Hockey is a fast-paced, exciting sport with a unique structure. Hockey is divided into periods, unlike other sports using quarters or halves. If you’re wondering “how many periods in hockey?“, this guide covers everything you need to know, including variations across leagues like the NHL, AHL, college, high school, and playoffs.
How Many Periods in Hockey?
In most hockey games, there are three periods. Each period typically lasts 20 minutes of actual play time, making the total regulation game time 60 minutes. However, the clock stops for stoppages like penalties, goals, and timeouts, so games usually take longer.
Key Hockey Period Rules
- Three periods make up a standard hockey game.
- Overtime is played if the game is tied after regulation.
- Intermissions (breaks between periods) are usually 15-18 minutes long.
How Many Periods in Hockey Across Different Leagues?
How many periods are there in hockey, NHL?
The NHL (National Hockey League) follows the standard three 20-minute period format. If the game is tied, a 5-minute sudden-death overtime is played, followed by a shootout if necessary.
How Many Periods in Hockey AHL?
The AHL (American Hockey League) also uses three 20-minute periods, with a similar overtime and shootout structure as the NHL.
How Many Periods in Hockey College?
NCAA college hockey has three 20-minute periods, but overtime rules differ:
- Regular season: 5-minute sudden-death overtime; if still tied, the game ends in a tie.
- Playoffs: 20-minute overtime periods until a goal is scored.
How Many Periods in High School Hockey?
Most high school hockey games follow three 15 or 17-minute periods, depending on state rules. Overtime varies by league.
How Many Periods in Hockey Playoffs?
In the NHL playoffs, games still have three periods, but overtime is different:
- No shootout—teams play 20-minute sudden-death periods until someone scores.
How Many Periods in Hockey Minor League?
Minor leagues like the ECHL, USHL, and other developmental leagues follow the three-period format, with variations in overtime rules.
How Long Are Periods in Hockey?
- NHL, AHL, College: 20 minutes each
- High School: 15-17 minutes each
- Youth Hockey: 12-15 minutes each
How Many Intermissions in Hockey?
There are two intermissions in a standard hockey game:
- 1st intermission: Between the 1st and 2nd periods
- 2nd intermission: Between the 2nd and 3rd periods
Hockey Periods vs. Quarters in Other Sports
Unlike basketball (four quarters) or football (four quarters), hockey uses three periods. This structure keeps the game flowing with fewer stoppages.
FAQs About Hockey Periods
How Many Quarters in Hockey?
Hockey does not have quarters—it has three periods.
How Many Players are on a Hockey Team on the Ice?
Each team has six players on the Ice (including the goalie).
Can a Hockey Game End in a Tie?
In the NHL regular season, no—overtime and shootouts decide a winner. In college hockey, ties can happen.
How Many Overtime Periods in Hockey?
- NHL regular season: 1 overtime period (5 minutes) + shootout
- NHL playoffs: Unlimited 20-minute overtime periods
Conclusion
Most hockey games, including the NHL, AHL, college, and high school, consist of three periods. The length of each period varies slightly by league, but the structure remains consistent. Whether you’re watching a regular-season game or the playoffs, understanding how many periods in hockey helps you follow the action better.
