Ice hockey is played on an ice surface that is usually 185 to 200 feet long and 85 to 100 feet in width. As a result of the large playing area, hockey players need endurance to be able to play out the length of a game. Hockey players may play from 10 to more than 20 minutes per game. To ensure fairness and player safety, the length of a hockey match is set for a particular period of time.
Game Regulation
A regulation hockey game in the NHL is 60 minutes. This hour is divided into three 20-minute periods, separated by two 15-minute intermissions. Youth hockey players may only play games that are 12 to 15 minutes per period. During this 60 minutes of play, five-on-five hockey is played. Five-on-five hockey typically includes two defensive players and three offensive players, along with a goalie, who is not counted as one of the five players on the ice.
Time-Outs
In an NHL game, each team is awarded one 30-second time-out, which can be used during any part of the match. Numerous 30-second to 1-minute television time-outs give players a chance to rest. Official time-outs may be called to review plays and determine penalties.
Overtime
If a regulation hockey match ends in a tie, an overtime period will occur. An overtime period is four-on-four hockey that occurs immediately following the end of regulation, or at the end of 60 minutes of play. Four-on-four hockey normally includes two offensive and two defensive players, along with a goalie, who is not counted as one of the four players. There is likely to be a brief television timeout between the end of the third period and the beginning of the overtime period. An overtime period, which will not last longer than 5 minutes, is a sudden-death event, ending as soon as one team scores a goal.
Playoff Overtime
In the post-season, overtime is different than in the regular season. At the end of regulation, if the game is tied, another 15-minute intermission will occur, followed by a fourth 20-minute period of play. The end of regulation is the end of the three periods or 60 minutes of hockey. Playoff hockey overtime is sudden-death and ends the moment that one team scores. Should a fourth overtime end in no score, another intermission will occur, followed by another period of play. This pattern will continue until one team has scored.
Shoot-Outs
Shoot-outs occur during the regular hockey season only. The length of a shoot-out varies based on the number of players required to take shots. A shoot-out involves one-on-one play with the goalie. Each team's coach selects three players to participate in the shoot-out, which is a best-of-three match. If it ends in a tie, a coach will continue through his lineup with shooters. The shoot-out will continue until one team scores.
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