Maths in hockey: match or routine time

Quick answer

Maths in hockey helps you understand how long games last, when breaks happen, and how to read the clock to know when the game is over.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to read hockey clocks, understand how long hockey matches last, and tell the time when periods begin and end.

• You can read a hockey clock showing minutes and seconds
• You know how long each period is in a hockey game
• You can tell when a hockey game starts and finishes
• You can count how many periods there are in a hockey match

Why this matters

When you watch hockey, you need to know how long the game lasts and when the time is up. Hockey matches are split into periods, and each period has a time limit. Understanding time in hockey helps you follow the game better and know when players can rest or when the game ends.

Learning about hockey time also helps you with maths in school. You use clocks, counting, and time in many ways – like when you are waiting for your turn at the bus stop or when you are counting down to your birthday party.

Whether you are playing hockey or just watching, knowing how time works in hockey makes the game more fun and exciting!

How it works

Let’s break down how hockey time works:

1. Each hockey game is split into three periods.
2. Each period lasts 20 minutes.
3. There are short breaks between periods called intermissions.
4. At the end of the third period, the game is over.

So a hockey game lasts:

• 3 periods × 20 minutes = 60 minutes of playing time

But that doesn’t include the time for breaks, so a hockey game usually takes around 90 minutes to finish.

Examples you can see

Imagine you are watching a hockey game on TV:

Period 1: The game starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 2:20 PM.

Intermission: There is a 15-minute break from 2:20 PM to 2:35 PM.

Period 2: The game continues from 2:35 PM to 2:55 PM.

Intermission: Another 15-minute break from 2:55 PM to 3:10 PM.

Period 3: The final period starts at 3:10 PM and ends at 3:30 PM.

Game Over: The hockey game finishes at 3:30 PM.

Here is a table showing how a hockey game is split:

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are the hockey timekeeper for a school hockey game!

Adventure: You need to help your team by keeping track of the time. Your job is to make sure everyone knows when each period starts and ends.

Task 1: The game starts at 10:00 AM. What time does Period 1 end?

Task 2: After Period 1, there is a 10-minute break. What time does Period 2 start?

Task 3: Period 2 ends at 10:40 AM. What time does Period 3 start?

Task 4: Period 3 ends at 11:00 AM. What time is the game over?

Task 5: How many minutes long is the whole game?

Can you solve the time puzzle?

1. Period 1 ends at 10:20 AM
2. Period 2 starts at 10:30 AM
3. Period 3 starts at 10:50 AM
4. Game over at 11:10 AM
5. Total game time is 70 minutes

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that a hockey game lasts 60 minutes because there are 3 periods of 20 minutes each.

  Why it happens: Children often forget that there are breaks between periods.

  Fix: Remember that there are 15-minute breaks between periods, so the game takes longer than just the playing time.

• Mistake: Mixing up which period is which when reading the clock.

  Why it happens: The periods look the same on the clock, and it can be confusing to know when the game switches from one to the next.

  Fix: Use a simple chart or list to help you remember which period is which and when it starts and ends.

• Mistake: Not understanding how to add time to find the end of a period.

  Why it happens: Children may not be confident with adding minutes to a clock time.

  Fix: Practice adding 20 minutes to any starting time. Use a clock or number line to help you.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child understand hockey time by:

1. Playing a game where you ask your child to add 20 minutes to a given time. For example, if a period starts at 3:00 PM, what time does it end?
2. Using a real clock or a digital timer to practice timing 20-minute periods with 15-minute breaks.
3. Watching a hockey game together and asking your child to tell you when each period starts and ends.
4. Creating a chart or poster with the hockey game schedule for practice.
5. Encouraging your child to imagine they are the timekeeper for a game at home, like a pretend hockey match.

Remember, it’s okay if your child makes mistakes. Time is a tricky concept, but with practice, they will get better at reading clocks and understanding how hockey games are timed.

Practice questions

1. What time does Period 1 end if the game starts at 1:00 PM?
2. How long is one hockey period?
3. How many periods are in a hockey game?
4. If Period 2 starts at 2:30 PM, what time does it end?
5. What is the total time of a hockey game including breaks?

Answers:

1. Period 1 ends at 1:20 PM
2. One hockey period is 20 minutes
3. There are 3 periods in a hockey game
4. Period 2 ends at 2:50 PM
5. A hockey game takes around 90 minutes to finish

FAQ

How long does a hockey game last?

A hockey game lasts about 90 minutes, including 3 periods of 20 minutes each and breaks between them.

What happens during the intermission?

During the intermission, players rest, teams get ready for the next period, and fans can enjoy a break from the game.

Can hockey periods be different lengths?

No, in regular hockey games, each period is always 20 minutes long. In special cases like overtime, periods may be shorter.

How do I know which period is happening?

You can look at the clock on the screen or the scoreboard. Each period is usually marked with a number like “Period 1”, “Period 2”, or “Period 3”.

Why is time important in hockey?

Time helps you know when the game is over, when players can rest, and how much time is left in each period. It makes the game more exciting and easier to follow!