How many hockey games in a NHL Season? Hockey is a quick and energizing wear. Many individuals adore to watch it live or on TV. New fans frequently inquire one common address: How long is a hockey game? The reply is basic, but it moreover depends on a few things.
In this blog, we will explainhow long are hockey games?. You will learn around game time, breaks, extra time, and delays. By the conclusion, you’ll know how long hockey diversions are and why they can feel longer than expected.
Basic Length of a Hockey Game

A standard ice hockey diversion has three periods. Each period is 20 minutes long. This implies the add up to playing time is 60 minutes.
Yet, this is as it were the clock time, not genuine life time.
Read Also:Indian Women Hockey Player Manpreet Kaur And Vandana Katariya
The diversion clock stops frequently. It stops for objectives, punishments, wounds, and breaks. Since of this, the real-time length is much longer.
On normal, a full hockey diversion endures 2 to 2.5 hours.
Period Breaks Include More Time
Between each period, there is a break. We call these breaks intermissions.
Each interlude endures 15 to 18 minutes. Players rest. Somebody cleans the ice. Fans take breaks, too.
There are two breaks in a diversion. This includes approximately 30 to 36 minutes to the add up to time.
So indeed without delays, the amusement as of now goes for more than one hour.
Why the Clock Stops So Often?
The hockey clock is not continuously running. It stops for numerous reasons.Here are common reasons:
- A player scores a goal.
- The arbitrator calls a penalty.
- The puck clears out the ice.
- An adversary harms a player.
- Officials audit a play.
Each halt may as it were take a brief time. But together, they include numerous minutes.
This is why fans ask many times how long hockey recreations last.
Overtime Can Extend the Game
Sometimes the groups tie the score at the conclusion of standard time. When this happens, the amusement goes into overtime.
Overtime rules depend on the league.
- Regular Season Overtime
- In alliances like the NHL:
- Overtime is five minutes.
- Fewer players are on the ice.
- Someone uses sudden death.
If a player scores a goal, the diversion ends.
Playoff Overtime
Playoff games are different:
- Overtime is 20 minutes.
- Full groups play.
- The diversion proceeds until somebody scores.
This can make diversions very long. A few playoff recreations final three to four hours.
Shootouts Too Take Time

If no group scores a objective in regular overtime, the authorities may begin a shootout.
You Must Also Like:Top 6 Best Sports Indian Should Focus On Apart From
A shootout is brief but still adds time. Players take turns trying to score. Officials must get ready the ice and survey the goals.
Shootouts more often than not include 10 to 15 minutes.
Youth and Beginner Hockey Games
Not all hockey diversions are the same length.
- Youth Hockey
- Youth diversions are shorter.
- Periods may be 12 to 15 minutes.
- Intermissions are shorter.
- Games final around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Amateur and College Hockey
College hockey games:
- Still utilize 20-minute periods.
- Have less stoppages.
- Usually keeps going 2 to 2.25 hours
The ability level influences diversion stream. Speedier play implies less stops.
Television Timeouts Increment Diversion Length
Professional hockey games have TV timeouts.
Advertisers use these timeouts for commercials. They happen amid each period.
Each timeout keeps going around 2 minutes.
They plan TV timeouts. They help broadcasters. But they too make the diversions longer.
This is another reason why the length of hockey diversions can feel unpredictable.
Referee Reviews and Challenges
Modern hockey employments video reviews.
We survey the objectives. Somebody checks the penalties. Coaches can challenge calls.
Reviews can take a few minutes. In some cases, fans hold up and wait.
These surveys are critical. They guarantee reasonable play. But they include time.
Weather and Ice Conditions
- Ice quality things a lot.
- If ice softens or breaks, the game may stop. Somebody must do the repairs.
- This is common in warm zones or open air games.
- The stop is for safety. But it includes more minutes.
Special Events and Ceremonies
Some diversions have uncommon moments:
- National anthems
- Player honors
- Retirements
- Theme nights
These events happen before the amusement. Sometimes amid breaks too.
They do not alter diversion rules. But they increment add up to time went through at the arena.
Fans and Strategy Slow the Game
Coaches utilize timeouts. Players contend calls. Groups alter lines with incredible care.
These actions are portion of the diversion. Strategy matters.
A shrewd coach may indeed make a bargain with the hockey captain to moderate the play and rest key players.
These little choices influence the add up to diversion time.
Why Hockey Feels Faster Than Other Sports?
Even though hockey keeps going over two hours, it feels fast.
The puck coasts over the ice with speed. Players skate difficult. Objectives can happen at any time.
There is no long hold up, like in baseball or football.
So whereas fans inquire how long a hockey game is, they frequently lose track of time whereas watching.
Live Games vs TV Games
Watching live feels distinctive from watching on TV.
At the arena:
- Time feels shorter.
- Energy is high.
- Breaks feel fun.
On TV:
Commercials feel long.
Delays feel bigger.
This changes how individuals think around amusement lengths.
Summary: How Long Is a Hockey Game?
Let’s survey the key points:
- Playing time is 60 minutes.
- Intermissions include over 30 minutes.
- Real time is 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Overtime and shootouts include more.
- Playoff games can be exceptionally long.
So when individuals inquire how long hockey diversions are, the best reply is:
Plan for at slightest two and a half hours.
Final Thoughts
How long are hockey games? Hockey is exciting and full of activity. Time can pass quickly when the diversion is good.Knowing how long a amusement keeps going helps fans arrange way better. It helps new viewers feel comfortable. It too makes a difference families and travelers.
Now you know the full story. The following time someone inquires how long a hockey amusement is, you will have a clear answer.Enjoy the amusement. Appreciate the speed. And appreciate each diminutive on the ice.