The Stampede dynasty shows no signs of slowing down.
Queenstown’s fiercest and best once again reminded the New Zealand ice hockey league where the puck slides strongest as they cruised to victory in the final this weekend.
The Stampede defeated the West Auckland Admirals 2-1 in game one on Friday evening, regaining their hands on the Birgel Cup as they stormed to a 4-2 victory in game two in front of their adoring fans on Saturday evening.
Of course, winning is never boring.
At the final whistle, the Stampede men celebrated wildly, with each player rushing onto the ice and throwing away helmets, sticks and gloves as they rushed to hug each other.
It was the Stampede’s fourth straight championship — the first two in that series were separated by Covid years — and a ninth overall since the league began in 2005.
A key moment late in the final series came just before the second period break in game two.
The scores were tied 1-1 – Lachlan Frear had converted a power play for the Stampede and Alexander Regan had replied for the Admirals – when the Aucklanders lost a man to hooking.
Nolan Ross stepped up to bury the penalty shot and made it 2-1 for the home team heading into the final period.
Ross scored an insurance goal and Jordan Challis scored an empty net goal to put the result beyond doubt, and although Taylor Rooney had a late consolation for the Admirals, the celebrations were ready to get underway at the Queenstown Ice Arena.
Stampede goalkeeper Aston Brookes saved 21 of the 23 shots he faced.
The Stampede had made a good start in the first game, with Ross opening the scoring on assists from Jett McCullum and Colin McIntosh before McCullum made it 2-0.
Although the Admirals dominated much of the second and third periods, they were only able to score once – through Pim van der Meulen on the power play – as Joel Hasselman saved 39 of 40 shots in the Stampede goal.
Canadian star Ross was named MVP in both the finals and season and lifted the scoring trophy, while Brookes was named top goalkeeper.
Dunedin Thunder youngster Will Bary received the Dale Harrop Memorial Award for rookie of the year.
