Rule 6.18 – Time of Game

Members and leagues may make their own rules regarding time of game for games under their jurisdiction. However, this rule must be applied in inter-Member or national competition.

Members may implement their own policy with regard to games that must be suspended due to factors beyond the control of the teams or Officials (e.g. power outage).

Three 20-minute periods of regulation playing time, with approximately a 10-minute intermission (when the ice is flooded) between each period, will be the maximum time allowed for each game.

Note 1: Members and Leagues may make their own rules regarding regulation time for games played under their jurisdiction, granted that it does not exceed the guidelines of this rule.
The team scoring the greater number of goals during the three regulation playing time periods will be the winner and will be credited with a “win” in the league standings.
Teams will change ends after the completion of each regulation period and each overtime period (except as stated in Rule 6.17 – Tied Game).

In the interval between periods, the ice surface will be resurfaced, unless mutually agreed to by the competing clubs or unless the facilities are not available.
If any unusual delay occurs within five minutes prior to the end of the first or second period, the Referee may order the next regular intermission to be taken immediately. The balance of the period will be completed on the resumption of play with the teams defending the same goals, after which the teams will change ends and resume play of the ensuing period without delay.
Each team will be permitted to take one time-out of 30 seconds during the course of regular playing time or overtime. This time-out must be taken during a normal stoppage of play. Any player designated by the Coach may indicate to the Referee that their team is exercising their option and the Referee will report the time-out to the Game Timekeeper who will be responsible for signaling the termination of the time-out.

The Referee will allow the calling of a time-out during a stoppage of play, at any time up to the point that the official blows the whistle to initiate the face-off procedure.

Note 1: All players, including goaltenders, on the ice at the time of the time-out will be allowed to go to their respective benches.

Note 2: Both teams may take their respective time-outs during the same stoppage of play. However, once a team has called its time-out, the second team must indicate its intentions to take a time-out during the same stoppage of play before the initial 30 seconds are over.

Note 3: The time-out rule is permitted in minor and female hockey stop-time games wherever the local Member gives approval. In Hockey Canada minor and female hockey regional and national championships, the time-out rule is to be used.