How Many Periods in Hockey? Ice hockey is an exciting game full of fast-paced action, hard hits, incredible goals, and passionate fans.

But for newcomers to the sport, there may be some confusion around basics like: how long is the game and how many periods are played.

This article will explain everything you need to know about How Many Periods in Hockey at all levels – from youth hockey to the NHL.

Key Takeaways:

• A regulation hockey game has three 20-minute periods
• There are 17-minute intermissions between periods to resurface the ice
• Tied playoff games feature 20 minute long sudden-death overtime periods
• The format keeps ice quality high and allows Hockey players to rest between intense shifts

Many Periods and Lengths of Ice Hockey Games

The length of an ice hockey game can vary depending on the level of competition, but most professional and amateur games follow a standard structure:

• Ice hockey is divided into three periods of play
• Each period lasts 20 minutes of game time
• There are 17-minute intermissions between periods to resurface the ice

So in total, a standard hockey game consists of 60 minutes of active play, spread over three periods of 20 minutes each. Between periods, the ice is cleaned and smoothed by a special ice resurfacing machine called a Zamboni.

This pattern holds true in the NHL, as well as most amateur and youth hockey leagues. The only exception would be at lower recreational skill levels, where sometimes shorter periods are played due to ice time constraints.

Overtime Periods in Ice Hockey – NHL

If the game is tied at the end of the third period, overtime comes into play. The overtime format varies depending on whether it’s the regular season or the playoffs:

Regular Season NHL Overtime:

• One sudden-death overtime period lasting 5 minutes
• If still tied, a shootout determines the winner

NHL Playoff Overtime:

• 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods until a goal is scored
• No shootouts, the game continues indefinitely until a team scores

So while a regular season NHL game could potentially last 65 minutes (60 regulation + 5 minute OT), a playoff match could theoretically go on forever! The longest game in NHL history was played during the 1936 playoffs. It went to six overtimes for a total of 176 minutes and 30 seconds of play. Talk about exhausting!

Overtime in Other Hockey Leagues

While the NHL has unlimited overtime in the playoffs, other leagues take a different approach:

• Minor hockey usually allows for one 10-minute sudden-death overtime, followed by a shootout if needed
• College hockey has one 5-minute extra period, then moves directly to a shootout
• International hockey rules allow for one 10-minute overtime before a shootout

League	Overtime Format	Length of Overtime
Minor Hockey	10-minute sudden-death, followed by shootout	10 minutes
College Hockey	5-minute extra period, then shootout	5 minutes
International	10-minute overtime, then shootout	10 minutes

How many Reasoning Behind 3 Periods in Hockey

So why is hockey broken into thirds, rather than halves like other major sports? There are a few compelling reasons:

• Quality of Ice – By resurfacing every 20 minutes, the ice stays smoothly frozen with fewer ruts and bumps that could cause injuries or affect play
• Player Rest – Shorter shifts and regular breaks prevent fatigue over the course of a long, demanding game
• Entertainment Value – Intermissions build excitement and suspense while allowing fans to take breaks without missing action

The 3-period format has proven so popular that it’s now used in virtually all levels of ice hockey worldwide. From kids’ pickup games to the pinnacle of the sport at the Winter Olympics, you can expect to see three 20-minute periods whenever and wherever hockey is played.

Read More: How Long is a Volleyball Game?: From High School Volleyball Game to Olympics 2024

Conclusion – How Many Periods in Hockey?

No matter what level of hockey you enjoy, understanding the basic structure of the game is key. Most hockey games consist of three periods of twenty minutes each, with resurfacing of the ice and intermissions between periods to ensure the quality of the ice.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, additional overtime periods may be played until a deciding goal. The number and format of overtime varies, from one period in youth hockey to unlimited periods in the NHL playoffs.

Getting familiar with terms like periods played, sudden-death overtime, ice resurfacing, and more will help you appreciate the game.

So next time you head to your local ice rink or tune in for an intense playoff overtime thriller, be ready for exhilarating entertainment with this handy knowledge of How Many Periods in Hockey and overtime in your back pocket!

FAQs

How long is a regulation NHL hockey game prior to overtime?

A regulation NHL game consists of 3 periods of 20 minutes each, so 60 minutes of regulation time.

What happens when regulation time ends with the score tied?

If regulation time ends with the score tied, they play extra overtime periods after the end of the 3rd period.

How long are overtime periods?

NHL playoff overtime periods are 20 minutes long. In the regular season, they are only 5 minutes.

How many overtimes can be played in one game?

 In the NHL playoffs, unlimited 20-minute overtime periods can be played until a team finally scores to end the game.

Why is so much overtime allowed compared to other major sports?

involve Hockey games involve play on the ice, which doesn’t cause the same fatigue issues as sports like football. This allows the great game of hockey to play extra periods to determine a winner.