unexpected event can also cause the play to stop. 

Injuries

Well, it might not be significant, but injuries do play a part in increasing the length of the game. In case of injuries to the players, there would be a stoppage. 

Read Next: What is the Hardest Sport in the World: List of Top 10

Conclusion

So, to answer your question, “How long are hockey games?” We can say that typically professional hockey games last around two and a half hours. But they can go on for longer if the game goes to overtime. 

However, we can say that the length of a hockey game can be unpredictable. This is one aspect of the game that makes it exciting as a sport. All professional hockey games have three periods with set times but action play extends due to stoppages and timeouts. 

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