The Dunedin Thunder got more than a reality check - it was thumped 16-4 by the Canterbury Red Devils in Christchurch on Saturday.
The Thunder had a harsh introduction to the New Zealand Ice Hockey League last weekend when it was outclassed 8-2 and 10-3 by the Southern Stampede and the Red Devils respectively.
While it was well beaten in its opening matches, it showed it could be competitive with some promising play.
The Thunder was hoping to build on that form but was steamrolled by the Red Devils in the first 20min, conceding 11 goals.
Assistant coach Alan O'Connor struggled to explain why his side was flat.
"We don't know why they weren't ready to play," he said.
"They just completely forgot their training, the systems broke down.
It was like they were on another planet."
Trailing 1-11, the Thunder rallied, losing the second spell 1-2 and the final period 2-3.
Forward Damian Watson took a leadership role in the sheds and helped keep the spirits up.
The Thunder emerged from the break with the resolve that had been missing earlier.
Forward James van Leeuwen was a workhorse for the Thunder and scored a brace of goals.
The Thunder plays the Southern Stampede in Queenstown on Friday, and O'Connor said there was plenty to work on at practice this week.
"We do have some hard work ahead.
We knew this was going to be a three-five year project because when Canterbury came into the league they had four years before they became the competitive team they are.
"We know there are no short cuts."
