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If you’ve ever found yourself watching a fast-paced ice hockey game and suddenly wondering, “How long is a hockey intermission?” you’re not alone. If for example, you were watching the game, when you were supposed to be doing something else, and an intermission is starting, you might just be able to knock some items of your to do list. So, how long is a hockey intermission? Perhaps, you can get a task done, and even get back to watch the whole game, with nobody the wiser…
The Basics: 20-Minute Periods and the Flow of the Game
Table of Contents
- 1 The Basics: 20-Minute Periods and the Flow of the Game
- 2 How Long Is a Hockey Intermission?
- 3 The Excitement of Playoff Games: Extended Intermissions
- 4 Overtime Rules and Additional Time
- 5 Game Duration and the Actual Length of a Game
- 6 Different Levels of Play: From High School Games to the NHL
- 7 Why Intermissions Matter: More Than Just a Break
- 8 The Rich History of Hockey Intermissions
- 9 Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Intermission Time
First things first—hockey games are typically divided into three 20-minute periods, with a brief rest between them. These periods are packed with action, from thrilling power plays to nerve-wracking penalty shots. But after 20 minutes of fast-paced play, both the players and the fans deserve a break. That’s where the intermission comes in.
How Long Is a Hockey Intermission?
For regular-season NHL games, the standard intermission is 15 minutes long. However, in professional hockey games, especially in the National Hockey League (NHL), this intermission can be extended to around 17-18 minutes due to various factors, including media timeouts, commercials, and television broadcasts. This gives everyone, from players to fans, a chance to catch their breath.
Why might you want to know this? Well, 15-18 minutes is just enough time to:
- Do a quick load of laundry: Toss in your gear or freshen up some clothes before the next period starts.
- Prep a meal or snack: Whether it’s popping some popcorn or whipping up a quick sandwich, you’ve got just enough time to satisfy those game-time cravings.
- Take a shower: If you’ve worked up a sweat cheering for your team, a quick shower will have you refreshed and ready for the next period.
- Pour yourself a drink: Whether it’s a cup of coffee or something stronger, you’ve got plenty of time to mix up something special.
- Check your social media: Scroll through TikTok, catch up on Instagram stories, or tweet about that last awesome goal.
What can you do in 15 minutes?
The Excitement of Playoff Games: Extended Intermissions
How long is a hockey intermission during the playoffs? Playoff games, especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, crank up the intensity and, sometimes, the length of intermissions. These games often feature 18-minute intermissions, giving everyone just a little extra time to breathe and prepare for what could be a season-defining moment. In these high-stakes games, every minute counts, whether it’s on the ice or off.
Overtime Rules and Additional Time
In the event of a tie at the end of regulation time, the game moves into overtime. The NHL uses a 5-minute overtime period in the regular season, played in a sudden-death 3-on-3 format. If no one scores, the game goes to a shootout. However, during the playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long, and they follow the sudden-death format—first team to score wins.
Intermissions before these overtime periods can also be a bit longer, giving you even more time to stretch, refuel, and get ready for the intense sudden-death action.
Game Duration and the Actual Length of a Game
The scheduled time for an NHL hockey game might be around 2 to 2.5 hours, but the actual duration can be longer due to various factors. Commercial breaks, stoppage time for penalties, and even the occasional major penalty can all extend the length of the game. Some of the longest games in NHL history, like the epic showdown between the Montreal Maroons and Detroit Red Wings, stretched on for hours due to multiple overtime periods. Wondering what games have the most recorded overtime periods in the NHL?
Knowing how long a hockey intermission lasts can help you plan your evening. Got a tight schedule? No problem. During those 15-18 minutes, you can fit in a quick task without missing any of the action.
Embed from Getty ImagesDifferent Levels of Play: From High School Games to the NHL
The length of intermission time can vary depending on the level of play. In high school games, intermissions might be shorter, around 10-12 minutes. College games, like those in NCAA hockey, often feature 15-minute intermissions, similar to NHL regular-season games. Recreational hockey and various leagues may also have their own rules, but the general idea remains the same—a brief rest between periods to keep the players and fans fresh.
Why Intermissions Matter: More Than Just a Break
Intermissions aren’t just a break for players—they play a significant role in the overall flow of the game. Zambonis resurface the ice, ensuring the best possible conditions for the next period. Players regroup in their respective locker rooms, discussing strategies and resting up for the next 20 minutes of intense play. And fans? Well, we’ve already covered what you can do with that precious intermission time!
Whether you’re watching at home or at the arena, intermissions add an extra layer of excitement to the game. They offer a chance to reflect on the action so far and anticipate what’s to come—be it a thrilling power play, a crucial goal, or even a sudden-death overtime period.
The Rich History of Hockey Intermissions
The concept of intermissions has been part of the sport of hockey since its early days. With the evolution of the game, from the Montreal Maroons’ era to the modern NHL, intermissions have become an essential element, allowing for better ice conditions and more engaging television broadcasts. In NHL history, some of the most memorable moments have happened right after intermissions, as teams return to the ice with renewed energy and determination. So, how long is a hockey intermission? Long enough to either get out of, or into trouble, depending on the day.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Intermission Time
So, the next time you’re watching an NHL hockey game and wondering, “How long is a hockey intermission?” remember that you’ve got about 15-18 minutes to spare. Use it wisely—whether that means doing something productive or just kicking back and enjoying a quick break. After all, the game of hockey is full of surprises, and you won’t want to miss a second of the action when the puck drops for the next period!
Have more questions about hockey? I know I do – and as I answer them I’ll share what I learn here in our hockey section. Also, be sure to check out what our friends at the NHL Shop have for Women’s NHL Fan Gear
