Hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport, and one of the key aspects of a hockey game is the way it is structured. When you watch a hockey match, you’ll notice that it’s divided into specific segments of time. 

But have you ever wondered how many periods there are in a hockey game? This article will explain the number of periods in hockey, the length of each period, and how the structure can change depending on the league or event. 

By the end, you will have a full understanding of how hockey games are divided and why this format is important for both players and fans.

How Many Periods Are in a Regular Hockey Game?

In a regular hockey game, whether it’s professional, amateur, or youth, there are typically three periods. Each period lasts 20 minutes, making the total regulation time of the game 60 minutes. 

These periods are played consecutively, with a brief break between each. The three periods format is standard in many hockey leagues, including the NHL (National Hockey League) and other professional leagues worldwide.

The reason for dividing the game into three periods is to allow the teams to rest, strategize, and make adjustments. 

The format has been in place for many years and is essential in maintaining a balanced and exciting competition. 

After each period, the teams head to their respective locker rooms for a short intermission. This gives them a chance to recover, rehydrate, and discuss tactics with their coaches.

How Long Are the Breaks Between Periods?

After the first two periods, there is a break called the intermission, which typically lasts 15-18 minutes. During this time, the ice surface is cleaned, and the teams take a brief rest. 

Intermissions are also a chance for the coaches to review the performance of the players and make necessary adjustments to the game plan. 

Fans also use this time to grab snacks, use the restroom, and enjoy the entertainment provided by the arena.

In between the first and second periods, and the second and third periods, players have a chance to cool down and regroup. 

These breaks help prevent exhaustion, as hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires high levels of stamina and concentration. 

The intermissions are a significant part of the overall flow of the game, contributing to the excitement and maintaining the pace for the players.

What Happens If the Game Is Tied After Three Periods?

If a hockey game is tied at the end of the third period, the game does not end immediately. For most regular-season games in leagues like the NHL, the teams will enter overtime. 

Overtime is an additional period that is played to determine a winner. The length and rules of overtime can vary depending on the competition or league.

In the NHL, regular-season overtime lasts for 5 minutes, and it is played with 3 players on each team instead of the usual 5. 

This creates more open space on the ice and increases the chances of a goal being scored quickly. If no team scores during overtime, the game proceeds to a shootout to determine the winner.

In playoff games, overtime periods last 20 minutes, and the game continues until one team scores. This is known as sudden death overtime—as soon as a team scores, the game ends. 

This makes playoff hockey particularly thrilling, as the game can continue for several overtime periods if neither team manages to score.

What is the Overtime Rule in Different Hockey Leagues?

Different hockey leagues around the world have their own rules regarding overtime. While the NHL uses a 5-minute overtime period for regular-season games, other leagues may have different formats. 

For instance, the European leagues often use a 10-minute overtime period and may or may not follow the same 3-on-3 format as the NHL.

In some youth and amateur leagues, if the game is tied after three periods, they may choose to skip overtime and declare the game as a tie. 

However, many competitive leagues, like high school or college hockey, still include some form of overtime to ensure that a winner is determined.

Why Are There Three Periods in Hockey?

The reason for having three periods instead of just two or four is related to the flow and structure of the game. 

Hockey is a very fast-paced sport, and having three periods helps to maintain a good rhythm throughout the game. It allows for shorter bursts of intense play, followed by rest periods that keep players fresh.

The choice of 20-minute periods also ensures that the game remains manageable for both the players and the fans. It allows enough time for scoring opportunities while maintaining a reasonable length for the overall game. 

If hockey were played in two longer periods, players might experience fatigue, and the game might lose its excitement.

What Are the Benefits of the Three-Period Format?

The three-period format has many benefits for the sport of hockey. It allows teams to rest and reset between periods, reducing the risk of injury and fatigue. 

The intermissions also provide an opportunity for fans to engage in other activities, such as getting snacks or discussing the game.

The structured format also gives coaches the chance to make tactical changes and adjustments to their teams’ strategies during the breaks. 

As a result, each period is filled with excitement, and the final moments of the third period or overtime are always high-stakes.

How Are Hockey Periods Different from Other Sports?

Hockey is unique compared to many other team sports in terms of its structure. While most team sports, such as football, basketball, or soccer, have halves or quarters, hockey divides its game into three periods. 

The three-period format is often preferred for its balance between high intensity and short breaks for recovery.

In basketball, for example, the game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes in the NBA. Football uses four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. Soccer, on the other hand, plays two halves of 45 minutes each. 

Hockey’s three-period format is considered ideal for keeping the game fast-paced and ensuring that players remain active throughout the match.

How Are Period Lengths Determined?

The length of hockey periods is determined by the league and competition rules. In professional leagues like the NHL, the length is set at 20 minutes per period. 

This provides enough time for action while allowing for the intermissions in between. The time is adjusted to make the game manageable for both players and spectators. 

For example, in international competitions, periods may be set to a slightly different length, but the three-period format remains the same.

In non-professional settings, such as youth hockey, periods may be shorter—often ranging from 10 to 15 minutes—depending on the age group and skill level of the players. This ensures that the game remains fun and safe for younger participants.

Conclusion: How Many Periods Are in Hockey?

Hockey games are typically played with three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. This format helps maintain the fast pace of the game while providing players with essential rest and recovery time between periods. 

If the game is tied after the three periods, overtime periods are added to determine a winner. The three-period structure is essential to the flow of the game and sets hockey apart from other team sports, which use halves or quarters.

Pros of the Three-Period Format	Cons of the Three-Period Format
Keeps the game fast-paced	The game can be long for fans
Allows for player recovery	Breaks might disrupt game flow
Coaches can make adjustments	Some fans may find the breaks long
Provides excitement in overtime	Games can be affected by overtime rules

FAQs

How many periods are there in a hockey game?

A hockey game typically has three periods, each lasting 20 minutes.

What happens if a hockey game is tied at the end of the third period?

If the game is tied, overtime periods are played to determine a winner. If no one scores in overtime, a shootout occurs.

Why are there three periods in a hockey game?

The three-period format helps maintain a fast pace while giving players time to rest and make adjustments between periods.

How long is the break between hockey periods?

The breaks between periods usually last 15-18 minutes. During this time, the ice is cleaned, and players rest.

Do all hockey leagues follow the three-period format?

Most professional leagues, like the NHL, use the three-period format, but some leagues may have variations for their games.