Game 1 of the NZIHL round saw the Thunder and Stampede kick off with a solid period from both teams. Thunders Kevin Davies managed to steal a lead for the Thunder ending the first period with a 1 nil lead.
The second period had the Stampede come out firing where they managed to get four goals in rapid succession with Ryan OKeefe scoring and Braden Lee three for a hat trick.
With the second period ending 4-1 to the Stampede, we knew we were about to see some fast hockey played by the Thunder.
The third period had some good hockey in it, with some confusing penalties being called which slowed the third period of the game down. Despite this both teams managed to put away some nice goals with Thunders Paris Heyd scoring two and Quentin Pepy one. Scoring for the Stampede was Joe Bjorkman and Daniel Smith with two. The crowd was also treated to a good old hockey brawl which resulting in four players being sent off.

The final score ended with Stampede winning the game 7-4.