Newcastle Northstars Return to Australian Ice Hockey League Finals in 2022

After two years of disruption, the Newcastle Northstars have had a highly successful season in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) in 2022, securing their finals campaign position with six games remaining in the season.

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Head Associate Coach Kevin Noble looked back on his plans for the season, saying, “Any time you can clinch a spot in the final four, that’s one of our goals accomplished. Any team that can put themselves in that position, that’s what you play all year for.”

Captain Liam Manwarring shared the team’s joy in securing their finals position, “At the start of the year, we knew what we wanted to achieve, and our first accomplishment was to clinch in the finals and to do it in such a short amount of games is massive for the organisation, and it sends a statement to the league that we have got the best group in the competition.”

The Newcastle Northstars organisation feels like family to those involved, and there have been milestones reached by several players, which reflect a loyalty the club endears. This year has seen Patrick Ward and Richie Tesarik reach 50 games played in the Northstars jersey, John Kennedy and Liam Manwarring both hitting 100, Patrick Nadin and Bert Malloy both

reaching 150 and Tim Stanger hitting 200.

There have also been several first AIHL goals scored by Northstars players, with Riley Tonks, Daniel Berno, Mackenzie Gallagher, Connor Schultz, Ethan Hawes, David Jeremy, and Dash Quartarolo all reaching this personal milestone and adding depth to the team’s offensive play.

Noble continued, “All year, we have been a team of many guys that add value that isn’t always reflected on the scoresheet. The character that the veteran guys have instilled in our organisation allows us to be in the position we are in. I am really happy that our guys have brought their own goals into the season to enable our success as a team."

Head Coach and defenceman John Kennedy Jr shared his joy for clinching the finals spot and their plans for the remainder of the season.

“Our success shows where our heads are at. We’re focused on getting better each and every game and giving a complete 60-minute effort every time we step on the ice. We’re going to be using the remainder of the season to build our consistency, make sure guys are healthy and make sure we’re a complete team putting forth a complete effort.”

The Northstars will finish their 2022 AIHL campaign on the road and compete for the Goodall Cup at the AIHL Finals in Melbourne from 2 to 4 September.

For your chance to try hockey, the Learn to Play Ice Hockey program at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium has been developed by players who have represented Australia at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.

With competitions taking place all year round, and weekly social drop-in games, there are loads of opportunities to grow and play with others looking to join this fast and exciting sport. Learn to Play is run Monday nights from 5:45pm during the school term.

If you don’t own skates, don’t worry! Skates are provided for all learn-to-skate and learn-to-play sessions!

For more information, visit www.hiss.com.au or call Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on 02 4954 4499.