How Long are Hockey Games in High School? Discover the Thrilling Duration!

High school hockey games can vary in duration depending on several factors. While there are established guidelines, the actual length of a hockey game can be influenced by gameplay, level of competition, and other situational factors. In this article, we will provide an overview of typical timings for high school hockey games and explain the factors that can affect their length.

Average Duration of a High School Hockey Game

On average, high school hockey games typically last around two hours. This duration includes three periods of play, each lasting 17 minutes, with a 10-minute intermission between the first and second periods, and a 15-minute intermission between the second and third periods. Additional time may be added for factors such as stoppages, penalties, and timeouts, which can extend the length of the game.

Factors Affecting Game Length

While the average duration is around two hours, several factors can cause the length of a high school hockey game to vary:

1. Overtime And Shootouts

If the game ends in a tie at the end of regulation time, additional periods of play known as overtime may be added. Overtime periods typically last for eight minutes. If the game remains tied after the first overtime period, a shootout may be used to determine the winner. These extra periods can significantly lengthen the overall duration of the game.

2. Penalties And Power Plays

Penalties can result in one or both teams playing with fewer players on the ice for a designated period of time. A power play occurs when one team has a numerical advantage due to an opponent’s penalty. These situations can lead to more stoppages and interruptions, thus increasing the overall length of the game.

3. Game Flow And Stoppage Time

The flow of the game can also impact its duration. Stoppage time occurs when the play is halted due to reasons such as player injuries, equipment issues, or video reviews. While these stoppages are typically brief, they can add up over the course of a game and prolong its length.

4. Level Of Competition

Games played at a higher level of competition, such as regional or state championships, may have stricter rules or more pre-game ceremonies, which could increase the overall duration of the game.