What comes to mind when you think of a Thunder v Stampede clash?
Heyd: It's always a fun game to play. There's a lot of rivalry there, and bragging rights in Otago. The whole team gets up for those games. People grow up playing together through age group so there's always a few friendly faces on the other team, but when you get on the ice there is no holding back.
Haines: Just a great Southern rivalry. We used to be one club - we won championships together. Since then, neither of us have won one. We've both been to the dance and been runner-up. There's definitely that little bit of extra edge going into the games.
What are your thoughts on the opposition and are there any key players that spring to mind?
Heyd: Every team has got their strong players. Our focus is going to be playing our own game and working on our own things and making sure we stick to our game plan and systems. Of course there is going to be a couple of key guys and imports we haven't seen before.
Haines: Obviously Paris Heyd is an incredible player. He's one of New Zealand's best skaters. We're excited to play against him. They're an extremely well-coached team, very disciplined and have some very explosive players. The start they have had doesn't mean anything. We have always battled each other no matter where we have been in the ranks. They're a team that can explode. The Thunder has started 1-0-3 and the Stampede 4-2-0.
Heyd: Definitely disappointing. Not how we wanted to start the season. In pre-season we showed what we are capable of with a couple of wins against Canterbury and the Stampede. But to head into the season and come away with one win from four games was definitely not what we wanted.
Haines: Great team buy-in and fantastic team culture has helped us. We made some great acquisitions with a couple of imports that came over, but also our young Kiwi boys are really doing their jobs and playing well. Our goalie, Aston Brookes, is off to a heck of a start. He's given us the chance to win every night.
Do you think there is more parity in the league this season?
Heyd: I think so. I think it's got a bit younger with players coming through. But I think that's pretty good for New Zealand ice hockey as a whole. For kids coming through, the skillset is way higher than anything that we have seen before. It's really good to see everyone has got a shot of beating everyone.
Haines: 100%. We have seen it already - any team can skate with any team. There have been wins going in all directions. I think the league is definitely getting tighter and the standard across it is improving.
