Hockey is a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. If you’re new to the game, you may be wondering, “How long is a hockey game?” The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll explore the duration of a hockey game, including the different levels of play, and how the game is structured.
The Duration of a Hockey Game
The length of a hockey game depends on the level of play. In general, a typical hockey game lasts about 60 minutes. However, there are different levels of play, each with their own time limits.
Professional Hockey Games
Professional hockey games, such as those played in the National Hockey League (NHL), last for three periods of 20 minutes each. There are two breaks between periods, known as intermissions, which last for 15 minutes each. This means that the total duration of a professional hockey game is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
College Hockey Games
College hockey games are also played in three periods, but the periods are slightly shorter than those in professional hockey. Each period in a college hockey game lasts for 20 minutes, but there is only one 15-minute intermission between the second and third periods. Therefore, the total duration of a college hockey game is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Youth Hockey Games
Youth hockey games are typically shorter than professional or college games. The length of a youth hockey game varies depending on the age group of the players. For example, games for 6-8-year-olds may only last for 30 minutes, while games for 13-14-year-olds may last for 45 minutes.
How is a Hockey Game Structured?
Hockey games are structured differently than other sports. The game is played with six players on each team, including a goalie. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, there is usually a period of overtime played to determine a winner.
Scoring in Hockey
Scoring in hockey is relatively simple. A goal is scored when the puck crosses the goal line into the net. If the puck is shot into the net by a player on the opposing team, it counts as a point for the other team.
Penalties in Hockey
Penalties in hockey are called when a player commits a foul. There are many different types of penalties, including tripping, slashing, and hooking. When a penalty is called, the offending player must leave the ice for a designated period of time, usually two minutes. This is known as a power play, and the opposing team has an advantage during this time.
Conclusion
Hockey is an exciting sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The duration of a hockey game depends on the level of play, with professional games lasting approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, college games lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and youth games varying in length. Understanding the structure of a hockey game, including scoring and penalties, is essential for enjoying the sport to its fullest.
FAQs
1. Can a hockey game end in a tie?
Yes, if the game is tied at the end of regulation time, there is usually a period of overtime played to determine a winner.
2. How many players are on a hockey team?
There are six players on each team, including a goalie.
3. How are penalties called in hockey?
Penalties are called when a player commits a foul. The offending player must leave the ice for a designated period of time, usually two minutes.
4. What is a power play in hockey?
A power play is when a penalty is called, and the offending player must leave the ice for a designated period of time. The opposing team has an advantage during this time.
5. How is scoring in hockey determined?
A goal is scored when the puck crosses the goal line into the net. If the puck is shot into the net by a player on the opposing team, it counts as a point for the other team.