It will all come down to the final and deciding game of the transtasman ice hockey series after the Australians found a way to pay the New Zealanders back for their first-game loss.
The Ice Blacks could not repeat their historic victory of Thursday night, losing to Australia 2-0 in Queenstown last night to take the series to a deciding match tonight.
Unlike in the first match, the Australian defence was able to keep out the counterattacks from the Ice Blacks.
The Mighty Roos came out with a purpose, dominating most of the first period, but could only find the back of the net once through Mitchell Humphries, with about seven minutes left in the period.
It was the home team who came out firing in the second quarter, pushing the Australians on offence, but the
visitors’ defence remained strong despite a number of shots on goal from the Ice Blacks. Australia continued to hold the Ice Blacks at bay throughout the rest of the match.
Despite numerous attempts on goal in the final period, the New Zealanders could not find a way past the Australians.
With less than five seconds left, Australia was able to fire the puck into the back of the net, with the New Zealand goalie taken off to allow another offensive player on the ice.
Ice Blacks captain Bert Haines, who did not play last night, was disappointed with the result but not with the way his team played.
‘‘[I’m] Not disappointed in the way the boys played — they played brilliantly tonight. Sometimes the puck doesn’t bounce the way you want it.’’
Haines was now looking forward to the game tonight which he expected to be tight. ‘‘The Aussies played a hell of a game. Tomorrow night will be a good game.’’
The puck drops for the deciding game of the three-game series tonight at 7pm.
