Question for the historians...

[transplant99]

This is a subject that will be discussed on a radio show in Australia of all places, but the question has been asked of a Calgary radio personality and he is looking for a definitive answer if there is one.

Why is hockey played in 3 20 minute periods, rather than 2 halfs or 4 quarters or whatever.

Obviously ice quality is the biggest factor, and the game was played as 2 30 minute halves before 1911.

Just wondering if anyone has a definite answer to a rather obscure question?

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[Adriatic]

I think you just answered the question yourself..probably because of the ice. Playing 30 minutes on the ice too long, so 2 halfs is out of the question. Going 15 minutes per quarter is too short, you can't be stopping to clean the ice and going in the dressing room and going through the warms ups 3 times a game..you would just be wasting too much time there. So 20 minutes a period is perfect!