Why Are Hockey Periods 20 Minutes Long?

When watching a hockey game, one may wonder, why are hockey periods 20 minutes long? The answer lies in the unique nature of the playing surface and the considerations of both the game's chemistry and business aspects.

The Chemistry Behind Hockey Periods

Each hockey period lasts 20 minutes, with a 17-minute intermission for ice resurfacing by the ice-resurfacing machine, commonly known as a Zamboni. After each period, the Zamboni comes in to remove snow and add water to fill the cracks, ensuring the ice is stable and playable. This resurfacing process is crucial for maintaining the quality of the ice and preventing it from becoming too uneven during the game.

Ice Resurfacing Time: In a typical hockey arena, a Zamboni takes 10 minutes to resurface the ice, making it ready for play almost immediately. However, in the NHL, the building is kept near room temperature for fan comfort, which slows down the freezing process of the water added by the Zamboni. Ice Maintenance: The 20-minute period length allows the ice makers to improve and repair the surface twice during the game. Without this, the last few minutes of the period would be noticeably choppy, affecting passing and slowing down skaters.

The Business of Hockey

Beyond the technical aspects of ice maintenance, the 20-minute period length is also a strategic business decision. Apart from the time needed for ice resurfacing, the periods include commercial breaks, which are crucial for revenue generation.

Commercial Breaks: During each period, there are three TV timeouts, each lasting 6 minutes. This totals to about 45 minutes per period, including commercial breaks. TV stations aim to collect about 15 minutes of commercials every hour. These commercials are primarily placed during intermissions to maximize advertising revenue. Drawing Out the Game: Additionally, the longer intermission helps draw out the game, allowing analysts to explain the gameplay to viewers. This not only adds value to the broadcast but also keeps the audience engaged.

Field Hockey vs. Ice Hockey

In contrast, field hockey, a similar sport, does not face the same constraints and can be played in two halves without the need for multiple ice resurfacing processes. The absence of an aggravating playing surface means that field hockey sessions can focus solely on the game's intensity and skill.

Moreover, advances in technology, such as high-definition television, have made it easier to notice the degradation of the ice surface. When watching a hockey game, keep an eye on the ice surface during face-offs in the 17th minute or later. You will notice a clear difference in the quality of the playing surface compared to the pristine condition at the start of the period.

Conclusion: The 20-minute period length in hockey is a carefully balanced mix of technical requirements and business strategies. It ensures that the game remains fair and enjoyable while maximizing economic benefits for broadcasters and teams.