If you’re new to hockey or planning to attend your first game, you might wonder, if a hockey game starts at 7 what time will it end This is a common question for many fans. Hockey games can vary in duration due to different factors, but there are general guidelines to help estimate the end time.
What is if a hockey game starts at 7 what time will it end
The question “If a hockey game starts at 7, what time will it end?” is essentially asking about the typical duration of a hockey game. A standard hockey game lasts around 2.5 hours, but several factors can affect this timing, including overtime, penalties, and stoppages.
In general, a regular hockey game consists of three periods of 20 minutes each, with two 15-20 minute intermissions in between. Without interruptions, the total game time would be about 60 minutes of play and about 40 minutes of intermission time. This brings the game duration to approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. If the game starts at 7 PM, it will likely end around 9:30 PM.
Basic Structure of a Hockey Game
Hockey is structured into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. However, the total time the game takes to complete is much longer due to breaks and potential stoppages. The standard breakdown looks like this:
First Period:
20 minutes of play
Intermission:
15-20 minutes break
Second Period:
20 minutes of play
Intermission:
15-20 minutes break
Third Period:
20 minutes of play
So, in an ideal world, a hockey game should last 60 minutes of gameplay, plus two intermissions that total about 40 minutes. But that’s only part of the story. The estimated time for a regular hockey game is about two and a half hours.
Factors Affecting Hockey Game Duration
Although the structure of a game seems straightforward, several factors can affect the actual time when the game will end. If a hockey game starts at 7, it might not end exactly 2.5 hours later. Here are some factors that could extend the time.
Overtime and Shootouts:
If the game ends in a tie after the three periods, overtime may be added. Overtime is typically 5 minutes of sudden death, meaning the first team to score wins. If no team scores, the game moves to a shootout, which can also extend the game by a few minutes.
Penalties:
Hockey is a fast-paced and physical sport. Penalties and infractions are common, leading to stoppages. During these moments, the game clock stops, which extends the overall duration.
Television Timeouts:
If you’re watching a game on television, expect commercial breaks to further stretch the game time. Television timeouts add a few extra minutes to each period.
Injuries and Game Stoppages:
Injuries during a game result in additional stoppage time. When a player is injured, the game pauses while the player is assisted, which can last a few minutes or longer.
Example of Estimated End Time for a Hockey Game
If a hockey game starts at 7 PM and it runs for the typical 2.5 hours, the game should end around 9:30 PM. However, as mentioned earlier, factors like overtime, shootouts, and penalties can push the end time later. To understand this better, here’s a basic time structure:
| Time | Event | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Game Starts | — |
| 7:20 PM | First Period Ends | 20 minutes |
| 7:35 PM | Intermission Ends | 15 minutes |
| 7:55 PM | Second Period Ends | 20 minutes |
| 8:10 PM | Second Intermission Ends | 15 minutes |
| 8:30 PM | Third Period Ends (Game Ends) | 20 minutes |
| 9:30 PM | Estimated Game End | 2 hours, 30 minutes |
If a hockey game starts at 7, what time will it end? According to this estimate, it should end around 9:30 PM. However, this is based on the assumption that no delays occur, and the game doesn’t go into overtime or shootouts.
Extended Game Scenarios
There are instances where hockey games can extend well beyond their regular time. Here are some scenarios to consider:
Overtime in the Playoffs:
Unlike the regular season, where overtime is limited to 5 minutes, playoff games can have multiple overtime periods. Each overtime period lasts for 20 minutes, similar to the regular periods. If no team scores during an overtime period, another overtime starts, which means playoff games can last much longer.
Shootouts:
While shootouts in the regular season are limited, they can extend the game by an additional 10 minutes or more, depending on how quickly each team scores.
So, if a hockey game starts at 7, what time will it end in these extended cases? If it goes into overtime or a shootout, the game may not end until 9:45 PM or 10:00 PM. In rare cases, such as multiple overtime periods, it could stretch beyond this time.
Enjoying the Full Experience
For most fans, the excitement of a hockey game is in the fast-paced action, but the time factor is also important. If you’re planning to attend, you may want to consider the possibility that the game could go beyond the expected 2.5 hours. Bringing this into consideration, if you’re attending a 7 PM game, it’s wise to plan for an end time of around 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
If a hockey game starts at 7, what time will it end? Most of the time, you can expect the game to wrap up by 9:30 PM, but always leave room for extra time due to unforeseen delays.
Tips for Planning Your Evening if a hockey game starts at 7 what time will it end
Now that we’ve broken down the typical duration and scenarios for a hockey game, here are a few tips to help you plan:
Arrive Early:
Hockey arenas often open their doors about an hour before the game. Arriving early gives you time to find your seat, grab snacks, and settle in before the puck drops at 7 PM.
Check for Pre-Game Activities:
Some hockey games feature pre-game events like player warm-ups or national anthems, which are part of the overall experience.
Post-Game Traffic:
If you’re driving to the game, consider the time it will take to exit the venue. Leaving right at the end of the game can result in traffic congestion as everyone tries to leave at the same time.
Plan for Overtime:
As mentioned, games can extend due to overtime and other delays. If you have commitments after the game, keep this in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical hockey game last
A typical hockey game lasts about 2.5 hours, including three 20-minute periods and two intermissions, each lasting 15-20 minutes.
What time will a hockey game that starts at 7 PM end?
If a hockey game starts at 7 PM, it will likely end around 9:30 PM, though overtime or other delays could extend it to 10 PM or later.
Can a hockey game go longer than 2.5 hours?
Yes, if the game goes into overtime or there are additional stoppages for penalties or injuries, it can extend beyond 2.5 hours.
conclusion
In conclusion, if a hockey game starts at 7 what time will it end? The most common answer is around 9:30 PM, assuming no major interruptions occur. However, the factors we’ve discussed, such as overtime, penalties, and television timeouts, can extend this time. If you’re attending a game, it’s always a good idea to prepare for a longer night. Whether you’re watching from the stands or tuning in from home, understanding the timing of a hockey game ensures you won’t miss a single moment of the excitement.
