Hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport that is enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. One question that many new fans ask is how long does a hockey game last?
In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive answer to this question, covering everything from the duration of the game to the rules that govern its length.
Introduction to Hockey
Hockey is a team sport that is played on ice. Two teams, each consisting of six players (a goalie, two defensemen, and three forwards), compete against each other to score goals by shooting a small rubber puck into the opposing team’s net.
The objective of the game is to score goals by shooting a small rubber puck into the opposing team’s net using a hockey stick. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Hockey is a beloved sport in Canada, where it is considered the national winter sport, and it has gained popularity in many other countries around the world.
Hockey games are played in three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. In between periods, there is a 15-minute intermission. The game clock runs continuously during each period, with a few exceptions that we will discuss later in this guide.
Game Duration
As we mentioned earlier, hockey games are played in three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. This means that the total game time, excluding intermissions and stoppages, is 60 minutes.
However, it’s important to note that the actual duration of a hockey game can vary based on a number of factors. For example, if the game goes into overtime, the duration will be extended until a winner is determined.
In addition, if there are any stoppages during the game (such as for injuries or penalties), the clock will be stopped, and the game will be extended accordingly.
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Overtime
If the score is tied at the end of regulation time (60 minutes), the game will proceed into overtime. Overtime is played in a sudden-death format, meaning that the first team to score a goal wins the game.
Overtime periods vary in length depending on the league and the level of play. In the National Hockey League (NHL), for example, regular-season overtime periods are five minutes long, while playoff overtime periods are 20 minutes long.
Shootouts
If the game remains tied after the overtime period, a shootout will be used to determine the winner. A shootout is a tiebreaking method in which each team gets three shots on goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout wins the game.
If the shootout remains tied after three shots, the teams will continue to alternate shots until a winner is determined. Shootouts are only used during the regular season and are not used in playoff games.
Stoppage Time
As we mentioned earlier, the game clock runs continuously during each period, with a few exceptions. The clock will be stopped for the following reasons:
• Goals – The clock will be stopped when a goal is scored, and the players will have a face-off at center ice.
• Penalties – The clock will be stopped when a penalty is called, and the players will have a face-off in the offending team’s zone.
• Injuries – The clock will be stopped if a player is injured and cannot continue playing.
• Referee Timeout – The clock will be stopped if the referee needs to address an issue with the clock or the game.
In addition to these stoppages, the clock will be stopped during the final two minutes of the third period if the score is tied. This is known as the “two-minute warning” and is used to create a more exciting finish to the game.
Summary
In conclusion, the duration of a hockey game is 60 minutes, with each period lasting 20 minutes. However, the actual duration of the game can vary based on a number of factors, such as overtime, shootouts, and stoppages.
Whether you are a new fan or a seasoned veteran, understanding the rules that govern the length of a hockey game is an important part of enjoying the sport.
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Originally posted on April 30, 2023 @ 8:42 pm
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