Hockey does not have quarters; instead, it is played in three periods. Each period lasts 20 minutes, making the total regulation time 60 minutes of play. Between the periods, there are intermissions typically lasting around 15 to 18 minutes, allowing players to rest and teams to strategize

. This three-period format is standard in professional leagues such as the NHL and has been in place for over a century. The structure differs from many other sports that use halves or quarters, like football or basketball. The reason for three periods historically includes allowing time for ice maintenance and player rest

. In summary:

• Hockey games have 3 periods.
• Each period is 20 minutes long.
• There are intermissions of about 15-18 minutes between periods.
• There are no quarters in hockey

Field hockey is an exception, as it is played in four 15-minute quarters, but ice hockey follows the three-period format