Southern Stampede kept its national title hopes alive last night with a convincing 4-2 win in a feisty game against the Canterbury Red Devils in Queenstown.
Captain Bert Haines said the team took a different approach to the game after defeat last weekend.
The pre-match pitch focused on personal responsibility and the ability to activate a game plan.
''We were focused a bit too much [last week] on what the other team was doing and maybe lost sight of all the good things we do,'' Haines said.
Stampede dominated the opening, with three shots on goal within the first minute.
Adam Blanchette was the first to find the back of the net for Stampede with 17.48sec on the clock.
It was countered by the Red Devils through a shot from Dean Tonks.
The Stampede then struck back with a goal from Matthew Schneider.
Tayler Kennedy from Stampede and Christopher Eaden of Red Devils were told to hit the bench after fighting and the referee called out the Red Devils for having too many players on the ice with minutes left on the first period.
In the second period, Jade Portwood made it 3-1.
The aggression continued and a scuffle broke out between Greg Collins and Hayden Argyle.
In the opening of the third period, Argyle had to come off the ice after a collision defending his goal line.
With 10.22sec on the clock Braden Lee raised the roof of Queenstown Ice Arena as the puck found the back of the net.
Haines said the team brought everything to the table.
He commended goal keeper Aston Brookes who made big saves at crucial times.
Lee was also praised, having returned to New Zealand only yesterday after a trip to Canada.
Lee has announced his retirement from Southern Stampede and the New Zealand Ice Hockey League.
''We have the championship on the line now. This is exciting. We are a confident group,'' Haines said.
- Louise Scott
