In what’s shaping up to be the tightest contest in New Zealand Ice Hockey League history, just one point separates the top three on the leaderboard, with the Stampede just ahead of the West Auckland Admirals, both on 18 points, but separated by goal differential.
Sitting in top place, with three rounds left in the regular season, is Auckland’s Botany Swarm, while Phoenix Thunder’s in fourth, on 14, points — they’ve all played 10 games, while the Canterbury Red Devils, in fifth with 3 points, have only played eight.
"There probably hasn’t been a season where it’s been this close, from memory, at all," coach Cam Frear says.
"It’s great for the league, because all the games have been so close and there’s split weekends, where one team wins and then the other team wins, so it’s been exciting."
In fact, so far this season Stampede’s only managed to skate away with two consecutive wins — against the Red Devils — in the second round; every other weekend’s been a split result, including most recently when the team travelled to Auckland, losing 5-2 against the Admirals in the first game, before taking them apart, 9-1, in the second.
Frear says during the second game, "it all really clicked together", something he’s hoping to replicate this weekend when they face the Red Devils at home.
"It would be good to be able to start piecing together two good games in a row and then, from there, build towards playoffs."
But he’s also aware of the challenge that lies ahead — to get home ice advantage for the semifinals, Stampede need to finish first or second on the table.
"With six games to go, there’s everything to play for ... every one’s a must-win if you want to guarantee yourself home finals."
- SkyCity Stampede v Canterbury Red Devils, Queenstown Ice Arena, Friday and Saturday — puck drop 7pm both nights
Stampede fundraiser
The SkyCity Stampede ice hockey team is holding its annual quiz night next Saturday, at SkyCity Queenstown. Kicking off at 7pm, tables of six cost $210 — there are limited tables of four and eight — which includes two free drinks and nibbles.
To book a table, email events@skycity stampede.com
