If you are new to hockey or considering watching a match for the first time, you may wonder how long a typical game lasts and how the action is structured. The length of a hockey match, how it is divided up, and the total time spent can vary according to the type of hockey being played and the competition rules.
Understanding the timing, from quarters and periods to intermissions and overtime, helps everyone follow the pace of play and plan their day. Some factors, like breaks, penalties and video reviews, might also affect how long the match goes on for.
This blog post explores the official match lengths and structure for both ice hockey and field hockey. It also covers period timings, overtime, penalties, differences between leagues, and tips for those looking to watch a game live, all in plain language to make things clear for beginners and regular fans alike.
What Is The Official Length Of A Standard Ice Hockey Match?
A standard ice hockey match is split into three periods. Each period lasts for 20 minutes of actual play, with the game clock stopping for situations such as goals, penalties, or the puck leaving the ice.
Between periods, there is usually a break called an intermission. This intermission tends to last about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing players to rest and the playing surface to be maintained.
The official total playtime is 60 minutes, divided equally across the three periods. Because the clock stops when the puck is not in play, the real-world duration is longer. In regular league matches, if the scores are tied after the third period, extra time, such as overtime or a shootout, may be used to decide a winner.
That three-period layout is also why you will not see quarters in ice hockey, which often causes a bit of confusion at first glance.
Are Hockey Matches Played In Quarters?
Ice hockey matches are not played in quarters. Instead, the game is divided into three periods, with breaks between them for players to rest and for the ice to be maintained. This format is standard for most professional and amateur ice hockey.
Field hockey, on the other hand, is usually played in four quarters. Each quarter has a set length, and this structure is used in most international competitions and leagues.
It is worth checking the rules of the competition you are watching, as match formats may differ slightly. Knowing the format is a good foundation for the next piece of the puzzle: how the clock behaves during play.
Period Lengths, Intermissions And Stoppages
In a standard ice hockey match, play is divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes on the game clock. The clock only runs while the puck is in play, so any stoppages, such as goals, penalties, offside calls, icing, or the puck leaving the playing surface, will pause the timer.
Between periods, there are intermissions, typically 15 to 20 minutes. Players use this time to recover, coaches make adjustments, and the ice is cleaned and prepared for the next period.
Stoppages can occur frequently. Face-offs restart play after these pauses, and there may also be short delays for injuries or referee reviews. The number and length of stoppages influence the overall time you spend watching, which is often much longer than the 60 minutes on the clock.
So, what happens if the scores are still level after those 60 minutes?
How Long Do Overtime And Shootouts Last?
Overtime and shootouts are used to decide a winner if the match is tied after normal playtime. The exact rules can vary by competition, so the outline below reflects common formats.
Regular Season Overtime Rules
In most regular season matches, teams play a single overtime period of 5 minutes if the scores are level. Play is often 3-on-3, which means fewer skaters on each side and more ice to work with. If neither team scores during overtime, the match moves to a shootout.
A shootout is a series of one-on-one attempts between a shooter and the opposing goalkeeper. Each team usually takes three shots, and if the score is still tied, it continues with one shot each until a winner is found.
Playoff Overtime Rules
Playoff matches use a different approach. If teams are tied at the end of normal play, they go into a full 20-minute overtime period, played with regular team numbers. There is no shootout in this stage of competition.
If the scores are still level after the first overtime period, additional 20-minute periods are played until a goal is scored, deciding the winner by sudden death. This can result in very long, intense finishes.
Put together, these formats help explain why two matches with the same 60-minute base can take very different amounts of time to complete.
How Long Does A Match Last In Real Time Including Breaks?
A standard ice hockey match consists of 60 minutes of play, split across three periods. In real time, though, most matches run for around 2 to 2.5 hours once you include intermissions, routine stoppages, and in some leagues, short television timeouts.
Delays from penalties, injuries, or video reviews can add further time. If the game goes to overtime or a shootout, that can stretch the viewing window as well. For anyone planning their evening, it is sensible to allow a little extra.
A few in-game factors make the biggest difference, which brings us to penalties, power plays and reviews.
Do Penalties, Power Plays And Video Reviews Extend The Game?
Penalties are a core part of ice hockey. When a penalty is called, play stops and the officials confirm the infraction, which can add short delays in real time. The penalised player serves time in the penalty box, leaving their team shorthanded, but the game clock resumes once play restarts.
Power plays occur when one team has more skaters due to an opponent’s penalty. The clock keeps running during power plays, though there may be brief pauses for face-offs or further decisions related to the penalty.
Video reviews help officials make accurate calls on goals, goalie interference, high sticks, and other pivotal moments. During a review, play is stopped and the clock does not run. Reviews vary in length, so they can add a few minutes to the overall duration.
Do Match Lengths Differ Between Leagues And Competitions?
Match lengths can differ slightly between leagues or competitions. In most professional ice hockey matches, there are three 20-minute periods. Junior, youth, or amateur levels often use shorter periods, such as 15 or 17 minutes, to suit player development and scheduling.
International tournaments like the World Championships or the Winter Olympics generally follow the same 3×20 structure but may tweak overtime and shootout formats. Some leagues also have specific rules on intermission length or television timeouts, which can change how long a match takes from puck drop to the final whistle.
If you are following a new competition, a quick glance at its timing rules helps avoid surprises.
How Long Is A Field Hockey Match?
A standard field hockey match is typically played over four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, for a total of 60 minutes of play.
There are short breaks between quarters and a longer half-time after the second quarter. Quarter breaks are usually about 2 minutes each, while half-time is often around 10 minutes.
If the score is tied at the end of regular play in certain competitions, extra time or a penalty shootout may be used to decide a winner. The rules for these situations vary by tournament. At junior or amateur level, formats can differ as well, with some matches using halves instead of quarters or shorter periods.
Knowing these differences makes it much easier to plan your time, whether you are heading to the ground or watching from home.
How To Plan Watching A Live Game: Expected Time Commitment?
Before heading to an ice hockey match or settling in to watch at home, it helps to know that matches usually last longer in real time than the official 60 minutes suggests. With stoppages, intermissions, and the possibility of overtime, a typical game may run for 2 to 2.5 hours.
Arriving a little early makes it easier to find seats, read the programme, or grab refreshments. There can be short extras for announcements or ice maintenance between periods, too. Field hockey often takes slightly less time, but allowing 1.5 to 2 hours covers quarter breaks and any extra play.
If you choose to place a bet, set sensible limits and keep it in proportion to your other plans. For free, confidential support, organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware can help. With the timings clear and expectations set, you are well placed to enjoy the match from the first whistle to the last.
