If you’re new to the sport of hockey or just a casual fan, you may be wondering how many periods are in a game. The answer may seem straightforward, but there are actually some nuances to the number of periods played in a hockey game. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how many periods are played in hockey, including the differences between amateur and professional play, and some of the unique rules that apply.
What is a Period in Hockey?
Before we dive into the specifics of how many periods are played in hockey, let’s first define what a period is. In hockey, a period refers to a specific segment of time during a game, typically lasting 20 minutes. During each period, the teams on the ice compete to score goals and gain an advantage over their opponents. At the end of each period, there is typically a short intermission, during which the ice is resurfaced and players can rest and regroup before the next period begins.
How Many Periods are Played in Professional Hockey?
In professional hockey, such as the National Hockey League (NHL), there are typically three periods played in a game, each lasting 20 minutes. This means that a full NHL game is 60 minutes long, not including any overtime periods that may be played if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
How Many Periods are Played in Amateur Hockey?
Amateur hockey, such as in college or youth leagues, may have different rules regarding the number of periods played. In general, most amateur leagues follow the same three-period format as professional hockey, but there may be variations depending on the specific league and level of play. Some amateur leagues may play shorter periods or have different rules regarding overtime periods.
What Happens During Intermissions?
As mentioned earlier, there is typically a short intermission between each period of a hockey game. During this time, the ice is resurfaced by the arena staff to ensure a smooth playing surface for the next period. Players may also use this time to rest, hydrate, and regroup with their teammates. Fans may enjoy entertainment and promotions during the intermissions as well, including contests, giveaways, and performances.
Are There Any Unique Rules Regarding Periods in Hockey?
While the number of periods played in hockey is generally consistent across different leagues and levels of play, there are some unique rules regarding periods that are worth mentioning. For example, in some international competitions, such as the Olympic Games, there are four 15-minute periods played instead of the traditional three 20-minute periods. Additionally, in some leagues, such as the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), there is a break after the first and second periods, during which players may leave the ice and rest in the locker room.
Conclusion
In summary, the number of periods played in hockey is typically three, each lasting 20 minutes. However, there may be variations depending on the specific league and level of play. Intermissions between periods allow for rest and maintenance of the playing surface, and there may be unique rules regarding periods in some leagues. Whether you’re a seasoned hockey fan or just starting to learn about the sport, understanding the basics of how many periods are played is an essential piece of knowledge.
FAQs
- Are there any other variations of the number of periods played in hockey?
- While the three-period format is the most common, some leagues may have different rules regarding the number and length of periods played.
- How long is the intermission between periods?
- Intermissions between periods typically last around 15 minutes.
- Can players leave the ice during intermissions?
- Yes, players may leave the ice during intermissions to rest, hydrate, and regroup with their teammates in the locker room.
- Is there a difference in the number of periods played in women’s hockey versus men’s hockey?
- No, the number of periods played is typically the same regardless of gender.
- Why do they resurface the ice between periods?
- Resurfacing the ice between periods helps to ensure a smooth playing surface for the players and reduce the risk of injury. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the game by preventing puck movement from being affected by irregularities in the ice surface.