If you’ve just started watching hockey — maybe the NHL or Olympic games — one of the first things you’ll notice is the fast pace. And then the clock stops. And stops again. And suddenly someone says, “Second period’s almost done,” and you’re like… wait, period? How many are there?
Hockey rules can look a little wild at first, but once you understand the structure, everything makes way more sense. So let’s break it down in the most human way possible — no stiff jargon, no textbook stuff. Just clear answers to:
- How many periods in hockey?
- How long each period is
- Whether overtime counts as a period
- How ice time works in different leagues
- What makes hockey periods unique
And yeah, I’ll drop a table in here because sometimes it’s easier to see everything side by side.
So… How Many Periods Are in Hockey?
In ice hockey, there are 3 periods.
That’s the standard in:
- The NHL
- Olympic hockey
- International leagues
- Most college and pro levels
Each period is 20 minutes of game time.
Not real-life time. Clock-on, clock-off time. And trust me, those stoppages add up.
So the quick answer is:
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Hockey has 3 periods, each 20 minutes long
People search for this in all sorts of ways:
- how many periods hockey
- how many periods in ice hockey
- hockey how many periods
- how many period are in hockey
- how many periods in i c e hockey
They all point to the same thing: three.
Why Not Just Use Quarters?
Good question.
The simple version?
Hockey evolved on frozen ponds where people played until someone yelled that they were freezing. Later, indoor arenas needed breaks to resurface the ice, so three periods became the sweet spot.
So yeah, it’s practical. Not just tradition.
How Long Does a Hockey Period Really Last?
The clock says 20 minutes, but real time?
You’re looking at 35–45 minutes per period depending on:
- stoppages
- penalties
- reviews
- injuries
- TV timeouts
If you’re watching live, the whole game usually lasts 2 to 2.5 hours.
Do Overtime and Shootouts Count as Extra Periods?
Not officially.
The main game is still three periods.
But here’s how extra time works:
🏒 If the game is tied:
- NHL Regular Season:
- 5-minute 3-on-3 overtime
- If still tied → shootout
- NHL Playoffs:
- 20-minute overtime periods
- Sudden-death
- Unlimited periods until someone scores
- (Some games have gone to 4–5 overtimes… absolute chaos)
These extra periods don’t change the fact that a “regulation game” is three periods.
Different Types of Hockey & Their Period Lengths
Here’s the comparison you probably wanted:
| Hockey Type | Number of Periods | Period Length |
| NHL (Pro) | 3 | 20 min |
| Olympic Hockey | 3 | 20 min |
| College Hockey | 3 | 20 min |
| Junior Leagues | 3 | 20 min |
| Youth Hockey | Usually 3 | 12–15 min |
| Recreational Adults | 3 | 15–20 min |
Youth hockey varies because, well, kids get tired.
Why Hockey Uses Three Periods Instead of Two Halves
A few reasons:
- Ice resurfacing — smoother ice = fewer injuries
- Better conditioning — players skate crazy hard
- More strategy — coaches adjust between periods
- Pacing — the game breathes a bit
If hockey had halves, you’d see way more slow, sloppy play.
What Happens Between Periods?
Each break is usually 15–18 minutes, and during that time:
- Zambonis resurface the rink
- Coaches re-group players
- Broadcasts run highlights
- Fans grab snacks or stretch their legs
If you’re watching at home, it’s your bathroom-break window.
Is Field Hockey the Same?
Nope — different sport, different rules.
Field hockey uses two halves, not periods.
But since most people searching for “how many periods are in hockey” mean ice hockey, we’re sticking to that.
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Is It Ever Two Periods Instead of Three?
A few lower-level or recreational leagues use two halves to save time or reduce ice rental costs. But anything serious — NHL, college, international — uses the standard three-period structure.
Quick Recap
Here’s your cheat-sheet:
- Ice hockey = 3 periods
- 20 minutes per period
- Intermissions between each
- Overtime = bonus time, not a period
- Youth leagues may shorten periods
- Game length = about 2–2.5 hours
That’s really all there is to it.
FAQs About Hockey Periods
How many periods are in hockey?
Three. Always three in ice hockey.
How long is each hockey period?
20 minutes of game time.
Does overtime count as a 4th period?
Not officially. It’s separate.
How long is a full hockey game?
Usually 2–2.5 hours with intermissions.
How many intermissions are there?
Two — one after the 1st period, one after the 2nd.
Do youth leagues also have three periods?
Yes, but they’re shorter.
Why does hockey use periods instead of halves?
Ice resurfacing and player fatigue — three periods keep the game fast and fair.
