Hockey is one of the fastest and most exciting sports in the world. But if you’re new to it, you might wonder: how long are hockey games? Knowing the answer helps you plan game nights, watch parties, or even try playing yourself. Hockey games vary depending on the league and level, but most professional games have a standard structure that makes them easy to follow.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything about hockey game durations, including periods, breaks, overtime, and examples from the NHL and international play. We’ll also answer common questions about penalties, shootouts, and real-time game lengths.
Standard Hockey Game Duration
Most professional hockey games, like in the NHL, are divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. This means the total playing time is 60 minutes. However, the clock stops for goals, penalties, and other interruptions, which makes the real game longer than just 60 minutes.
Example: A typical NHL game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish, including breaks, stoppages, and possible overtime.
What Happens Between Periods
Between each 20-minute period, players get a 15- to 18-minute intermission. During this time, the ice is resurfaced, and teams rest. This is why watching a hockey game is longer than just the periods combined.
Overtime in Hockey
If the game is tied at the end of the third period, it may go into overtime. In the NHL regular season, overtime is 5 minutes of 3-on-3 sudden death. If still tied, the game goes to a shootout to determine the winner. Playoff overtime, however, is unlimited 20-minute periods until someone scores.
Shootouts and Game Length
Shootouts are fast and exciting. Each team takes 3 initial shots, and if still tied, it goes to sudden death. Shootouts add only a few minutes to the overall game length but are critical in deciding results for standings.
Hockey Game Length in International Play
International hockey games, like in the Olympics or IIHF tournaments, also follow three 20-minute periods. However, overtime rules can vary, often involving longer periods in playoffs or medal matches.
Junior and Amateur Hockey Games
Youth or junior hockey games are usually shorter, with periods lasting 15–17 minutes depending on age groups. This ensures younger players aren’t overly fatigued. Breaks are shorter too, making the total game about 90–100 minutes.
Factors That Affect Game Duration
Several things can make hockey games longer:
- Penalties: Power plays stop the clock.
- Goals and reviews: Video review can take time.
- Injuries: Player injuries stop play.
- Overtime & shootouts: Can extend the game significantly.
These factors make the “actual time” of a hockey game different from the 60-minute play clock.
How Long Are Playoff Games
Playoffs are intense. Games follow the same three-period format, but overtime periods are full 20 minutes with sudden death. Some playoff games last over 3–4 hours due to multiple overtimes.
Real-Time Viewing Tips
To enjoy a full hockey game live:
- Expect 2–2.5 hours for regular-season NHL games.
- Plan extra time for playoffs with potential overtimes.
- Remember intermissions are great for snacks, bathroom breaks, and ice-resurfacing shows!
Fun Fact: Fastest and Longest Games
- Fastest NHL game: Some games end in regulation under 2 hours.
- Longest NHL game: In 1936, a game went 176 minutes and 30 seconds of actual play across six overtimes!
Summary: How Long Are Hockey Games
So, how long are hockey games? In professional leagues like the NHL:
- 3 periods × 20 minutes = 60 minutes of play
- 2 intermissions × 15–18 minutes
- Overtime and shootouts (if needed)
- Total viewing time: ~2–2.5 hours
Playoff games can be longer, sometimes stretching over 3–4 hours.
FAQs About Hockey Game Duration
1. How long are NHL hockey games in real time?
About 2–2.5 hours including intermissions and stoppages.
2. How long are periods in hockey?
Professional games have 3 periods of 20 minutes each.
3. Does overtime add a lot of time?
Yes, playoff overtimes can extend games by several hours if multiple periods are needed.
4. Are youth hockey games shorter?
Yes, junior games usually have 15–17 minute periods and shorter breaks.
5. How long is a shootout?
Shootouts usually take 5–10 minutes to decide the winner.
6. Why do hockey games feel longer than 60 minutes?
Clock stoppages, intermissions, penalties, overtime, and reviews all extend real-time duration.
Conclusion
Hockey is fast, exciting, and full of surprises. Knowing how long hockey games are helps fans, players, and parents plan their time better. Whether it’s a regular NHL season game or a high-stakes playoff match, games are always action-packed and worth every minute. Next time you watch, enjoy the intermissions, cheer loudly, and savor every goal!
