What is the Length of a Hockey Season?
The length of different professional hockey leagues varies, ranging from a short 48-game season to a full 82-game schedule. A hockey season typically takes place throughout the winter months until the playoffs in the spring, but specific dates can differ between leagues.
How Many Games in an NHL Season?
The National Hockey League (NHL) is the most popular hockey league in the world, and it typically features an 82-game season. That schedule is divided up into 41 home games and 41 away games for each team. The regular season usually begins in October and ends around April, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs beginning shortly after.
How Many Games in an AHL Season?
The American Hockey League (AHL) is the premier minor league in North America, and it typically features a shorter schedule than the NHL. An AHL season consists of just 76 games for each team, with 38 home games and 38 away games. The AHL season usually runs from October to April, with the Calder Cup Playoffs beginning in April.
Other Hockey Leagues
- The ECHL – The ECHL is one of the most popular minor hockey leagues, and it typically features a 72-game season. That schedule is divided up into 36 home games and 36 away games.
- Kontinental Hockey League (KHL): The KHL is a professional hockey league based in Russia and Eastern Europe, and it usually features a 54-game regular season.
- Swedish Hockey League (SHL): The SHL is the top-tier league in Sweden, and it usually features a 48-game regular season.
No matter which hockey league you’re following, the length of the season can be an important factor when planning for the year ahead. With an average of about 72-76 games, the NHL, AHL and other professional leagues give you plenty of chances to take in some arguably the best hockey action in the world.
