How many periods are played in a professional ice hockey game?

A professional ice hockey game consists of three periods. Each period is typically 20 minutes long, with a total game time of 60 minutes, excluding stoppages for penalties, goals, and other interruptions. This format has been standard for professional leagues, such as the National Hockey League (NHL), ensuring a consistent and exciting structure for both teams and fans.

While there are various forms of hockey with different rules and periods, the three-period structure is distinctive to professional play, making it a critical aspect of understanding the game. Other options, such as four periods or two periods, do not accurately reflect the rules governing professional ice hockey competitions.