No, hockey does not have four periods. A standard game of hockey is divided into three periods.
Hockey Game Structure Explained
Unlike many other sports that might split contests into four quarters or two halves, hockey utilizes a unique structure of three distinct periods. Each period typically lasts 20 minutes of stop-time play in professional leagues like the NHL.
Understanding Periods vs. Quarters
The use of "periods" is a distinctive feature of hockey, setting it apart from sports like basketball or American football, which commonly employ quarters. This division ensures that the game has specific breaks for intermissions, allowing players to rest and strategize.
Here's a quick comparison of game divisions across different sports:
| Sport | Game Divisions | Number of Divisions |
|---|---|---|
| Hockey | Periods | 3 |
| Basketball | Quarters | 4 |
| American Football | Quarters | 4 |
| Soccer (Football) | Halves | 2 |
Key Aspects of Hockey Periods
- Three Segments: A hockey game is fundamentally built around three 20-minute periods of play.
- Intermissions: There are intermissions between each period, usually lasting about 15-18 minutes, which provides a break for players and allows for ice resurfacing.
- Overtime and Shootouts: If a game is tied after the three periods in regular season play, it often proceeds to an overtime period, followed by a shootout if still tied. In playoffs, multiple sudden-death overtime periods are played until a goal is scored.
This three-period format is standard across most competitive hockey leagues globally, defining the rhythm and flow of the game.
