After reaching the New Zealand Ice Hockey League final four times since the league's formation in 2005 - and winning the competition twice - the Southern boys have landed their first home final.
Southern Stampede captain Simon Glass is expecting a sellout crowd.
"It will definitely be a hands-down sellout. I think tickets are pretty well sought-after already."
In all the games Glass has played in, including his Ice Blacks internationals, he said this home final was one of the most anticipated games.
"I think it's certainly up there."
Along with the entire Glass family on the sidelines next Saturday, he is expecting a supportive and vocal crowd from Queenstown.
He said the team had received phenomenal support all season, even throughout the early season blues when the Stampede could not win either at home or away.
The crowds never dwindled, he said, and the support for the sport had grown from the 2011 season when the Stampede also made the final against the Botany Swarm, which had been held in Auckland.
Glass and the rest of the team will be hoping the difference in a home venue for the finals hockey will mean the difference of being runner-up for two consecutive years or becoming competition winners in 2012.
The side has already walked into the off-season with the Toa Kauhanga Riri Tio Trophy, the NZIHL's equivalent of rugby's Ranfurly Shield.
However, coach Stephen Reid told the Otago Daily Times the home final meant more to the team than the trophy, which indicates a team hungry for the title.
The Stampede beat the Canterbury Red Devils twice in Christchurch at the weekend 6-5, and 6-2 to reach the final.
Glass said the team would not be changing that winning formula before Saturday and would commit to a game plan of physical presence against a slighter, faster, European-influenced Canterbury side.
"Everyone is going to be a little bit nervous, but we have got a fair bit of experience on our side.
"There's a bit of confidence there, but we're not cocky at all. We're just going to play our game."
More than a month ago, the late-season starters faced the improbable task of eight must-win matches to reach this point, but Reid and Glass said it was never in doubt.
"Everyone in the team knew we could do it. We're pretty stoked eight wins on," Glass said.
Although the Stampede still has one obstacle to get over before winning the cup, it can dwell on the historic home final for another 10 days.
"It's been a long time coming. This is our fifth trip to the final and our first at home."
