Northstars in showcase game

Newcastle Northstars imports Kale Kerbashian, Joe Harcharik and Felix-Antoine Poulin are expected to feature in the USA v Canada charity exhibition game at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Wednesday.

The trio are set to skate alongside several NHL players, professionals from the top leagues in North America such as the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League, and European stars.

“I’ve been invited the last two summers to play in the USA verse Canada series, but I wasn’t able to because of circumstances,” Kerbashian, who played his first game with the Northstars on Saturday, said.

“This summer I was able to.”

Harcharik is also no stranger to the USA v Canada tour. This will be the American’s third stint in the Ice Hockey Classic.

Wednesday’s event, part of the 2017 Ice Hockey Classic, is designed to help grow the game, give back to the Australian ice hockey fans and raise awareness and funds for special charities and causes.

The night of entertainment will consist of a Hockey Hall of Fame Display featuring the Canada Cup trophy, a game of between Canada and the United States and a once-in-a-lifetime chance for locals to meet players representing the Arizona Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks NHL teams.

“This visit from the NHL players will not only provide Aussie ice hockey fans with the rare opportunity to witness something they’re only used to seeing on the TV, but will strengthen Hunter Ice Skating Stadium growing reputation as a world-class ice skating facility,” Northstars general manager and HISS owner Garry Doré said.

“I’m honoured to be able to host this occasion in the pursuit of such a great cause.”

Kerry Goulet, global director of StopConcussions Foundation and the Ice Hockey Classic general manager, said he was excited to have the opportunity to showcase the players for this year’s Ice Hockey Classic in Newcastle.

“Since the Northstars are the 2015 and 2016 AIHL Champions, we wanted to do some special for the first time, bring our players to the fans and young ice hockey players of the future,” he said.

“It is our pleasure to have our coaching staff and several players go on the ice to host a couple of youth clinics prior to the actual showcase charity event.

“The reason we chose Newcastle for this one-of-a-kind event is Garry and his entire organization has earned it for building a first class organization and facility.

“This event also allows our players a chance to acclimatize to Australia and get out their ‘bus legs’.”

The night is part of the larger 2017 Ice Hockey Classic tour – supporting Shoot for a Cure, Brain Injury Australia and Ice Hockey Australia – on Saturday, June 17 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena and Saturday, June 24 at Hisense Arena in Melbourne.

The Newcastle showcase charity event kicks off at 7.15pm, with the doors opening at 6.30pm on Wednesday, June 14 at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium.

Tickets are: $50 per adult, $40 per child (ages 15 and under) or $140 for a family of four (1a+3c or 2a+2c). For tickets phone (02) 4954 4499.