Defending champs Stampede extend lead with wins over Thunder

The Stampede's Colin McIntosh winds up for a ferocious shot at goal that ended up shattering the glass behind the net at the Dunedin Ice Stadium on Saturday night (below). Looking on is Thunder player Cole Beckstead. PHOTOS: GERARD O’BRIEN

The Stampede still rule supreme.

The New Zealand Ice Hockey League defending champions extended their winning start to the season with back-to-back wins against rival the Dunedin Thunder in Dunedin.

The Queenstown-based team beat the Thunder 6-4 on Friday night and posted a 5-2 win on Saturday to stretch their winning start to four games.

It was not easy, though. The Thunder shocked the Stampede by getting out to a 4-1 lead in the opening period on Friday.

The Stampede pulled a goal back in the second period but dominated the final third, slotting four goals to clinch a come-from-behind 6-4 win.

Jett McCullum starred with two goals, while Ian Audas had a strong game for the Thunder with a goal and an assist.

The Stampede controlled Saturday’s game. They got out to a 3-0 lead before the Thunder responded through Audas.

But they iced the victory with two more goals.

The Thunder nabbed a late consolation. Audas grabbed a second, which was his third goal in the two games.