Ice hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages all over the world. If you’re new to ice hockey, you may be wondering how long a game actually lasts.
Stay put cos we have all that and more covered in this article.
Table of contents
How many minutes is an ice hockey game played?
An ice hockey game is played in three periods, each of which is 20 minutes long. This means that the total playing time of an ice hockey game is 60 minutes.
However, there are a number of stoppages in play throughout the game, such as when a penalty is called or when the puck goes out of bounds.
This means that the actual game time is usually closer to 2.5 hours.
Regular Playtime: Three Periods
An ice hockey game consists of three periods of play. Each period typically lasts for 20 minutes of actual playtime. This makes a total of 60 minutes for the regular game.
Stoppages: Time Outs and Penalties
While the game is scheduled for 60 minutes, there are various stoppages that occur during a match. These include time-outs called by teams, penalties assessed to players, and stoppages for various infractions or injuries.
These stoppages can add significant additional time to the game.
Overtime: When It’s Tied
If the game is tied at the end of regulation time (three periods), overtime may be played.
In regular-season NHL games, overtime consists of a five-minute sudden-death period. The first team to score wins the game. If no one scores during this time, the game ends in a tie.
Shootouts: Deciding a Winner
In some cases, if the game remains tied after the overtime period, a shootout may take place. Each team selects players to take penalty shots against the opposing goaltender.
The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout is declared the winner.
Shootouts typically last a few minutes, depending on the number of rounds required to determine a winner.
Intermissions: Breaks Between Periods
Between each of the three periods, there are intermissions.
These breaks last around 15 minutes and give players a chance to rest, receive coaching instructions, and make necessary adjustments.
Commercial Breaks: Television Time
During televised ice hockey games, you’ll notice commercial breaks. These breaks, while not part of the official game time, do contribute to the overall duration of a broadcast.
They can add several minutes to the viewing experience.
What are the different types of ice hockey games?
There are a number of different types of ice hockey games, including:
Regular season games: These are the games that are played during the regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL). Regular season games are typically played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Playoff games: These are the games that are played during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Playoff games are typically played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with Game 7 of a series being played on a Sunday.
All-Star Game: This is a game that is played between the best players in the NHL. The All-Star Game is typically played in January.
World Junior Championships: This is a tournament that features the best junior hockey players in the world. The World Junior Championships are typically played in December and January.
Winter Olympics: Ice hockey is a sport that is played in the Winter Olympics. The Winter Olympics are typically held every four years.
How long do ice hockey games last?
The actual game time of an ice hockey game is typically closer to 2.5 hours.
However, the total time that it takes to play an ice hockey game can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the number of stoppages in play, the length of intermissions, and whether or not the game goes into overtime.
What happens if an ice hockey game is tied after regulation?
If an ice hockey game is tied after regulation, it will go into overtime.
Overtime is a five-minute period of sudden-death play. This means that the first team to score a goal in overtime wins the game.
If the game is still tied after overtime, it will go into a shootout. A shootout is a three-round competition where each team takes turns shooting at the opposing team’s goal.
The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout wins the game.
How many minutes is an ice hockey game played in overtime?
An ice hockey game is played in a five-minute period of sudden-death overtime if the game is tied after regulation.
If the game is still tied after overtime, it will go into a shootout.
How many minutes is an ice hockey game played in a shootout?
An ice hockey game is played in a three-round shootout if the game is tied after overtime.
The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout wins the game.
Conclusion
An ice hockey game is played in three periods, each of which is 20 minutes long. This means that the total playing time of an ice hockey game is 60 minutes.
However, there are a number of stoppages in play throughout the game, such as when a penalty is called or when the puck goes out of bounds. This means that the actual game time is usually closer to 2.5 hours.
If an ice hockey game is tied after regulation, it will go into overtime. Overtime is a five-minute period of sudden-death play.
If the game is still tied after overtime, it will go into a shootout. A shootout is a three-round competition where each team takes turns shooting at the opposing team’s goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout wins the game.
References
Discover More
