Well, let me tell you, it wasn’t always like that. Back in the day, before 1910, they used to play hockey with two halves of 30 minutes each. Can you imagine that? Two long halves of intense action on the ice.
But, here’s the thing, at the end of each half, the ice would be a complete mess. I mean, it was so rutted and covered with snow that it made it almost impossible to play the game properly. The players would be slipping and sliding all over the place, and it just slowed everything down.
So, the brilliant minds behind the sport decided to make a change. They introduced three periods of 20 minutes each. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
Not only did it give the players a chance to rest and catch their breath, but it also allowed for the ice to be cleaned one more time between periods. And trust me, that made all the difference. The players could actually skate on smooth ice, without worrying about snow slowing them down or causing them to lose their footing.
Plus, with three periods, it gave the coaches more opportunities to strategize and make adjustments. They could assess the game after each period and come up with new game plans for the next one. It added a whole new level of excitement and anticipation to the game.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why not just clean the ice during the intermission between the two halves? Well, my friend, it’s not that simple. You see, back in the day, the intermission wasn’t as long as it is now. They needed more time to properly clean the ice and make it playable again. And that’s why they decided to split the game into three periods instead.
I have to say, as a fan of the sport, I’m glad they made this change. It has truly enhanced the game and made it more enjoyable to watch. The intensity of each period, the strategic breaks, and the opportunity for the players to showcase their skills on a clean ice surface – it all adds up to an incredible experience.
So, the next time you watch a hockey game and wonder why there are three periods, just remember the days of rutted ice and snowy messes. The change to three periods was a game-changer, and it’s here to stay.