Inline Hockey - Periods and Overtime

Periods and Overtime

A professional game consists of two periods of twenty minutes each, the clock running only when the puck is in play. The teams change ends for the second period, and again at the start of each overtime played (playoffs only; same ends as the second period otherwise). Some leagues such as the American Inline Hockey League (AIHL), recreational leagues and children's leagues often play shorter games, generally with two shorter periods or three running clock periods of play.

Various procedures are used if a game is tied. Some leagues and tournaments do not use an overtime, unless a "winner" must be determined, such as in tournament pool play and league regular season. Others will us either one, or a combination of; sudden death overtime periods, or penalty shootouts.