The first match of the three-game finals series was expected to be tight and that is exactly what happened.
No goals were scored in the opening period as the West Auckland side moved forward but could not find a way past Stampede goaltender Aston Brooks.
He was helped by those in front of him as the Stampede stayed strong.
In the second period, West Auckland scored first but did not hold the lead for long. Captain Matt Schneider scored from a penalty and Tomi Matrikainen then added another as the visiting side took the lead with one period to go.
The game opened up a bit and further goals from Schneider, Connor Harrison and Klye Mulders secured victory for the Stampede.
Schneider said the game was expected to be even and that is exactly what happened as both sides pushed for openings and did not stand back.
The Stampede was better at taking the opportunities which came along and then held firm at the end as the home team tried to launch a comeback.
The Queenstown-based side will now have its chance to win the league with a game in Queenstown on Friday night.
If Admirals win on Friday night, a deciding match will be played in Queenstown on Saturday night.
Schneider said the team needed to not get ahead of itself and just concentrate on doing the basics well. A full house was expected for the game on Friday night which was sure to spur the home team on.
