Sports

How Long Is a Hockey Game? A Simple Guide for New Fans

Published

7 days ago

November 24, 2025

Admin

If you’re new to hockey, one of the first questions you might ask is, How long is a hockey game? Unlike some sports that follow a very strict timeline, hockey has a mix of set periods, breaks, and possible overtime. This makes the total game time flexible, but still predictable once you understand how it works. Whether you watch hockey on TV or in a stadium, knowing the timing helps you enjoy the match more.

In this article, we’ll break down every part of a hockey game periods, intermissions, overtime, stoppages, and real-time length in a simple and easy way.

Official Game Time: The Basics

A standard hockey game is made up of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes of playtime. That means the official game time adds up to:

20 minutes + 20 minutes + 20 minutes = 60 minutes total

But this is only the “clock time.”
The actual length of the game is longer because of breaks, stoppages, and possible overtime.

Why a 60-Minute Hockey Game Takes Longer

You might think a 60-minute game should end in exactly one hour, but that’s not how hockey works. The clock stops for several reasons:

Penalties
Icing
Offside calls
Goals
Injuries
Puck out of play
Timeouts
Reviews by referees

Because of these pauses, a real hockey game takes much more than 60 minutes total.

Most games last 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Breaking Down Each Part of a Hockey Game

To understand the total length, let’s look at each major section of a typical hockey match.

1. First Period 20 Minutes of Play

The opening period sets the tone for the match. Both teams come in fresh and aggressive.
The 20-minute clock runs only when the puck is in play.

Typical real-time length:

Around 30–35 minutes after including stoppages.

2. Intermission – 15 to 18 Minutes

After the first period, the game stops for an intermission. Players return to their locker rooms, coaches give instructions, and the ice is resurfaced by the famous “Zamboni.”

Intermission length:

Usually 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the league.

This break allows fans to get snacks, take a rest, or review game highlights.

3. Second Period – 20 Minutes of Play

The second period is often faster and more intense. Teams now understand each other’s strategies. The clock once again starts and stops based on gameplay.

Typical real-time length:

Around 30–35 minutes again.

4. Second Intermission Another 15 to 18 Minutes

Just like after the first period, there is another break before the final period.

During this time, TV broadcasters often play interviews and analysis. Fans usually stretch, get food, or chat about which team looks stronger.

5. Third Period – Final 20 Minutes of Regulation Time

This is where the real drama happens. Teams play their hardest to either defend a lead or tie the game.

Typical real-time length:

30–35 minutes again.

Total Real-Time Length Without Overtime

If you combine everything:

60 minutes of play
Two intermissions (30–36 minutes)
Stoppages and delays

You get around:

2 to 2.5 hours total

Most professional and college hockey games fall into this range.

Overtime: When the Game Doesn’t End at 60 Minutes

If the score is tied after three periods, the game goes into overtime. The length of overtime depends on the league.

NHL Regular Season Overtime

5 minutes
3 vs 3 players
Sudden death: first team to score wins

If no one scores, the game goes to a shootout, which adds around 5–10 minutes.

NHL Playoff Overtime

This is where games get dramatic.

20-minute periods
5 on 5
Sudden death
Unlimited overtime periods until someone scores

Some playoff games have lasted four or more overtime periods, making them 4–6 hours long.

These marathon games are rare but legendary.

College Hockey Overtime

5 to 10 minutes depending on rules
Then a shootout or tie result

International Hockey Overtime

Events like the Olympics or World Championships have their own rules:

10-minute overtime
Then a shootout if needed

The rules vary but usually follow a similar sudden-death system.

Timeouts and Other Delays

Each team typically gets one timeout, usually lasting 30 seconds.

But additional delays can extend the game:

Reviewing goals
Player injuries
Equipment issues
Ice repair
Penalty announcements

These are usually short, but they add up.

How Long Is a Hockey Game on TV?

Watching at home usually takes a little longer because of:

Commercial breaks
Extended analysis
Interviews
Pregame and postgame shows

If you watch a full broadcast from start to finish, expect around 2.5 to 3 hours.

How Long Is Youth or Recreational Hockey?

Youth leagues often use shorter periods.

Common setups include:

3 periods of 12 minutes
3 periods of 15 minutes

With less stoppage time and shorter breaks, these games last around 1 to 1.5 hours total.

Recreational adult hockey often follows similar timing.

Why Hockey Timing Feels Fast and Exciting

Even though the game takes about 2 hours, hockey feels fast because:

The puck moves quickly
Shifts last only 30–45 seconds
Players constantly rotate
Action rarely slows down
Each period has pressure and pace

Fans love hockey because there’s always something happening. No long pauses, no slow walking, no wasted time just nonstop action.

Final Thoughts

So how long is a hockey game?
Officially, it’s 60 minutes of play, but in real time it usually lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. That includes periods, stoppages, and intermissions. If overtime or shootouts occur, the game becomes even longer especially in playoffs, where matches can last for hours.

Hockey is fast, exciting, and full of energy, which makes the time fly by. Whether you’re watching in a stadium or at home, understanding the flow of the game helps you appreciate every moment.