The Stampede secured a dominant 7-1 victory over the Canterbury Red Devils in Queenstown, with Colin McIntosh and Nolan Ross each scoring twice, and Max Macharg adding one to the tally. The following game was a closer match, with the home team leading 3-2 after the first period, thanks to goals from Connor Harrison, Ross, and Frear. Jordan Challis and McIntosh extended the lead to 5-2 going into the final period.
Although Canterbury managed to score two goals in the last period, the Stampede held on for the win. This victory placed them one point behind the league leaders, Botany Swarm, and six points ahead of the West Auckland Admirals.
In the upcoming weekend, the Wakatipu Wild women’s ice hockey team will face the Steel in Auckland. Despite missing key players Abbey Heale and Gracie Hellmrich, the Wild will have Polly Bennetts, Inge Kemp, and Zanzee Pielak-Jones back on the ice. Coach McIntosh emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, as two wins could propel them to the top of the league.
The Wild currently trails Auckland by four points, with the opportunity to claim the top spot with a successful weekend. Additionally, they are two points behind Christchurch, with the chance to secure the second position with a split result. However, two losses would put them in a tight battle for the remaining positions.
Both games will begin at 4.30pm and can be watched on the NZWIHL YouTube channel, offering fans the opportunity to witness the thrilling matchups.
