Hockey games typically last around 2 to 2.5 hours. However, the exact duration can vary depending on various factors such as gameplay, penalties, stoppages, and overtime periods. Here are 5 supporting facts about the length of hockey games:
1. Regulation Time: A standard hockey game consists of three periods lasting 20 minutes each, resulting in a total of 60 minutes of regulation play. However, the actual time the game takes to complete is often extended due to stoppages, intermissions, and potential overtime periods.
2. Stoppages in Play: Throughout the game, play may be stopped for various reasons such as penalties, icing calls, offside infractions, injuries, or video reviews. These stoppages can add extra minutes to the overall duration of the game.
3. Commercial Breaks: Hockey games, especially televised ones, include scheduled commercial breaks during stoppages in play, intermissions between periods, and timeouts. These breaks can further extend the overall game time.
4. Overtime Periods: If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, an overtime period is usually played to determine the winner. In the National Hockey League (NHL), overtime consists of a 5-minute period, but if no goal is scored during this time, the game may proceed to a shootout or additional overtime periods. These additional periods can significantly prolong the length of the game.
5. Penalties and Power Plays: When a player commits a penalty, they are sent to the penalty box, and their team is short-handed. During this time, the opposing team goes on a power play, which can last up to 2 minutes. If multiple penalties occur in a game, more time will be added to the overall duration as power plays are played out.
FAQs:
1. Can a hockey game end in a tie?
– No, in most professional leagues, if the game is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.
2. How long does overtime last in hockey?
– In the NHL, the overtime period lasts for 5 minutes. If no goal is scored, the game may proceed to a shootout or additional overtime periods.
3. How long is each intermission in a hockey game?
– Typically, the intermission between periods in a hockey game lasts around 15 minutes. This allows players to rest, make necessary adjustments, and for ice maintenance.
4. Why do hockey games have commercial breaks?
– Commercial breaks during hockey games provide opportunities for broadcasters to air advertisements and generate revenue. These breaks also give players a chance to rest and strategize.
5. What happens if a hockey game goes into multiple overtimes?
– If a game goes into multiple overtimes and remains tied, the teams continue playing additional 20-minute periods until a goal is scored. This can result in very long games.
6. How long does a power play last in hockey?
– A power play in hockey typically lasts for 2 minutes. However, if the opposing team scores a goal during the power play, the penalty ends immediately.
7. How does video review affect the length of a hockey game?
– Video reviews are used to determine the validity of goals and other significant events. While they aim to make accurate decisions, they can also introduce additional stoppage time, leading to longer games.
BOTTOM LINE: A typical hockey game lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours, although the exact duration can vary due to factors like stoppages, intermissions, penalties, overtimes, and video reviews. It’s best to anticipate potential extended game times when planning to watch or attend a hockey game.
