Skycity Stampede edged West Auckland Admirals 4-3 in regulation, breaking a 2-2 tie with two goals in the third period. The home team’s third-period surge proved decisive in a tightly contested NZIHL affair.
The game opened with a 1-1 first period, and the sides traded goals again in the second to remain level at 2-2 after two. Stampede took control in the third, outscoring the Admirals 2-1 to secure the win.
While individual scorers were not disclosed, Stampede’s ability to generate a two-goal frame in the third period was the difference. The team finished with a 2-1 edge in the final period, enough to overcome a 4-3 final scoreline.