I remember watching my first hockey game and trying to keep up with the quick action on the ice. To be honest, I was completely unaware of the game’s structure. As players swapped places and the scoreboard moved, I was unable to help but wonder: “How many periods are in hockey?”
The majority of hockey games consist of three 20-minute periods in hockey. In leagues like the NHL, where the format guarantees an exciting experience for both players and spectators, this framework is consistent.
Standard Period Structure in Ice Hockey
Professional ice hockey matches usually consist of three periods in hockey. The clock ends during delays which occur every 20 minutes. This arrangement provides an exciting and quick-paced game.
Periods | Duration | Break |
---|---|---|
1st Period | 20 minutes | 15 minutes |
2nd Period | 20 minutes | 15 minutes |
3rd Period | 20 minutes | 15 minutes |

Different Period Structures in Hockey Leagues
The structure of hockey periods can vary across different leagues and levels of play. Here’s how periods are organized in various hockey formats:
NHL and Professional Hockey
In the NHL, the standard three periods in hockey format applies. If there is a tie after 20 minutes in each period, overtime is played.
Junior and Lower-League Hockey
Junior leagues follow the same periods in hockey structure as the NHL, though period durations may be shortened to suit younger players.
Women’s Hockey Games
Women’s hockey also mirrors the standard structure of three periods in hockey, with the same 20-minute duration per period.
Recreational and Amateur Hockey
Recreational games may have varied period lengths, often depending on the league’s regulations.
Historical Evolution of Hockey Periods
Hockey periods have not always followed the same structure. It helps to understand how this part of the game has evolved historically to understand why hockey is set up the way it is now.
Were Hockey Games Always Played in Three Periods?
Originally, hockey games were played in two halves. However, the three-period system was introduced in 1910 to enhance gameplay and allow for better ice maintenance.
Why Hockey Switched to Three Periods
The shift to three periods in hockey ensured players had more rest and that the ice quality remained consistent throughout the game. This format made the game more engaging for fans and fairer for players.
History of Hockey Periods
The adoption of this structure spread across leagues worldwide, becoming the gold standard for ice hockey at all levels.
What Happens During Intermissions Between Hockey Periods?
Intermissions are important to the pace of the game; they’re not just a break for the players. Here’s what occurs on during these breaks:
Purpose of Intermissions
Intermissions allow players to rest and recover while the ice is resurfaced. Coaches use this time to strategize and adjust their gameplay.
Activities During Breaks
While players regroup, fans can enjoy snacks, participate in arena activities, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Length of the breaks
Depending on the league, intermissions can last anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.
Table: Intermission Activities Breakdown
Activity | Duration |
---|---|
Ice Resurfacing | 5-7 minutes |
Player Rest and Regroup | 10-13 minutes |
Spectator Activities | 15-20 minutes |
Overtime and Shootouts in Hockey
Overtime may add problems to a hockey game, as sudden death rules make each moment count.
Overtime Rules in the NHL
If a game is tied at the end of rules, overtime is played using sudden death rules, which means that the first team to score wins.
Record-breaking Overtime Periods
Some games have gone into multiple overtime periods, causing historical moments in hockey.
Dated | Teams | Total Periods | Extra Game Time |
---|---|---|---|
March 24, 1936 | Detroit vs. Montreal Maroons | 6 | 116 minutes 30 seconds |
April 3, 1933 | Toronto vs. Boston | 6 | 104 minutes 46 seconds |
May 4, 2000 | Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh | 5 | 92 minutes 1 seconds |
May 4, 2008 | Dallas Stars vs. San Jose Sharks | 4 | 129 min 3 seconds |
Special Cases: Different Types of Hockey
Hockey isn’t limited to just ice; various formats have their own unique period structures.
Field Hockey
Field hockey differs from ice hockey, typically having two halves of 35 minutes each. This variation caters to the field setting and the nature of the game.
Floor Hockey
Floor hockey, which is commonly played in schools and recreation centers, typically consists of three periods, similar to ice hockey. The period of time might last from 10 to15 minutes.
Roller Hockey
Roller hockey generally features two halves, each lasting 20 minutes. The game’s fast pace and the different playing surface make this format more suitable.

Impact of Period Structure on Player Strategy
The way periods are structured has a direct impact on how players and coaches approach the game.
Impact of Hockey Periods on Strategy
The division into three periods allows coaches to adjust their strategies throughout the game. Teams may focus on defense early and switch to aggressive plays in the final period.
How Periods Affect Player Performance
Players must conserve energy and manage their stamina across all three periods in hockey. Over time, pacing becomes a critical skill for success.
Final Thoughts
Hockey’s period structure is crucial to the game, impacting strategy, individual performance, and the general flow of the game.
Understanding these details improves the experience for spectators as well as players, establishing hockey as one of the most attractive sports in the world.
So, next time you watch a game, pay attention to each period and enjoy the energy and effort players bring every minute on the ice