How Long is Overtime Intermission in Hockey?

The overtime intermission in hockey typically lasts for 5 minutes.

Supporting facts:

1. NHL regulations: In the National Hockey League (NHL), the overtime intermission is set at 5 minutes. This is the most common and widely followed rule in professional hockey.
2. International play: In international competitions such as the Olympic Games or the IIHF World Championship, the overtime intermission also lasts for 5 minutes.
3. Exceptions: In some lower-level leagues or non-professional games, the length of the overtime intermission may vary. It can be shorter or longer depending on the specific league rules or agreements between the teams.
4. Shootout possibility: If no team scores during the 5-minute overtime period, the game may proceed to a shootout. The shootout involves a series of penalty shots, and in this case, there is usually a short break before it begins.
5. TV timeouts: During televised games, there may be additional commercial breaks or TV timeouts during the overtime intermission, which can extend its duration slightly.

FAQs:

1. Can the overtime intermission be longer than 5 minutes?
No, the standard length for the overtime intermission in professional hockey is 5 minutes. However, it may vary in lower-level leagues or non-professional games.
2. What happens if a team scores during the overtime intermission?
If a team scores a goal during the regular 5-minute overtime period, the game ends immediately, and that team is declared the winner.
3. Is the overtime intermission included in the total game time?
Yes, the overtime intermission is part of the total game time. It is added to the three regular periods, and the game clock continues to run during this period.
4. Are player substitutions allowed during the overtime intermission?
Yes, player substitutions are allowed during the overtime intermission, just like in the regular game.
5. Can teams call timeouts during the overtime intermission?
Yes, teams are allowed to call timeouts during the overtime intermission, following the same rules as in the regular game.

BOTTOM LINE:
The overtime intermission in hockey is typically 5 minutes long, both in professional leagues like the NHL and in international competitions. It is an additional period before a potential shootout or the end of the game if a team scores during this period. While exceptions may exist in lower-level or non-professional leagues, the standard duration remains consistent across most levels of hockey.