Stampede win away from 2nd title in row

The Southern Stampede is one win away from securing back-to-back titles in the National Ice Hockey League.

The defending champion moved closer to securing what would be the club’s fourth national title and a second in a row with a convincing 6-2 win against the Canterbury Red Devils in Christchurch on Saturday.

The Stampede has been the benchmark side all season and asserted its authority in the second spell, putting a couple of goals in the net to take a 3-1 lead into the final period.

Canterbury’s Matt Puntureri pulled one back early in the final period to make it 3-2.

But the turning point came when the competition’s leading scorer, Jade Portwood, netted his 23rd goal of the campaign.

The Stampede was able to add another two goals to record a very comfortable victory.

"We got the result we were looking for, so we’re happy with that," Stampede coach Adam Blanchette said.

The win has left the Stampede as red-hot favourite for game two in Queenstown on Friday.

The Stampede can secure the title with a win but, should the Devils find a way to beat the Stampede on its home ice, then the finals series will be decided in game three at the same venue the following night.

"Last year, I think we lost the first game of the playoffs ... so I’m very happy the boys rose to the challenge."

United States import Mike McRae led the way for the Stampede with two goals and an assist. Canadian goalie Adrian Volpe also had a strong match and local player Callum Burns was also impressive.

"[Burns] had a real standout game for us. He just did all the little things ... and he was sick with the flu all week as well. He really rose to the occasion and I think the rest of the boys saw that and bought into it."

Portwood had a solid game as well.

His goal was "the straw that broke the camel’s back", Blanchette said.

"When he is going, everybody else gets going. It is kind of contagious."