DYLAN DEVLIN
Thunder defenceman
It’s been a tough old season — the Thunder has just one win from 12 games — but how is the team feeling before the derby?
We knew coming into this season that it was going to be quite tough with so many young players. It’s a development year. But the boys are still having fun and always trying hard. We haven’t dropped our heads too much.
How do you enjoy playing against the Stampede?
They’re our favourite team to play, and probably the most fun games to play. There’s always that real competitiveness, and that high level of hockey. We know them quite well off the ice, too. We can throw our bodies at each other on the ice but then have a good laugh, which is cool. We always play our best against the Stampede. They’re obviously the best team at the moment and they’re more experienced and a bit bigger. So we’re excited and ready to step up to the challenge.
Which Stampede players will you guys need to watch?
Callum Burns and Stefan Amston. Both defencemen but they’ve been scoring a lot of goals this year. As soon as they step up into the play, it’s a bit dangerous. Connor Harrison and Max Macharg — when they shoot, they score.
You lead the Thunder with seven goals, but who else will be key for the home team?
A few of the younger boys. Jack Lewis has been really good lately. Noah Gregory always pulls out a few tricks, and he will be keen to do well against his old team. And our goalies will be amped for this game.
THOMAS CARSON-PRATT
Stampede forward
Top of the league — are you happy with how the Stampede is tracking?
Things are looking pretty good. We’ve got a lot of fresh faces and we’re younger than in some previous seasons, so we’re still improving. But we’re really starting to gel together and the young guys are filling their spots.
How do you enjoy playing against the Thunder?
I really enjoy it. I started my NZIHL career in Dunedin and played two seasons there when I was young. Then I came up to Queenstown but I went back for another season with the Thunder in 2016. I really enjoy playing on the big ice in Dunedin and catching up with a few people. I feel like the Dunedin guys always put on a good game against us. They might be trying to prove a point, being the really young team while we are almost the old dog in the league. It’s usually quite a physical, fast-paced game.
Which Thunder players will you be watching?
Ben Harford and Dylan Devlin up front. Both powerhouses.
Who are the danger men on the Stampede?
Stef Amston and Callum Burns. They’ve really been pulling their weight this season with a few goals so they will be two to watch on the big ice. And obviously our goalies have been playing really well all season.
