Have you ever found yourself watching a hockey game and asking, “How many periods does a hockey game have?” or “Why are there periods instead of halves or quarters?” If so, you’re in the right spot! Let’s explore what you need to know about periods in hockey.
What Are Periods in Hockey?
In hockey, a period is a set amount of time during which the game takes place. Unlike sports like soccer, which divides into halves, or basketball with its quarters, hockey breaks the game into three periods.
Here’s a simple overview:
– There are 3 periods in each hockey game.
– Each period lasts for 20 minutes.
– After each period, there are breaks called intermissions, lasting around 15-20 minutes.
Why Three Periods?
You might be curious about why hockey has three periods instead of two halves or four quarters. Here are the reasons:
– Player Rest: Hockey is a fast and intense sport. Players are constantly skating, passing, and shooting. The breaks give them a chance to rest and recover.
– Ice Maintenance: Since hockey is played on ice, the surface can get worn out. These intermissions allow time for the ice to be cleaned and smoothed out by a Zamboni.
How the Game Is Structured
Here’s what a typical hockey game looks like:
| Period | Duration | What Happens After? |
| 1st Period | 20 minutes | 15-20 minute intermission |
| 2nd Period | 20 minutes | 15-20 minute intermission |
| 3rd Period | 20 minutes | Game ends, unless tied |
If the score is tied after 3 periods, there’s usually some extra play, like overtime or a shootout (we’ll cover that next!).
What Happens If the Game Is Tied?
Ties in hockey are rare. Here’s how it works if the game ends up tied:
– Overtime:
In many professional leagues, such as the NHL, if the score is tied, they go into overtime.
This period is sudden-death, meaning the first team to score wins.
Overtime usually lasts between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the league.
– Shootout:
If no one scores during overtime, the game moves to a shootout.
Each team has players take turns trying to score against the goalie. The team with the most goals in the shootout wins.
Extra Fun Facts About Hockey Periods
– Penalty Time: Players who break the rules may need to sit in the penalty box for 2-5 minutes, leaving their team short-handed.
-Stopping the Clock: The game clock pauses whenever there’s a whistle, so the real time for a 20-minute period can be much longer.
-Longest Game Ever: The longest hockey game recorded went on for over 8 hours and included six overtime periods!
How Is Hockey Different From Other Sports?
Here’s a quick look at how hockey periods compare to other sports:
| Sport | Divisions of Time | Total Time |
| Hockey | 3 periods | 60 minutes (plus OT) |
| Basketball | 4 quarters | 48 minutes |
| Soccer | 2 halves | 90 minutes |
| Football | 4 quarters | 60 minutes |
Quick Recap: How Many Periods in Hockey?
– Hockey games consist of 3 periods.
– Each period is 20 minutes long.
– If the game ends tied after three periods, there’s either overtime or a shootout.
– Intermissions allow players to rest and the ice to be taken care of.
Hockey periods keep the game moving quickly, ensuring it’s exciting for both players and fans!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is a hockey game with intermissions?
A typical hockey game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, including breaks.
Why does hockey have three periods instead of four quarters?
The three periods allow for player rest and ice maintenance, helping to keep the game fast-paced.
What happens if nobody scores in overtime?
If no one scores, the game moves to a shootout where players take turns trying to score against the goalie.
Can a hockey game end in a tie?
Most professional leagues don’t allow ties, so they use overtime and shootouts to find a winner.
What is a Zamboni?
A Zamboni is a machine that cleans and smooths the ice during breaks to maintain good playing conditions.
Final Though
The periods in hockey play a big role in making the game so exciting and unique. With three 20-minute periods, breaks for rest and ice maintenance, plus thrilling overtime or shootouts, hockey delivers fast action and lots of excitement.
Whether you’re new to the sport or a longtime fan, understanding how the game is structured can enhance your enjoyment. Now that you know about hockey periods, grab some snacks and enjoy watching your next game!
