In NHL hockey games, intermissions last for 20 minutes, providing a crucial break between periods for players and fans alike. This time allows for various activities and preparations before the game resumes.
What happens during hockey intermissions?
The reason for NHL hockey intermissions being 20 minutes is mostly meant to provide time for several different activities. Some of the things that go on during hockey intermissions include the following.
- Commercial Breaks: Television broadcasts often utilize intermissions for commercials, allowing networks to air advertisements while the game is temporarily paused.
- Intermission Activities for Fans: Teams frequently organize entertainment for the audience, including contests, promotions, and interactive experiences to engage and entertain fans during the break.
- Game Discussion: Coaches strategize, analyze game statistics, and discuss tactics with players in the locker room to make necessary adjustments for the upcoming period.
- Resurfacing Ice Between Periods: The intermission also involves resurfacing the ice, where the Zamboni machine smooths the playing surface, removing skate marks and ensuring optimal conditions for the next period.
The intermissions at an NHL hockey game are typically where you see activities like the jumbotron kiss cam game or tee shirt toss going on.
How long is the intermission between the 3rd period and overtime?
Between the 3rd period and overtime, a significantly shorter break of only 5 minutes or less is allocated. This brief intermission allows for a quick rest and some strategizing but keeps the momentum of the game flowing as teams gear up for the critical overtime period.
How long are hockey intermissions at lower league hockey games?
In lower league or recreational hockey games, intermissions are notably shorter. In the beer league that I play in, the intermissions between periods only lasts a short 60 seconds. These brief breaks serve as a quick moment for players to catch their breath, hydrate, and discuss strategies as there are no commercial breaks, and the ice is not resurfaced between periods due to limited resources and time constraints.
The ice rink often has to fit in multiple games back to back which requires quick turnaround between periods. Most of the players don’t mind the short break because it allows for the game to continue it’s fast pace and most players just want to have fun playing rather than sitting around.
Conclusion
Intermissions in hockey play a crucial role in the rhythm of the game. Whether in the NHL with its elaborate entertainment and strategic discussions, the quick turnover before overtime, or the swift breaks in recreational leagues, the intermission duration varies to accommodate different needs while ensuring the game’s continuity and excitement.