The Stampede has gone some way to avenging its upset loss in last year's final.
It claimed two wins over the defending champions West Auckland Admirals in its national ice hockey league match in Queenstown at the weekend.
A 3-1 win on Friday night was followed by a 3-2 victory on Saturday, both hard-fought encounters.
The Stampede had to come from behind to claim the first one, although the Admirals' lead was only temporary.
Andrew Hart scored early in the second period for the Admirals, but Stefan Amston hit back straight away to make it 1-1.
Liam Stewart then put the Stampede up early in the final period, before managing a third to clinch victory late.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Stampede scored three times in the first 25 minutes to shoot out to a big lead.
The Admirals hit back twice before the end of the second period, but the Stampede held on to claim a second win.
In Auckland, the Dunedin Thunder had a tough outing against the Botany Swarm, going down 7-1 on Saturday night.
Parker Evans-Campbell managed the Thunder's sole goal midway through the second period.
However, it trailed by three at that point and the Swarm piled in a further four to complete the rout.
Last night, the Thunder was beaten 4-2 by the Swarm.
