The length of a hockey period can vary depending on the level of play. In professional hockey, such as the National Hockey League (NHL), each period lasts for 20 minutes. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Let’s explore this further through the following FAQs:
FAQ 1: How long is a hockey period in lower levels of play?
Answer: In lower levels of play, such as youth or recreational leagues, hockey periods are typically shorter. They can range from 12 to 15 minutes per period.
FAQ 2: Are there any breaks during a hockey period?
Answer: Yes, there are breaks during a hockey period. In professional hockey, there are two breaks known as intermissions, where the teams leave the ice and take a short rest. These intermissions usually last for 15 minutes.
FAQ 3: Are there any stoppages of play during a hockey period?
Answer: Yes, play can be stopped for various reasons such as penalties, injuries, icing, or when the puck goes out of play. These stoppages can affect the actual playing time within a period.
FAQ 4: What happens if a hockey period ends in a tie?
Answer: If a hockey period ends in a tie, an additional period known as overtime is played. Overtime periods can vary in length, depending on the league and level of play. In the NHL, overtime is five minutes long.
FAQ 5: Can a hockey period be shortened for certain games or situations?
Answer: Yes, there are situations where a hockey period can be shortened. For example, during exhibition or pre-season games, periods may be shortened to allow for more scrimmage time. Additionally, in some tournaments, periods may be shortened if there is a time constraint.
FAQ 6: Why are hockey periods 20 minutes in professional leagues?
Answer: The decision to have 20-minute periods in professional leagues like the NHL is based on tradition and the need for a balanced playing time. This allows teams to strategize and adapt their gameplay accordingly.
FAQ 7: How many periods are there in a regulation hockey game?
Answer: A regulation hockey game consists of three periods. If the game remains tied after regulation, it may go into overtime or a shootout, depending on the league.
BOTTOM LINE: In professional hockey, each period lasts for 20 minutes. However, the length of periods can vary in lower levels of play, and there are breaks and stoppages of play that affect the actual playing time. Overtime periods are played if a game ends in a tie, and exhibition or tournament games may have shortened periods. A regulation game consists of three periods, but additional periods may be played if necessary.