Last updated on November 3rd, 2023 at 05:22 pm
According to NHL.com, a regular-season game will have an intermission run for fifteen minutes and thirty seconds. However, if the game is on a prime-time TV spot, you can expect seventeen minutes of intermission. After the breaks are over, you have a faceoff to begin the next quarter.
There are three primary reasons for the intermission break during a National Hockey League match. First, the Zamboni comes out to clean up the ice rink from the previous period. Cleaning up the ice is a combination of washing, shaving, and then leaving a layer of water behind to freeze.
Second, the intermission allows teams to take a break and strategize about what to do in the next period. Similar to an NFL halftime, the intermission is a great way to pause during the consistent action to regroup as a team. Another benefit of the break is that players can rest up a bit before the action resumes.
Third, the intermission break allows fans to use the bathroom and get food and drinks during the pause in the action. Nobody wants to miss the action, so giving a delay offers fans the chance to take a break themselves. If you watch the game on TV, the intermission is when you will see the most consecutive ads.
How Many Intermissions are During a Regular Ice Hockey Game?
There are two regular intermissions during a three-period NHL hockey game. The first intermission comes between the first and second periods, while the second occurs between the second and third periods. After the Zamboni cleans up the ice, the refs skate around the rink to make sure the ice is suitable for the NHL teams to resume action.
Conclusion: How Long is a Hockey Intermission
In summary, a hockey intermission benefits fans, players, concession stand owners, and advertisers. The break-in action allows teams to strategize while fans can get up and stretch and buy more drinks and food. Not only that, but some fans also enjoy watching the Zamboni clean up the ice in one fluid motion.
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Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.