NZIHL GRAND FINAL GAME 2

STAR CITY STAMPEDE ARE WINNERS FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN A ROW AND TENTH CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL TITLE.

In a thrilling contest held on 17 August 2025, Southern Stampede secured a commanding victory over Botany Swarm with a final score of 6–3. The second leg of the Grand Final saw Southern Stampede dominate from the outset, clinching the championship series 2–0 and reaffirming their legacy as NZIHL champions.

The match was defined by decisive performances in each period. In the first, McRae opened the scoring just under a minute in, assisted by Ross and Harrison. McIntosh extended the lead on a power play with help from Ross and McCullum. Botany Swarm rallied late, narrowing the gap with a power-play goal from Pakozdi.

The second period saw Devlin and McIntosh add to the Stampede’s tally, both set up by Ross, while Fontaine responded for Swarm to keep hopes alive. Southern Stampede’s defensive prowess and clinical finishing were on full display, thwarting Botany’s advances.

Into the third, McRae struck again for the Stampede, followed by McIntosh’s second of the game. Pakozdi managed two goals for Botany, with assists from Carroll and Sandoy, but the Southern Stampede’s earlier momentum proved insurmountable.

Buckets off and sticks flying in the air was somewhat halted as things got a heated at the final buzzer. Nonetheless fighting spirit was going hard right till the end of the season.

With this result, Southern Stampede not only claimed Game 2 but swept the series, earning their fourth consecutive title and tenth Grand Final win overall. The victory showcased teamwork and resilience, cementing their place in NZIHL history.