Once the benchmark team in the league, the Queenstown-based side claimed back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006.
It was knocked off its pedestal by the Botany Swarm in 2007 and endured a lean year last season, claiming the woodenspoon. But rookie coach Stephen Reid was thrilled with his side's opening effort against the defending champion.
The Stampede beat the Swarm 6-4 in Auckland on Saturday but could not quite repeat the feat on Sunday, losing 5-4.
"I was ecstatic to be honest," Reid said.
"Obviously, we wanted to get two wins.
But the boys put in a huge effort and that is all you can ask. It was a good result."
Swedish forward Adnan Mlivic was in fine touch and was instrumental in the Stampede's win on Saturday. The visitors trailed by four goals but Mlivic found his way to the net, slotting a hat trick of goals to help his side clinch a surprise victory.
On Sunday, it was the turn of league veteran Simon Glass to score a hat trick. The captain helped inspired a spirited effort which almost brought about another win.
"We struggled for a bit of composure but he [Glass] rallied the boys in the third period. We clawed them back and if we had another two or three minutes we would have had it. We pushed right through to the end."
Reid said his side came through the weekend without any major injuries and is looking forward to its first home game against the West Auckland Admirals this weekend.
The Dunedin Thunder was not so lucky. Canadian forward JP Bertrand dislocated his left shoulder but is hopeful the injury will not keep him off the ice for much longer than a week.
The 29-year-old had an X-ray and there is no major damage.
"I'm not going to be out for too long," Bertrand said.
"The doctor said, if the pain is not too bad, I can maybe play this weekend. If not, I'll be playing next time for sure because we have a bye, so that means I would have three weeks to get right.
"Worse case scenario, I'll miss two games."
Centre Damien Watson injured a ligament in his knee and could be sidelined for up to six weeks depending on how bad the tear is.
The Thunder heads to Auckland for back-to-back games against Swarm this weekend and then hosts the Stampede on June 25 and 26.
