Ice Blacks Dominate In Dunedin: 7–1 Victory Over Thailand Sets The Stage For Sold-Out Showdowns

The Ice Blacks lit up Dunedin Ice Stadium last night with a dominant 7–1 win over Thailand in their opening game of the 2025 IIHF Division II B World Championships. But it wasn’t all smooth skating from the first puck drop.

The opening period saw both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Despite New Zealand's home crowd energy, the Ice Blacks and Thailand traded chances in a high-paced but scoreless stretch. The breakthrough came late in the period when #19 Colin McIntosh snapped home the game’s first goal, assisted by #15 Ian Audas and #16 Chris Eaden, finally giving Kiwi fans something to cheer about.

Thailand clawed back in the second period, capitalising on a power play to tie the game 1–1. The equaliser sparked nervous murmurs in the stands, but they were short-lived. #5 Lachlan Frear answered back with a critical go-ahead goal, set up by steady defenseman and eventual Player of the Day #23 Justin Daigle, restoring momentum and giving New Zealand a 2–1 lead heading into the final period.

From there, the floodgates opened.

The third period was a clinic in offensive execution. Goals came thick and fast as the Ice Blacks overwhelmed the Thai defense with relentless pressure and slick passing. #24 Jacob Carey, #15 Ian Audas, #3 Stefan Amston, #8 Joseph Orr, and finally #16 Chris Eaden all found the back of the net, blowing the game wide open and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

By the time Eaden’s wrister beat Thailand’s second netminder, #50 Pattarapol Ungkulpattanasuk - who was subbed in after Thailand’s starter opted to come out - the writing was on the wall.

With six different Ice Blacks putting goals on the board and every line firing, head coach Cameron Frear couldn’t be happier with his team’s performance:

“We stuck to our structure, trusted each other, and the boys showed the grit and flair we’ve been building toward. The energy in the building was electric - we’re feeding off it and ready for what’s next.”

Next, that energy will explode.

With their dominant win over Thailand, the Ice Blacks are now firmly in the hunt for a silver or bronze medal, setting their sights on the podium as the tournament heats up. Friday night against Bulgaria and Sunday against Iceland are officially sold out. The Dunedin Ice Stadium will be packed to the rafters with Kiwi fans ready to roar. These games are more than matchups - they’re statement nights for a team on a mission, and an atmosphere no one in the hockey world will want to miss.

Current tournament standings:

© Scoop Media