How Long Is a Hockey Game? A Complete Guide for New and Curious Fans

How long is a hockey game? Learn the exact length of NHL, college, youth, and international hockey games, plus why they often last longer.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How long is a hockey game?” you’re not alone. Whether you’re planning to watch your first game, heading to the arena, or just trying to fit a broadcast into your schedule, hockey’s timing can feel confusing at first.

On paper, the answer seems simple. In reality, it depends on the level of play, the rules, and what actually happens during the game.

This guide breaks everything down in plain English—no jargon, no fluff—so you know exactly how long a hockey game lasts, why it often runs longer than expected, and what to plan for as a fan or parent.

The Short Answer: How Long Is a Hockey Game?

A standard hockey game is:

• 60 minutes of playing time

• Divided into three 20-minute periods

However, because of stoppages, intermissions, penalties, reviews, and possible overtime, the real-world length is usually:

? 2 to 2.5 hours total

That’s the answer most people are looking for—but let’s go deeper, because not all hockey games are created equal.

How Hockey Game Time Works (The Basics)

Regulation Time Explained

Every standard hockey game includes:

• 3 periods

• 20 minutes per period

• Two intermissions, usually 15–18 minutes each

The clock stops frequently, which is why 60 minutes of hockey takes much longer in real time.

What Stops the Clock?

• Goals

• Penalties

• Icing and offsides

• Injuries

• Video reviews

• Commercial breaks (especially in professional leagues)

This stop-and-go rhythm is a big part of hockey’s intensity—but it also adds time.

How Long Is an NHL Hockey Game?

If you’re watching the National Hockey League (NHL), here’s what to expect:

NHL Game Length Breakdown

• Regulation play: 60 minutes

• Intermissions: ~34 minutes total

• Average total time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes

Overtime & Shootouts

If the game is tied after regulation:

• Regular season overtime:

  • 5 minutes (3-on-3 sudden death)

• Shootout (if needed):

  • Adds 10–15 minutes

Playoff Games Are Different

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs:

• No shootouts

• 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods

• Games can last 3–5+ hours if multiple overtimes occur

Some of the longest NHL games in history have gone past six hours total.

How Long Is a College Hockey Game?

College hockey follows similar rules but with slight variations depending on the conference.

NCAA Hockey Game Length

• Regulation time: 60 minutes

• Intermissions: 15–18 minutes

• Average total time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Overtime rules vary:

• Some conferences allow 5-minute overtime

• Others end in a tie during regular-season play

The pace is fast, physical, and often just as entertaining as the pros.

How Long Is an International Hockey Game?

International hockey, governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), sticks closely to standard rules.

IIHF Game Duration

• 3 periods of 20 minutes

• 15-minute intermissions

• Average total time: 2 to 2.5 hours

The biggest difference?
International rinks are wider, which slightly changes gameplay—but not game length.

How Long Are Youth and Kids’ Hockey Games?

Youth hockey games are intentionally shorter to match attention spans and stamina.

Typical Youth Hockey Game Lengths

Many youth leagues also use running clocks, which dramatically shorten games.

Why Hockey Games Feel Longer Than 60 Minutes

This is one of the most common questions new fans ask—and it’s a fair one.

Key Reasons Hockey Games Run Long

• Frequent stoppages

• Ice resurfacing between periods

• Penalty reviews and challenges

• Television timeouts

• Overtime and shootouts

Unlike soccer, hockey prioritizes precision and fairness, even if it adds time.

How Long Is a Hockey Game on TV?

If you’re watching from home, plan for extra time.

TV Broadcast Length

• Scheduled slot: 2.5–3 hours

• Includes:

  • Commercial breaks

  • Intermission analysis

  • Pre-game and post-game coverage

Playoff games? Networks often block unlimited time, just in case.

How Hockey Compares to Other Sports

Hockey stands out for delivering fast-paced action without dragging on.

FAQs: How Long Is a Hockey Game?

How long is a hockey game including intermissions?

Most games last 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish.

How long is each period in hockey?

Each period is 20 minutes at most levels.

Why does a 60-minute hockey game take over 2 hours?

Because the clock stops often, and intermissions add 30+ minutes.

How long is overtime in hockey?

• Regular season: 5 minutes

• Playoffs: Unlimited 20-minute periods

What’s the shortest hockey game possible?

Youth games with running clocks can finish in under an hour.

Tips for First-Time Hockey Fans

If you’re attending or watching your first game:

• Arrive early (warm-ups are fun to watch)

• Expect 2.5 hours, just to be safe

• Stay for overtime—it’s some of the most exciting hockey you’ll ever see

Final Takeaway: So, How Long Is a Hockey Game?

Here’s the bottom line:

• Official playing time: 60 minutes

• Real-world experience: 2 to 2.5 hours

• Playoff games: As long as it takes

Hockey may not be the shortest sport, but it packs more intensity, speed, and drama into every minute than almost any other game on the planet.

If you’re new to hockey—welcome. Once you watch a full game, you’ll stop checking the clock and start wishing it lasted longer.

? Ready to dive deeper into hockey? Stick around, explore more guides, and enjoy the game the way it was meant to be played.