Skycity Stampede Win 2025 Birgel Cup

The SkyCity Stampede added another chapter to their impressive Birgel Cup history over the weekend, capturing their fifth consecutive championship and extending their all-time total to 10 titles.

The 2025 Birgel Cup Finals were hosted in Auckland by the Botany Swarm, who had finished first in the regular season. It marked the first time since 2018 that the grand final series was held in the city. Despite the advantage of home ice, the Swarm were unable to hold off the defending champions as Queenstown’s Stampede wrapped up the best-of-three series in just two games with two dominant victories.

Both games played in front of sellout crowds at Paradice Botany, where fans witnessed the Stampede at their dominant best, much to the disappointment of the home supporters.

Game 1 set the tone for the series as the Stampede blanked the Swarm 8-0, marking only the second shutout in NZIHL grand finals history – with each of the 8 goals scored by a different player. They carried that form into Game 2, powering past Botany 6-3 to seal the championship without the need for a deciding third game.

Botany Swarm Head Coach Kevin Simon reflected on the loss with pride in his team’s effort. “The team fought right to the very end. We’re super proud of the effort they put in. The Stampede played very well this finals series, so much respect to them on their win. We’ll try to get that little bit better and come back stronger next year.”

SkyCity Stampede Head Coach Cam Frear credited his team’s defensive play and experience in big moments. “We knew that if we played the right way and committed defensively, we’d be successful. At times when the momentum wasn’t going our way, we drew confidence from past finals experiences. We knew what it would take to win, and our guys were willing to do anything for the team.”

Game 2 was made even more memorable with a ceremonial puck drop from Prime Minister Chris Luxon. While supporting his home electorate’s Botany Swarm, he congratulated the Stampede and praised the rapid growth of ice hockey in New Zealand – and even joined the post-game team photo.

The finals concluded with a prizegiving ceremony where Colin McIntosh was named the 2025 Birgel Cup Finals MVP, capping off a historic series for both the Stampede and the league.

Game 1 Highlights:

Game 2 Highlights: