How long do hockey games last?
Updated: July 3, 2024Standard Regulation Time
A standard hockey game comprises three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, resulting in a total of 60 minutes of play. This applies to most professional leagues, including the National Hockey League (NHL). However, the actual duration of a hockey game extends beyond just the playing time due to several factors.
Intermissions
Between each period, there is a break known as an intermission. In the NHL, each intermission lasts 15 to 20 minutes, allowing players to rest and strategize. Including these two intermissions, we add approximately 30 to 40 minutes to the game duration.
Stoppages in Play
Hockey is a dynamic sport with numerous stoppages in play, including:
- Offsides
- Icing
- Penalties
- Injuries
- TV Timeouts
Each stoppage can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, cumulatively adding significant time to the overall game duration.
Overtime and Shootouts
If a game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime is played to determine the winner. The format for overtime varies depending on the league:
NHL Regular Season
The NHL employs a 5-minute sudden-death overtime period during the regular season. If neither team scores, the game advances to a shootout, which can last an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
NHL Playoffs
During the playoffs, the NHL uses a 20-minute sudden-death overtime period. If the game remains tied, additional overtime periods are played until a goal is scored. These extended overtimes can significantly prolong the game, sometimes lasting several hours.
International and Amateur Games
Other leagues and levels of play, such as international competitions and amateur leagues, have their own rules regarding game length and overtime. For example:
International Competitions
In tournaments like the Olympics and the IIHF World Championships, overtime periods and shootouts are also employed, though the exact rules might vary. Typically, a 10-minute sudden-death overtime is played, followed by a shootout if necessary.
Junior and Amateur Leagues
Junior and amateur leagues often follow similar rules to the NHL but may have shorter intermissions and different overtime regulations, affecting the overall game length.
Special Events and Circumstances
Some special events, such as outdoor games or international friendlies, might feature longer intermissions for entertainment purposes, further extending the game duration.
Outdoor Games
Events like the NHL Winter Classic or Stadium Series may include extended intermissions for performances or ceremonies, adding 10 to 20 minutes to the overall timeline.
International Friendlies
In friendly matches, the rules can be more flexible, sometimes including longer intermissions for promotional activities.
Television Broadcasts
When hockey games are televised, additional time is often allocated for advertisements and analysis. This can add another 30 to 45 minutes to the viewing experience.
Pre-Game and Post-Game Coverage
Television broadcasts usually include pre-game shows and post-game analysis, each lasting approximately 15 to 30 minutes. While not part of the game itself, these segments contribute to the overall consumption time.
Time Management for Attendees
For fans attending games, it's essential to consider additional factors like:
- Arrival time
- Security checks
- Concession lines
- Parking and exiting the venue
These aspects can add another 1 to 2 hours to the total time commitment for attending a live hockey game.
Historical Anomalies
Some games have become legendary due to their extraordinary lengths. For example, the longest game in NHL history took place in 1936 between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons, lasting a staggering 176 minutes and 30 seconds of playing time due to six overtime periods.
Summary
A typical hockey game, including regulation time, intermissions, and stoppages, generally lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours. However, various factors such as overtime, televised broadcasts, and special events can extend this duration. Understanding these elements helps fans better plan their time, whether they are watching from home or attending in person.
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