Hockey is known as an intense, fast-paced sport with players constantly in motion across the ice. But did you ever wonder – just how long does all that nonstop action last in a hockey game? That’s where understanding the basic structure and periods in hockey comes in handy.
📍 Intro to Periods
A regulation hockey game is divided into three 20-minute periods, with breaks in between each period. This segmenting into thirds allows both teams a chance to rest, strategize, and gear up for their next shift on the offensive. The three periods are:
- 🥅 First Period – The opening frame where teams come out full of energy.
- 🥅 Second Period – The middle stanza where coaches make adjustments.
- 🥅 Third Period – The final phase where the game is often decided.
So when you’re watching a hockey game, you’ll notice there’s a flow to the action – 20 minutes of intense play, a break, 20 more minutes, another break, and then the final 20 minutes.
🏟️ Overtime & Penalty Periods
However, hockey games don’t always wrap up neatly in those three periods:
Overtime
If the score is tied at the end of the 3rd period, a 5-minute sudden death overtime period commences. The first team to score wins, otherwise a shootout will follow to determine the winner if still tied.
Penalty Shots
Occasionally a referee will award a penalty shot, which allows a single player to take possession and attempt to score against the goalie. This opens up the ice for some excitement!
So while a hockey game is designed around three 20-minute periods, you’ll want to be prepared for some bonus action like overtime and penalty shots as well!
🏅Conclusion & Recap
To quickly recap the highlights:
✔️ A regulation hockey game has three (3) periods
✔️ Each period lasts 20 minutes with breaks in between
✔️ Overtime periods add time if teams are tied
So now you know exactly what those three periods in hockey entail and how the timeframe breaks down. With this helpful overview, you’ll be able to better follow along with the nonstop, hard-hitting excitement!
Next time you watch a hockey game, keep an eye out for line shifts correlating to each new period. And don’t be surprised if you need to stay tuned after the 3rd for tie-breaking overtime! 🏒CopyRetry