Black Ice Edges Bulgaria In Thriller At Sold-Out Dunedin Ice Stadium
A deafening crowd roared to its feet in Dunedin tonight as the Ice Blacks secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Bulgaria at the IIHF Division II Group B World Championships. With a sell-out home crowd packed into the Dunedin Ice Stadium, the Ice Blacks delivered one of their grittiest performances of the tournament, grinding out a hard-fought victory that keeps their silver medal hopes alive heading into the final day.
In a game that was evenly matched from puck drop to final whistle, it was New Zealand's composure in key moments - and the electric atmosphere behind them - that made the difference.
Fan favourite Justin Daigle sealed the win with just minutes left on the clock, wiring home the game-winning goal off a crisp feed from Colin McIntosh to send the arena into absolute chaos. The Canadian-born blueliner's celebration was matched only by the thunderous response from the home faithful.
New Zealand found the net once per period despite a penalty-heavy contest that saw both benches routinely shortened by minor infractions. The first goal came off the stick of Colin McIntosh, who was later named Player of the Game for New Zealand. The dynamic forward was everywhere tonight, generating relentless pressure with linemates Chris Eaden and Jacob Carey. The trio combined for two of the team's three goals and countless high-danger chances.
Alexander Regan added the second marker for the Kiwis, taking a perfect pass from Eaden and finishing with precision midway through the second. But Bulgaria never backed down, clawing back both times to even the score and threatening late into the third.
McIntosh's late-game heroics on the Daigle goal ultimately separated the two sides, pushing New Zealand ahead for good.
With the win, New Zealand now faces Iceland tomorrow night in a clash that will decide the silver medal. Puck drops at 8:00 p.m. in what promises to be another electric atmosphere.
Strap in, Dunedin. One more game. One more medal. And this team is just getting warmed up.
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