kuolleaika

Kuolleaika, also known as "dead time" in English, refers to a period during a sports match or competition where the game is temporarily halted, but the clock continues to run. This concept is most commonly associated with ice hockey, though it can also apply to other sports with stop-start gameplay.

In ice hockey, kuolleaika occurs when play is stopped due to a penalty, goal, or other interruptions such as a faceoff outside the neutral zone or a player leaving the ice. During these moments, the game clock remains active, meaning the remaining time in the period continues to count down. This can create pressure on the team with possession of the puck, as they must score before the period ends, even if the opposing team is penalized.

The term originates from Finnish hockey terminology and reflects the idea that the game is "dead" in terms of active play, yet time is still being lost for the team that does not score. Kuolleaika can significantly impact the outcome of a game, particularly in close contests, as teams must manage their penalties carefully to avoid running out of time.

While kuolleaika is most discussed in hockey, similar concepts exist in other sports. For example, in basketball, stoppage time occurs when the clock stops after a foul or other interruption, but the remaining time continues to count down. However, the term "kuolleaika" is uniquely tied to Finnish hockey culture and discussions about penalty management and game strategy.