Why do hockey players switch out so much? Most people work shifts in their jobs. Hockey players do too, but their shifts are anything but ordinary. They strap razor-sharp blades to their feet and glide across slippery ice, firing rubber pucks at a goalie at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. Because of this intensity, hockey shifts are much shorter than typical work shifts. These bursts of action, known as shifts, are when players perform their high-octane duties on the ice.
In this article, you’ll discover what a hockey shift is, how it functions, why they’re so brief, and how to determine the perfect moment for a player to change shifts. Plus, you’ll learn about the one situation when you should NEVER change shifts.
Here’s How Shifts Work in Hockey:
Hockey is an anaerobic sport filled with short bursts of high-speed play. To maintain this intensity for a full 60 minutes, players must take frequent breaks. They’re organized into different “lines” that take turns playing short, high-energy sessions, rotating approximately every 45 seconds.
What Is a Hockey Shift?
A hockey shift occurs when a “line” takes their turn on the ice while other lines rest on the bench. Teams are typically divided into 4 lines of 3 forwards and 3 pairs of 2 defensemen. Each line rotates every 45 seconds or so to sustain game intensity and allow for rest.
What Are Hockey Lines?
Each forward shares their shift with linemates chosen by the coach, and each defenseman works alongside their defensive partner. These carefully crafted lines ensure that the high pace of the game is maintained, while players get the rest they need to perform at their best.
Why do hockey players switch out so much?
Why do hockey players switch out so much? Hockey teams use shifts because ice hockey is an incredibly demanding sport. The extreme physicality requires players to change frequently to avoid quick fatigue.
But there’s more to it than just stamina; it’s all part of hockey strategy. A “shift” represents the time a specific line plays on the ice. Coaches strategize to get certain players on specific lines to match up against the opponent’s lines. For example, when the opposing team puts out their top scorers, a coach might deploy his best defensive forwards to shut them down.
By dividing the team into lines with specific timing, coaches can outplay the opposition, making shifts a crucial part of the game.
How Long Should Hockey Shifts Be?
In the NHL, players typically have 45-second shifts. These short shifts are due to the high intensity of the game; players are usually exhausted in under a minute.
Other competitive leagues follow a similar shift duration. But what about youth hockey?
That’s a different story. Younger players, especially those under 13, tend to have longer shifts. They don’t perform at the same intensity as older players, so the game is slower, necessitating longer shifts. However, as players hit 12-14 years old, their shifts should shorten to around one minute or less.
How Do Hockey Players Know When to Change Shifts?
Coaches send players out on shifts with their line or defensive partner, but how do players know when to get off the ice?
Here are a few signals for players to end their shift:
- Their shift reaches about 45 seconds
- Their linemates start heading back to the bench
- An opposing line gets on the ice that isn’t their match-up
There are also critical moments when players should never leave the ice:
If you’re defending in your own zone, don’t leave the ice unless injured or dealing with a significant equipment issue. Staying on the ice in these situations is crucial to maintaining defensive strength.
Understanding these strategies and timing helps players and coaches keep up the pace and stay competitive in the game.
How Long Is an Average NHL Shift?
The average NHL shift lasts about 45 seconds. This seems to be the sweet spot, allowing players to maintain maximum intensity without sacrificing performance. At 100% effort, a player typically runs out of steam right around the 45-second mark. Interestingly, shifts are getting even shorter lately. During the 2018-19 season, the Philadelphia Flyers tracked their shift times, averaging 44 seconds. Fast-forward to the 2019-20 season, and that average dropped to 41 seconds per shift.
How Many Shifts Does a Hockey Player Have?
An average first-line NHL player takes about 30 to 40 shifts per game. With shifts averaging 45 seconds, this amounts to roughly 22:30 to 30 minutes of ice time per game. While shifts are brief, top players still manage to be on the ice for about a third to half of the game. On average, NHL players get about 23 minutes of game time, while goalies clock in at around 58-60 minutes. The slight drop from a full 60 minutes is due to teams pulling their goalies in the final moments if they’re trailing.
Who Calls Line Changes in Hockey?
In the NHL, coaches typically handle line changes. Traditionally, coaches matched forwards against other forwards, ensuring the top line faced off against the opponent’s top line. However, the trend has shifted towards matching players against defenders. Head coaches usually manage forward line changes, while assistant coaches often oversee changes for defensemen. This strategy ensures the right matchups between forwards and defensive pairings.
Why Are Hockey Shifts Way Shorter Than Other Sports?
Hockey is an anaerobic sport, driven by short, powerful bursts of energy, making it one of the most intense sports around. Due to the high intensity and rapid energy expenditure, players need short shifts and longer breaks to recover.
