Intermission in hockey is usually about 15–18 minutes long, with the NHL’s current standard at roughly 18 minutes between periods.

Quick Scoop: How Long Is Intermission in Hockey?

For most organized ice hockey:

  • Standard games have 3 periods of 20 minutes each.
  • There are 2 intermissions: between the 1st and 2nd period, and between the 2nd and 3rd.
  • Those breaks typically last 15–18 minutes , giving time for:
    • Ice resurfacing (the Zamboni run)
* Players to rest, rehydrate, and adjust strategy

* Arena entertainment, music, and contests for fans

In the NHL specifically , modern guidance and the 2023–24 rules put intermission time at about 18 minutes for regular season games. Many fan- guides and arena schedules will round this to a 15–20 minute window so people can grab food or use the bathroom without missing the next puck drop.

Does it change in playoffs or other leagues?

  • NHL playoffs: Intermissions before overtime are slightly shorter in some seasons (around 15 minutes), but still long enough to resurface the ice and reset teams.
  • Minor, junior, college, or recreational leagues:
    • Often use shorter intermissions , sometimes closer to 10–15 minutes, depending on arena schedules and ice crew speed.
  • Youth or local leagues:
    • May skip full resurfaces or use very short breaks, especially if they are on tight ice rental slots.

So if you’re planning a snack run at a pro game today, assume about 18 minutes from horn to next puck drop—but for local or non‑pro hockey, expect something in the 10–15 minute range unless told otherwise.

TL;DR: Intermission in hockey is typically 15–18 minutes , with NHL games using about 18 minutes between periods.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.