How long is a para ice hockey game?
B · Beginner · The game · 2 of 3A team lists up to 13 players and 2 goalkeepers, or 14 players if one is a woman. Games are three 15-minute periods, with one time-out each. A tie goes to sudden-victory overtime, four skaters a side: 5 minutes in early games, 10 in knockouts and 15 for gold. Then three shooters a side take penalty shots.
How it works
- Roster: 13 players and 2 goalkeepers.
- With a woman: 14 players.
- Periods: three of 15 minutes.
- Time-out: one minute each.
- Overtime: sudden victory, four skaters.
- Lengths: 5, 10 or 15 minutes.
- Shootout: three shooters, then one at a time.
- Changes: any time, from the bench.
The glossary has the team composition, the game time, the time-out, the overtime, the penalty shot shootout and the line change.
Tricky cases
Can the same player shoot twice in the first three shots?
No. Three different shooters.
Do teams change ends for the shootout?
No.
Can a goalkeeper be swapped in a shootout?
Only if hurt.
Who can talk to the referee about rules?
Only the captain and alternates.
Why the rule exists
The extra roster place encourages teams to include women.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | 5-minute overtime | R 603 |
| Gold medal | 15 minutes | R 604 |
| Roster | 14 with a woman | R 700 |
From the rule book
World Para Ice Hockey, Rules 2018-2022 (V2, effective 1 October 2018), rules 600 to 605 and 700 to 704. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPIH Rules, Regulations and Classification Rules.