Stampede a five-time champion

Stampede’s Colin McIntosh (centre) has his eyes on the prize during the New Zealand Ice Hockey...
Stampede’s Colin McIntosh (centre) has his eyes on the prize during the New Zealand Ice Hockey League final at the Queenstown Ice Rink last night, battling against West Auckland Admirals’ Blake Jackson (left) and goalie Rick Parry. Stampede won the game 5-2. PHOTO: BLAIR PATTINSON
Stampede by name, Stampede by nature.

Last night the Queenstown-based ice hockey team lifted the Birgel Cup in front of an ecstatic home crowd after winning the New Zealand Ice Hockey League championship for the third consecutive year.

The Stampede had already beaten the West Auckland Admirals in Auckland last weekend, 5-3.

The home-town heroes backed that up last night in front of a sold-out crowd, winning 5-2.

Colin McIntosh and Mitchell Frear made it 2-0 after the first period, before captain Matt Schneider - named league MVP after the game - took it to 3-0 about half way through the second period.

McIntosh hit the back of the net again, giving the home side a 4-0 advantage going into the final period.

The Admirals scored twice in the third, before disaster struck the Stampede.

Stalwart Braden Lee had to be helped from the ice after appearing to have been knocked out with about three minutes to go - but he was back in time to watch team-mate Callum Burns put the Stampede completely out of reach with just under 30 seconds left on the clock.

Last night's win made it the fifth time the team has won the championship since 2005. In doing so, Stampede has become the most successful side in the league's history.

tracey.roxburgh@odt.co.nz

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