Ice hockey is one of the fastest team sports in the world and it’s quite unique as player substitutions are often made “on the fly” right in the middle of the fast-paced action
Pro hockey players typically know it’s time to get off the ice and change lines after approximately a 45-to-60-second shift. This is because it’s been taught to them and practiced throughout their careers since they were youngsters. However, shifts in recreational hockey are often as long as two to three minutes.
Line Changes in Hockey (How it Works)
There are two defensemen, three forwards, and a goalie on the ice at all times during a hockey game when teams are at full strength. The defenders and forwards usually change with players of the same position every 45 seconds or so.
With each team typically icing four forward lines and three pairs of defencemen, this means players are flying over the boards all game long during the action. Line changes are also made during stoppages when the officials have whistled the play dead.
Read our related post “Ice Hockey Positions and Roles Explained” here.
What Happens if there Are Too Many Players on the Ice at a Time?
With each team allowed six players on the ice at a time when at full strength, they will receive a two-minute minor penalty if they’re caught with any extra players on the ice during play. This often happens when players make a bad line change and somebody has jumped onto the ice who wasn’t supposed to. It can also occur if somebody enters the action before the player they’re replacing leaves the ice surface. In the NHL, a substitute player is allowed when the outgoing player is within five feet of their own bench.
When a team is caught with an extra player or players on the ice they’re assessed a bench penalty known as “Too many men on the ice.” A bench penalty means no specific player is penalized and the team’s coach can decide who serves the penalty. However, it must be a player who was on the ice when the infraction was called.
The legal number of players on the ice at a time will change during a game depending on the specific situation. For example, a team may be reduced to four or three players plus a goalie if it has one or two players in the penalty box at the time. This means a too many men on the ice penalty will be called if they have more than the legal number of players, which could be four or five plus a goalie.
How Long is the Average NHL Shift?
The average NHL shift is 45 to 60 seconds long but varies depending on a number of factors. Most coaches like their players to change lines quickly but this isn’t always possible, depending on the situation on the ice. For example, a team may be hemmed in their own end for an extended period of time which makes it virtually impossible to change lines. Also, the players’ bench is at the far end of the ice during the second period for each team and this makes it more difficult to make changes during the action.
As a hockey player myself, I have been on the ice for 3-minute shifts and also 10-second shifts, your coach may be strategizing against the other team causing different shift lengths. Often, long shifts are due to getting caught in your own end as I mentioned above, while short shifts are due to your coach strategizing and picking players to be on the ice for a particular reason.
As an example, a coach may change a player to win a faceoff, perhaps there is a faceoff in the offensive zone and your defense coach wants the best shooter on the point, really it comes down to strategy for many line changes.
How do NHL Players Coordinate Line Changes?
By the time hockey players reach the elite level of the sport, they know enough when to change lines. If the coach feels they’ve been on the ice too long the next line will often stand up at the players’ bench to let them know it’s time to get off the ice.
It’s important to change at the right time however and this means you should only come off the ice when the puck is in the other team’s zone or when you have complete control of it in the neutral zone. Players should never change when the puck is in their own defensive zone unless they’re injured or their gear is damaged.
What is the Average Number of Shifts Per Game in the NHL?
Since there are 60 minutes in a regulation NHL game the number of total shifts is generally anywhere between 60 and 90. Of course, not each player will see the ice for an equal amount of time as some players may receive just five minutes of ice time on average while others may play over 20 minutes. In general, defencemen play more minutes per game since there are fewer of them dressed as opposed to forwards and goaltenders usually play the entire game unless they’re removed for an extra attacker.
The shifts are generally short since it takes a great deal of energy and stamina to play the physically-demanding sport and this often begins to diminish within 60 seconds. However, some shifts may last longer if players are on the ice for strategic reasons such as while the team is on the power play or killing a penalty. Some players may stay on the ice for an entire two-minute penalty for instance.
Basically, hockey is an anaerobic sport not an aerobic sport, so it’s played in fast, short intervals with each shift being considered a sprint rather than a marathon. After a player goes all out for 30 to 60 seconds with a short burst of energy they will try to change with a teammate. If they stay on the ice too long and become physically tired it could lead to a mistake which may result in a goal against or a penalty.
Is it Different in Kids Hockey?
In minor house-league hockey for youngsters, players often knew when it was time to change lines thanks to a buzzer that would sound in the rink. This usually goes off in two-minute intervals and players would then change while the play comes to a halt.
However, as players get older the buzzer system becomes a thing of the past and teams then learn how to change on the fly during the action when it’s necessary. The buzzer system serves its purpose well since some kids enjoy themselves so much they never want to come off the ice.
Final Thoughts
When playing hockey the mentality is to get on and get off within a minute and to give it your all each shift you’re on the ice. It’s a demanding sport which requires players to perform at their best and this is why it’s important to have fresh legs on the ice as often as possible. It’s often the difference between winning and losing.
Ian is an experienced ice hockey writer with a passion for the game. He has been covering hockey for over 25 years and has contributed to various publications. He covers all aspects of the sport, from NHL rules to in-depth analysis of the game as well as previews. Ian is also an avid fan who attends numerous games and has played hockey regularly since moving to Canada at the age of 10.