Ice hockey is a popular sport that is played all over the world. It is a fast-paced and exciting game that involves two teams of six players each. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the other team by shooting a small rubber puck into the opponent's net. But how long do ice hockey games last?

Regulation Time

The regulation time of an ice hockey game is 60 minutes. The game is divided into three periods of 20 minutes each. The clock is stopped during stoppages in play, such as when the puck goes out of bounds, a penalty is called, or a goal is scored. Each team is allowed one 30-second timeout per game.

If the game is tied after regulation time, the game will proceed to overtime.

Overtime

Overtime is an additional period of play that is used to determine a winner if the game is tied after regulation time. Overtime is played in a sudden-death format, meaning the first team to score a goal wins the game.

Overtime in the regular season is five minutes long and played with four skaters and a goalie for each team. If the game is still tied after overtime, the game will proceed to a shootout.

Shootout

A shootout is a tie-breaking method used in ice hockey to determine a winner if the game is still tied after overtime. Each team selects three players to take part in the shootout. The players take turns shooting at the opposing team's goalie. The team with the most goals after three rounds wins the game.

If the game is still tied after three rounds, the shootout will continue in a sudden-death format until one team scores and the other does not.

Conclusion

In summary, ice hockey games last 60 minutes in regulation time, divided into three periods of 20 minutes each. Overtime is an additional period of play that is used to determine a winner if the game is tied after regulation time. Overtime in the regular season is five minutes long and played with four skaters and a goalie for each team. If the game is still tied after overtime, the game will proceed to a shootout.

Meta Description: Learn how long ice hockey games last and the rules for regulation time, overtime, and shootouts. Find out what happens if the game is tied after regulation time.

Meta Keywords: ice hockey, games, duration, regulation time, overtime, shootout, tied game, sudden-death format

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