2017 Toy Drive

The Proski Newcastle Northstars’ toy drive is back for another season.

Thanks to the generous Northstars community, hundreds of toys were donated to the drive last season, which went a long way to putting smiles on the faces of children recieving treatment at John Hunter Hospital.

Throughout August we ask fans, sponsors, players - anyone - to donate a brand new toy to the drive.

Whether it's books, puzzles, dolls, costumes, trucks or games, for a girl, boy, or those aged 0, 5, or 18, all toys are asked to be new so no germs can spread.

Unfortunately, plush toys such as teddy bears cannot be accepted as they can accumulate germs over time.

As-new DVDs and console games as acceptable, but asked to be G or PG-rated.

Buckets are placed outside the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium ticketing booth on games days, but donations can be dropped off to the rink any time.

These toys are then delivered by players, the coaching staff and our beloved mascot Marty Moose to the Starlight Foundation at John Hunter Children's Hospital. 

The toy drive was the idea of 2010 import Chris Belanger.

However, it has continued long after he returned home to Canada because of the response and support the Northstars receive for the drive from the community each season.

Last season, Marty Moose was joined by assistant coach Joey Theriault, imports Scott Swiston, Connor McLaughlin, Brandon Greenside, Josh Harris and local players Tim Stanger, Matt Wetini and captian Bert Malloy to deliver the toys.

Wetini said it was a great feeling to deliver the toys.

"The kids just light up when they see you and all these toys," he said. "It's special."