The Southern Stampede is aiming high this season — it is getting ready to take home its third consecutive Birgel Cup.
Coach Adam Blanchette said the coaching staff had spent the summer prepping a team he thinks can clinch the New Zealand Ice Hockey League title.
"We think we can win no matter what another team in the league puts together. We’ve put it together based on skill on and off the ice," he said.
"Even if every team is on an even keel, being a tight-knit community is just going to give us the edge on our opponents — that is what calms those nerves."
The SkyCity-sponsored team takes on Dunedin Thunder this weekend in two pre-season games, playing last night and tonight.
Blanchette said it would be a good "measuring stick" for what the side will face in the league.
"Most teams have released [names] of their imports.
"Obviously, you can’t ignore the players that have joined the league. In my opinion, and from what I have seen, I think the league is going to be much stronger than last year which is great."
Blanchette said one of the Thunder’s key players was Paris Heyd, who had spent the past few years playing in Europe, but was now back in Dunedin.
"There are also a lot of younger New Zealand players coming back from overseas to play."
Stampede welcomes four new imports to its ranks: Canadians Jeremy Akeson, Colin McIntosh and David Croteau join Finn Tomi Martikainen.
Stampede stalwart Mike McRae also fills a fifth import slot, but only four are allowed to play in any one game.
Returning captain Matt Schneider, also a Canadian, qualifies as a New Zealand resident this year.
Stampede took on Legends last Saturday night at Queenstown Ice Arena and Blanchette said it was a mix of some of the current squad playing for the opposition side, including Schneider and defender Hayden Argyle.
"It wasn’t the actual roster. It was one of those situations where you just want to get boys together. It’s a bit of an alumni game."
The Stampede’s first game is a double-header against the Canterbury Red Devils on May 26-27.
