The Canterbury Red Devils dominated the match, winning 7-3 and claiming the title for the second straight year.
The final score was perhaps flattering for the home side, which trailed 6-0 before a late run of goals. But by that stage, the result was beyond doubt, and Devils coach Anatoly Khorozov took the opportunity to give some of the younger members of his squad some ice time.
The defending champion dominated the match from the outset. The Thunder spent too much time in the penalty and struggled to mount any offensive pressure.
Only excellent goaltender Matt Canaday kept the score from blowing out with some dazzling saves. The Devils buffered the goal with a constant barrage of shots and eventually that pressure told.
Initially, the Thunder's defence held firm. The teams were locked 0-0 after the first period. The Thunder eventually cracked, with Stefan Spijkerman scoring and fellow defender Terry Watt slamming in another goal.
But the turning point came in the seconds either side of the second period. Finals MVP Takumi Ledbetter broke through the defence and scored just before the second-period buzzer and again moments after the resumption.
Suddenly, the Thunder trailed 4-0 and there really was no way back. But Kaszala said he could not be too disappointed with his charges.
''In the first and the second period we got too many penalties and the boys tired, which cost us the game,'' he said.
Kaszala said most of the team would be back next season and he always had a three-year plan which, hopefully, would culminate with the Thunder claiming the title next year.
''We had a really, really young team this season and this is the first time ever we made the final. I think we need to be really proud for what we did in the whole season. We had a fantastic season.
''Obviously, Canterbury had more experience but next year we will come back even harder and take the cup.
''The fact is I came to Dunedin two years ago and set up a long-term plan for the Thunder. First it was to be competitive and then make the final.
"We just missed the final last year by one point and in our second year we made the final. From now on we want to win it.''
The Thunder grabbed some consolation goals in a flurry of late action.
Captain Andre Robichaud smashed a slap shot past the Devils' goaltender to make it 6-1.
Martin Pokorny scored from a fast break moments later and when Paris Heyd added another, the 1000-strong crowd sensed something special.
The home side went for broke. Canaday skated off the ice with the Thunder opting to play an extra attacker. The move is always fraught with danger and Chris Eaden made the Thunder pay when he hit the puck into the vacant net to complete the victory.
Canaday was named the league's top goaltender in the ceremony which followed the final - a fitting award for an outstanding season. The overall season MVP went to Botany Swarm forward Brandon Contratto. He led the league in points with 54.
Ice hockey final
The scores
Red Devils 7
Takumi Ledbetter 2, Chris Eaden 2, Stefan Spijkerman, Terry Watt, Brad Apps
Thunder 3
Andre Robichaud, Martin Pokorny, Paris Heyd
Period scores: 1st, 0-0; 2nd, 3-0.
