I only slightly remember game shows from my childhood days, I can't even remember what the models wore.
The concept alone sounds painful already. If we're talking about any serious heel height, it can only become painful by standing all the time.
That's one of the good things about fashion generally going more towards comfortable footwear. I don't think anybody should be forced to wear something that's painful in their job.
I think the key point is practice and routine. The second factor is of course the situation. Your described hockey game is a perfect example. I also kind of "live in my high heels", but walking, then standing for a long time, then walking again is also probably my worst-case scenario.
In a comfortable pair with let's say up to a 9 cm heel I will be fine, but with a 12 cm heel or more this can get really uncomfortable, even painful.