How Long do Various Types of Hockey Games Last – (And Why)?

How Long do Various Types of Hockey Games Last – (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 45-70 Minutes

The various types of hockey games get played with a hockey stick and puck. A player scores if he manages to maneuver the puck into the opponent’s goal post.

Hockey games vary from one continent to another. When referring to hockey in most parts of the world, you are explicitly referring to field hockey. Countries like the US and Canada mainly play ice hockey.

The different types of hockey games include; bandy, ice hockey, field hockey, ice sled hockey, street hockey, roller hockey(inline), and roller hockey(quad).

How Long do Various Types of Hockey Games Last

How long do Hockey games last?

Type of HockeyHow long it lastsActual game time
Filed hockeyTwo periods of 35 minutes each with a 7-minute intermission70 minutes
Ice hockeyThree periods of 20 minutes each with a 15-minute intermission60 minutes
Roller hockeyTwo periods of 20 minutes each or four periods of 10 minutes each40 minutes
Street hockeyThree periods of 10 minutes each and a one-minute intermission30 minutes
Ice sledge hockeyThree periods of 15 minutes each45 minutes

According to the hockey game rules, each game is supposed to last for an hour. However, intermissions, overtime, and stoppages during the games make it last for approximately two and a half hours.

The one hour has three divisions of 20 minutes each and two intermissions lasting between 15- 17 minutes depending on the type of hockey. Overtime provided during a hockey game lasts for 5 minutes while shootouts have no specified length of time.

Below is a brief description of the various types of hockey games;

1. Field hockey

Field hockey gets played in most parts of the world. Unlike most hockey sports, It does not require roller skates or blades when playing. The game gets played on gravel, sand, or grass with a small hardball.

woman wearing black jersey playing field hockey

2. Ice hockey

Ice hockey gets played on a large field covered with ice. In ice hockey, a rubber puck gets used, the puck is frozen to provide ease in moving it along the ice field. The players play on skaters.

2 men in ice hockey jersey playing

3. Ice sledge hockey

The game is for individuals with physical disabilities. The players use the sleds to move around the field. The game uses two hockey sticks, having a blade on one side and picks on the other end.

Why do Hockey games Last so Long?

As mentioned earlier, field hockey games last for a maximum of two and a half hours. Various factors affect how long a hockey game lasts, these include;

1. Overtime and shootouts

An overtime or shootout takes place when the two opposing teams have similar scores at the end of the game. At this point, the teams are provided with a few extra minutes to determine the winning team.

A shootout takes place if none of the teams win after the end of the extra 5 minutes. A shootout has no specified time limit.

2. Playoffs

Hockey playoffs may last for a very long time since no shootouts take place. The two teams battle against each other in the overtime until one of them beats the other side. In such a case, overtime may last an hour or more.

3. Television commercial break

All hockey games aired on TV consist of commercial breaks. According to hockey rules, there should be commercial breaks after a certain period.

References

  1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10413200305401
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029218306721
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23 Comments

  1. The time the hockey games last totally depends on the suspension time, the type of hockey game and the rules that regulate the game, for example, if it goes overtime or if it has intermission. It can be of 45, 60 or 70 minutes depending on the type of hockey game.

    1. I agree with your point on the time hockey games last. It’s certainly an interesting sport that offers great entertainment.

    1. It seems to me that it is necessary for the duration to adjust to the game’s dynamics, Fjones, to ensure that all aspects of the game are completed properly.

    2. I’m not so sure too, but I think the duration is a result of the particularities that the game presents.

  2. The article explains very well the different types of hockey and their duration. It is quite informative, and I have learned a lot from it.

    1. To add to your comment, the article clarifies how the time changes depending on the type of hockey game. It’s indeed quite educational.

  3. This article is quite helpful in explaining why hockey games last as long as they do. Anyone interested in hockey sports must check it out!

    1. I totally agree, Ellis David. The article has been quite informative, especially for those who are unfamiliar with hockey games.

    2. Absolutely, Ellis David, it offers a close examination of the diverse types of hockey games and why they last for the duration that they do.

  4. The length of the hockey games has been very well explained in this article. The information provided is highly educational and thorough.

    1. This is indeed true, Abbie29. The article is educational and provides deep insights into the specifics of the various hockey games.

  5. The article explains effectively why hockey games last as long as they do, providing a thorough analysis of each type of hockey game.

    1. Definitely, Wwalsh. It’s clear and concise, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamics of hockey games.

  6. This article offers a great explanation of the different types of hockey games and the time duration each type takes.

  7. I do not understand why do the different types of hockey games last such different times. All sports should have the same duration, regardless of the discipline.

    1. I understand your point, Martin81, but in hockey, the pace and rules of each game differ, so the game’s length can vary depending on these variables.

    1. It’s understandable that you might not like the duration of the game, Carlie Stewart, but hockey’s pace and rules make it different from other sports, contributing to its length.

  8. The information is interesting. However, it is unfortunate that hockey games can last for such a long time.

    1. Absolutely, Caroline, the duration of the game is necessary for the completion of all the requirements of a hockey game.

    2. Understandable, Matthews Caroline, but the nature of the sport makes this duration necessary for all the necessary actions to be performed during the game.

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